What to wear to work this summer: 8 Style Panel tips for keeping it classy at the office
Hot days call for tank tops and destroyed denim, but what happens when your summertime destination is more deskside than beachside? The perfect weekend outfit may be fun to style, but deciding what to wear to work this summer takes a little more thought. And although it may be humid outside, our workplaces often come with air conditioning on full blast! What’s a temperature-confused girl to do? Figuring out what balances staying cool in the heat yet warm in the office, is no easy feat. And because crop tops and short shorts will probably get you sent home, we asked our Style Panel to give us the scoop on solving all your officewear dilemmas.
When it comes to office-apropos advice, our Style Panel agrees that layers and the right fabrics are key elements to keep in mind. Jill Lansky of The August Diaries balances professionalism and staying cool with naturally breathable fabrics like cotton. Barbara Ann Solomon of Barbara Ann’s Style Blog and Becky Kung of Velvet & Vino both agree that a dress is the way to go this season. While Solomon focuses on the right accessories, Kung shows us how a unique dress can keep your summer office look fresh! And don’t forget your footwear. With Love Gabrielle’s Marta Tryshak reminds us of one rule never to break: a proper shoe. Steer away from flip flops; those babies belong on the beach!
Question 106: What do you wear to work in the summer? Read the answers now! »
Jump to: BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | EMMA WALKER, DENVER | JILL LANSKY, VANCOUVER | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | LEAH GUST, TORONTO | MARTA TRYSHAK, TORONTO/MONTREAL | SASHA XIAO, TORONTO
Emma Walker, 17
Denver, CO | With A City Dream
Summertime workwear is all about staying office-appropriate without suffocating in your suit. To me, nothing is more work-appropriate than black on black. I put a modern spin on the classic suit with a skort and blazer. I layered it over a shirt that can be changed out depending on how dressed up you need to be. This look would be perfect with a button-down blouse as well! Finish off with a pair of kitten heels so you are ready to head to the office on hot summer days!
Jill Lansky, 26
Vancouver | The August Diaries
I definitely struggle with what to wear at work during the summer because it is such a delicate balance of professionalism, functionality and staying warm in a highly air-conditioned building while not overheating whenever you go outside. Phew. The best way to stay cool in this tricky situation is to layer with natural fabrics that breathe. Obviously you can’t wear jean shorts and a tank, but a short-sleeved cotton blouse with black trousers (or jeans, if your office allows) can give you a bit of breathing room while still looking chicly professional.
Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents
Being in an office when it’s gorgeous outside stinks, but we all gotta do what we gotta do. Staying cool inside my office isn’t the hard part (hello, air conditioning!); it’s when I step outside for a lunch break or my trek home that I need to cut my self a little slack. Often times I need to go outside on my breaks just to “thaw out” as I like to say because it’s like an icebox inside. I take full advantage of the summer sun whenever I can, whether it’s to eat lunch outside or to take a little stroll (I might as well soak up a little extra vitamin D while I can, right?). During the summer months I love wearing pencil skirts mostly because you don’t need to worry about the length not being “appropriate,” but also because you don’t need to worry about any extra bunching happening from your stockings. I usually pair my pencil skirts with a fun sleeveless blouse or tank (like this striped one) and a great pair of wedge sandals because the moment I step outside I can peel off that blazer or cardigan and I am good to go!
Kayla’s wearing: Skirt, Ann Taylor. Tank top, Banana Republic. Skirt, Tommy Hilfiger. Blazer, Tommy Hilfiger. Bag, Forever 21. Sandals, Geox via Town Shoes. Necklace, Beck & Boosh. Sunglasses, Joe Fresh.
Leah Gust, 31
Toronto | Leah Says’
Depending on your office’s view on shorts, a simple onesie can look quite sophisticated for day. Paired with some delicate accessories and a closed shoe or smart sandal you’ll look office-ready while keeping cool.
Leah’s wearing: Jumper, Club Monaco. Sunglasses, Kensington Market. Necklace, Vintage. Bracelet, Anthroplogie. Bag, Cos. Shoes, Dieppa Retrepo.
Sasha Xiao, 25
Toronto | Sasha’s Satisfashion
Since I’m not working full-time right now, I don’t really have to face the major dilemma of spending a big chunk of the morning standing in front of my closet with a confused look on my face. However, I still have to go to many formal meetings every week. And when the weather gets very hot and sticky in the summer, dressing professionally and comfortably without having to sacrifice looking fashion-forward is a challenge for everyone, including me. My suggestion is very simple: buy many blouses in different colours and prints, as well as some well-tailored pencil skirts. And with prints being a favourite trend amongst retail stores, I bet you can find some blouses that are easy, breezy and fun, yet still professional and polished.
Sasha’s wearing: Blouse, Joe Fresh. Skirt, Banana Republic. Shoes, Zara. Necklace, H&M.
Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
Dressing for the office during the summer is no easy feat. The mornings are cool, the afternoons are hot and the buildings are so air-conditioned, making it essential to wear appropriate layers. To ensure that I feel comfortable at the office, I always keep a big sweater at my desk.
During the warm season, the easiest things for me to wear in the office are dresses. They keep an outfit looking professional, as long as the cut is appropriate. Never wear a dress that is low-cut or too short, and bra straps are a major no-no. By adding a sweater or a blazer and some great accessories, you really can go anywhere with this look.
Barbara’s wearing: Dress, Aqua. Heels, Pierre Hardy. Necklace, Fenton Jewellery.
Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino
Dresses are the way to go for staying cool and chic at work during the summer. I love a shorter shift dress that’s office-appropriate, yet unique. I look for elements that differentiate a dress from the others. This dress says it all with its cut-out shapes and bright yellow hues, because why not add a pop of colour into a black and white office environment?
Becky’s wearing: Dress, Carrie’s Closet. Necklace, Aldo Accessories. Heels, Le Chateau. Bracelet, Bauble Bar.
Marta Tryshak, 24
Toronto/Montreal | With Love Gabrielle
Sunny days are just what we’ve all been waiting for, but the only challenge is now dressing for the office. In a conservative environment, I would suggest staying with a classic combination of a light silk blouse and feminine skirt. As for workplaces that are more creative and lenient toward office attire, do not be afraid to introduce summer dresses. From maxis to minis, keep the length in mind and always dress it up rather than down. One rule that I never break is a proper shoe. Stay away from casual footwear in the office setting; that means no flip-flops or any other forms of a shoe that belongs on the beach.
Marta’s wearing: Shirt and skirt, Express. Purse, Christian Louboutin. Pumps, Burberry. Sunglasses, Valentino. Cuff, Hermes.
 can give you a bit of breathing room while still looking chicly professional.
Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents
Being in an office when it's gorgeous outside stinks, but we all gotta do what we gotta do. Staying cool inside my office isn't the hard part (hello, air conditioning!); it's when I step outside for a lunch break or my trek home that I need to cut my self a little slack. Often times I need to go outside on my breaks just to "thaw out" as I like to say because it's like an icebox inside. I take full advantage of the summer sun whenever I can, whether it's to eat lunch outside or to take a little stroll (I might as well soak up a little extra vitamin D while I can, right?). During the summer months I love wearing pencil skirts mostly because you don't need to worry about the length not being "appropriate," but also because you don't need to worry about any extra bunching happening from your stockings. I usually pair my pencil skirts with a fun sleeveless blouse or tank (like this striped one) and a great pair of wedge sandals because the moment I step outside I can peel off that blazer or cardigan and I am good to go!
Kayla’s wearing: Skirt, Ann Taylor. Tank top, Banana Republic. Skirt, Tommy Hilfiger. Blazer, Tommy Hilfiger. Bag, Forever 21. Sandals, Geox via Town Shoes. Necklace, Beck & Boosh. Sunglasses, Joe Fresh.
Leah Gust, 31
Toronto | Leah Says’
Depending on your office's view on shorts, a simple onesie can look quite sophisticated for day. Paired with some delicate accessories and a closed shoe or smart sandal you'll look office-ready while keeping cool.
Leah’s wearing: Jumper, Club Monaco. Sunglasses, Kensington Market. Necklace, Vintage. Bracelet, Anthroplogie. Bag, Cos. Shoes, Dieppa Retrepo.
Sasha Xiao, 25
Toronto | Sasha’s Satisfashion
Since I'm not working full-time right now, I don't really have to face the major dilemma of spending a big chunk of the morning standing in front of my closet with a confused look on my face. However, I still have to go to many formal meetings every week. And when the weather gets very hot and sticky in the summer, dressing professionally and comfortably without having to sacrifice looking fashion-forward is a challenge for everyone, including me. My suggestion is very simple: buy many blouses in different colours and prints, as well as some well-tailored pencil skirts. And with prints being a favourite trend amongst retail stores, I bet you can find some blouses that are easy, breezy and fun, yet still professional and polished.
Sasha’s wearing: Blouse, Joe Fresh. Skirt, Banana Republic. Shoes, Zara. Necklace, H&M.
[caption id="attachment_187321" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Photography by Trevor Negin[/caption]
Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
Dressing for the office during the summer is no easy feat. The mornings are cool, the afternoons are hot and the buildings are so air-conditioned, making it essential to wear appropriate layers. To ensure that I feel comfortable at the office, I always keep a big sweater at my desk.
During the warm season, the easiest things for me to wear in the office are dresses. They keep an outfit looking professional, as long as the cut is appropriate. Never wear a dress that is low-cut or too short, and bra straps are a major no-no. By adding a sweater or a blazer and some great accessories, you really can go anywhere with this look.
Barbara’s wearing: Dress, Aqua. Heels, Pierre Hardy. Necklace, Fenton Jewellery.
Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino
Dresses are the way to go for staying cool and chic at work during the summer. I love a shorter shift dress that's office-appropriate, yet unique. I look for elements that differentiate a dress from the others. This dress says it all with its cut-out shapes and bright yellow hues, because why not add a pop of colour into a black and white office environment?
Becky’s wearing: Dress, Carrie's Closet. Necklace, Aldo Accessories. Heels, Le Chateau. Bracelet, Bauble Bar.
Marta Tryshak, 24
Toronto/Montreal | With Love Gabrielle
Sunny days are just what we’ve all been waiting for, but the only challenge is now dressing for the office. In a conservative environment, I would suggest staying with a classic combination of a light silk blouse and feminine skirt. As for workplaces that are more creative and lenient toward office attire, do not be afraid to introduce summer dresses. From maxis to minis, keep the length in mind and always dress it up rather than down. One rule that I never break is a proper shoe. Stay away from casual footwear in the office setting; that means no flip-flops or any other forms of a shoe that belongs on the beach.
Marta’s wearing: Shirt and skirt, Express. Purse, Christian Louboutin. Pumps, Burberry. Sunglasses, Valentino. Cuff, Hermes. ){kind=link}