"Getting dressed for work is rarely fun. Getting dressed for work in the dead of summer? It’s practically an Olympic sport. Since office dress codes don’t exactly bend for heat waves, you’re left to navigate the impossible: dodge pit stains on your morning commute, steer clear of anything that reads crop top-adjacent, and somehow try not to dissolve into a puddle of polyester and existential dread by noon. The good news? It can be done—with the right pieces.
turns out, you don't have to spend all of your free time cleaning
The secret lies in smart fabrics and easy silhouettes. Trade in your structured trousers for breezy linen pants, or swap out your usual sheath dress for a flowy, relaxed-fit number that won’t cling. And don’t underestimate the power of a good tailored short—they’re polished, elevated, and actually breathable (imagine that). Once the basics are in place, it’s time to accessorize. Summer is the season for extras: a scarf tied to your bag for a pop of color, jelly flats (yes, they’re back and cuter than you remember), or mesh ballet flats that let your feet breathe without looking too off-duty. And your heavy leather tote? Try a woven leather or raffia version instead. One that still means business—just with a little more personality.
To make things easier, we’ve styled five foolproof, warm-weather office outfits—one for every day of the workweek. Think of it as your Monday-to-Friday survival kit for looking put together without breaking a sweat (literally).
Monday: blazer + tee + midi skirt
Blazer | Tee | Skirt | Flats | Necklace | Tote
A blazer doesn’t need to go into hibernation just because the temps are rising—it’s all about the right fabric and fit. Swap your structured wool version for a relaxed cotton or linen style that still means business, just with a summer twist. Layer it over a crisp tee and pair it with a flowy midi skirt for a look that’s tailored yet comfortable. Finish it off with this season’s jelly flat trend and a statement necklace to add just the right amount of personality.
Tuesday: midi dress + loafers + silk scarf
Dress (Plus) | Loafers | Tote | Scarf | Earrings | Bangle
When the temps rise, dresses become a go-to for a reason: they’re effortless, breathable, and take the guesswork out of getting dressed in the morning. For the office, opt for a midi in a lightweight fabric like cotton or linen—bonus points for a relaxed fit that still feels put-together. Style it with sleek loafers (cream is especially fresh for summer), and tie a silk scarf around the handle of your everyday tote for an easy pop of color. It’s the kind of look that feels thoughtful without trying too hard, and keeps you cool from morning meetings to after-work plans.
Wednesday: short-sleeve button-up + linen trousers + mesh flats
Button-Up | Trousers | Belt (Plus) | Flats | Earrings | Tote | Bangle
Midweek calls for an outfit that’s equal parts polished and low-effort, and this combo delivers. A short-sleeve button-up feels smart without reading stuffy, especially when it’s slightly cropped or tucked just right into a pair of breezy linen trousers. Add a sleek leather belt to define your waist, then complete the look with mesh flats for a subtle nod to one of this season’s biggest footwear trends. Next, take it up a notch with a few statement accessories (think: bold earrings or a chunky cuff bracelet)—the neutral base makes it easy to experiment.
Thursday: long-sleeve button-up + mid skirt + mesh flats
Button-Up | Skirt (Plus) | Flats | Earrings | Tote | Bangle
Don’t ditch your long sleeves just yet—the secret is choosing the right fabric. A linen or cotton button-up feels airy even on the hottest days and pairs effortlessly with a lightweight midi skirt for a look that’s tailored, even in sweltering temps. Add a pair of mesh flats for a breathable, on-trend finish, and layer with silver jewelry to keep the outfit feeling modern, but not overdone. A neutral summer tote ties it all together and says, “I’m professional, but I still have great taste.”
Friday + blazer + tee + trouser shorts
Blazer | Tee | Trouser Shorts (Plus) | Loafers | Belt (Plus) | Socks | Tote | Bangles
Trouser shorts are your summer workwear MVP. They’re just as elevated as full-length trousers but 10x more breathable—and if you ask me, way more fun to style. For the office, pair them with a lightweight tee and a relaxed blazer to keep things sharp but not too serious. Finish the look with loafers and crew socks or a pair of kitten heels if you’re heading to drinks with friends after hours. It’s the perfect look to give Casual Friday a whole new meaning.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.