Many of you are heading back into the office and struggling to find things to wear. Insert the summer workwear capsule! A mix of workwear essentials you can pull from to mix and match for lots of outfits. This capsule wardrobe will hopefully help inspire you to add in some new pieces and try out new looks for the office. Plus, having a curated capsule that you can rely on will save you time in the morning when getting dressed. You can easily pull from this capsule to mix and match for endless looks. Add in a few more trendy pieces to expand on this collection too.
As with all summer outfits, it’s also key to keep in mind breezy lighter fabrics. To ensure you feel and look your best for the office this summer, lean into lightweight knits, linen fabrics and all things cotton. This will ensure you fit the part for summer and feel great doing it. And since summer weather is *hopefully* short lived, you don’t need to invest a ton in your summer workwear capsule wardrobe. Choose a few great basics like a linen suit that you can break up into multiple outfits, a couple of great lightweight tops and some summer inspired shoes. That’s all you need to extend your work wardrobe into the hot summer months.
Summer Workwear Capsule Wardrobe
Lightweight Cardigans
Having lightweight layers for the office is ideal. It always gets chilly in the office so having a great light layer is key. Layer these over dresses, or pants with blouses. They really are a classic. Just keep in mind the weight and fabric. In fact, cotton is the most breathable and having a more open and thin knit is key.
Comfortable Shoes
For summer workwear shoes, keep things light and easy with espadrilles, ballet flats and mules. I also love a low-block heel slide for the office. It’s not too trendy, not too sexy, it’s the perfect option for dresses to pants and everything in between. And if you want to still go with a pump, I love one in a pastel like my pastel blue ones in the above outfit. They’re perfect with denim, white dresses and khaki. PS browse more of my favorite shoes for spring and summer right here.
Linen Pieces
Spring and summer are all about the linen fabric. It’s lightweight, breathable and also a nice change of pace from the rest of your workwear. Linen pieces from matching sets to dresses are a fun way to switch things up this season. In addition, linen knits are a perfect lightweight option for the office. Pair with trousers or skirts that feels put together, yet lightweight. If I had to buy one thing for a work wardrobe for summer, I think it would be an amazing and well-fitting linen suit. Wear the blazer with denim for casual Fridays. Then pair the linen trousers with beautiful blouses or basic tanks for the weekend.
Summer Work Dresses
Sometimes just throwing on a dress is the easiest thing you can do when you don’t know what to wear. Keep a few great summer work dresses on rotation like cotton shirt dresses and play around with belts and accessories. Or choose a few fun prints to brighten up your wardrobe. Keep fabric in mind as always to ensure you also don’t sweat. Reach for these pieces when it’s just too hot to think about getting dressed! I also love this blush button-front dress from M.M. LaFleur. You can wear it as a dress or layer it over a tank and pants as a long vest. It also makes for a great third piece.
Summer Tops & Blouses
You don’t need to buy all the new tops and blouses for a summer capsule. Instead, pick up a few blouses in 100% cotton or 100% linen to add to the mix. You can still wear some of your basics like silk blouses or poplin ones. But adding in a few printed or striped linen and cotton tops will round out your existing wardrobe yet will feel more tailored for the season. Then add in a few summer colors or prints if you like to expand on your existing closet. Since bottoms are pretty basic year-round, I think it’s also nice to invest in a couple of really fun and bold tops. Ones you can wear with work pants to the office, or denim shorts on the weekend. In fact, Anthropologie is great for pieces like that. A few favorites are below.
Summer Denim And Bottoms
Depending on your work dress code, denim may be something you’re permitted to wear. Or even just something on casual Fridays. I wouldn’t say you need to add to your closet as you can probably pull something from your current wardrobe. But if you’re looking to shop, white denim in more classic silhouettes would be great. Think a wide crop pant, or high rise wide leg. Paired with a beautiful blouse and blazer and you’ve got a really stylish summer work outfit. I also really love an olive pant for spring and summer.
For indigo denim, go for dark or medium washes that have zero rips or whiskering. Always keep these very streamlined. And always always add a third piece like a blazer or lightweight cardigan. And then for summer pants, I’m all about lighter washes and summery prints like pretty florals or stripes. A tapered jogger with the right blouse and blazer can truly work for a summer capsule too.
Summer Business Casual Outfit Ideas
