Summer-Ready Workwear

Pulling together a work-appropriate wardrobe can be tricky when the temperature suddenly skyrockets. We’re mid-heatwave in London right now, and anything fitted or tailored just isn’t going to look right. But at the same time, flimsy sundresses and lightweight crop tops aren’t ideal for the office. Luckily there are three trends striking the balance right now, whether you prefer loud colours and full shapes, long length shorts or pared-back layers of white. Here’s everything you need to nail them.

White on White

White denim is back, but probably not as you remember it. Skinny, distressed jeans are much cooler than the styles rocked by yummy mummies back in the early 2000s, especially when you pair them with a matching shirt. You probably already own one, which makes life even easier. Just add sunglasses and a pair of Birkenstocks or pool sliders, and swap the shredded denim for flowing trousers if you work in a more formal office.

1.       Shirt – Angela Mele Milano

2.       Sandals – Birkenstock, available at ASOS

3.       Jeans - Current/Elliott

4.       Bag – Helmut Lang 

Culottes

This summer’s most fashionable silhouette is – brilliantly – completely appropriate for the office. Wide-legged culottes cover up the legs but are as comfortable as a maxi skirt on near-tropical city days (as long as you avoid anything too fitted at the waist).

1.       Top – H&M

2.      Sandals - Collective Habit

3.   Clutch - Clare Vivier

4.   Culottes - Topshop

Full Skirts

For a more feminine approach, a full midi-length skirt is on-trend right now too. Go for tropical colours and a bold print to keep it looking modern, and tuck a t-shirt in at the waist. Embellishments, like a beaded tee, statement necklace or metallic texture will keep it looking sharp rather than slouchy, so you’re free to clash colour and pattern together.

1.       T-shirt – Mango

2.   Sunglasses – Ray Ban

3.    Bag - Lodis 

4.   Skirt - MSGM