For those of us who work in an office setting, summer can be a challenging season for outfitting. Depending on the dress code, you can probably get away with a more casual work uniform, but striking a balance between the warm, blazing-hot weather and the chillier AC environment can be a difficult task. How do you dress so as not to freeze inside or roast when outside? Here are a few ways to approach office-appropriate dressing in the summer.
First up, forecast is key. Check the hourly temp, humidity, and precipitation chances. 8 a.m. will probably look very different than noon and 5 p.m. You want to dress for the highs and lows of the entire day, as well as the temperature differences between outside and inside.
With that in mind, consider a base layer. Layering is tricky in the summer, but it makes sense with the various environmental controls we walk in and out of through a workday. A sweat-proof base layer will also help protect your dressier garments and save you from frequent trips to the dry cleaner. Brands like Numi and Thigh Society offer undershirts and anti-chafe shorts that work under both casual and professional clothes, being specifically designed to absorb perspiration. Uniqlo’s Airism collection has tops and bottoms made from dry technology fabric that is cool to the touch and moisture-wicking. I really like their Bra Tops, which work as a base layer, but can also be worn as a shirt with trouser shorts and a cardigan.
And speaking of cardigans, if you have a desk or dedicated space at your office, then consider keeping warmer garments there. Beyond the good old “office sweater” on the back of your chair, you may be able to also keep a jacket, leggings, socks, and shoes at work. Wear your warm-weather summer dress and sandals to the office. Before you grab a cup of coffee and turn on your computer, don a blazer you keep there for working hours and change into socks and loafers. Storing items at work saves you from dragging a bunch of stuff back and forth while also ensuring you can stay comfortable in a chilly cubicle. Of course, you want to switch out pieces every week or so.
Other layering items to incorporate into your summertime office look are scarves and wraps. When made from silk, cotton, or linen, a scarf or wrap can serve a variety of functions, moving from heat to AC and back again. Similar to a moisture-wicking tank top, a cotton neck scarf, like Muji’s Cool Touch Scarf, can absorb neck sweat, protect your shirt collar from sweat, and, if you get the version with a pocket, can hold a mini-ice pack to help you stay cool during your commute. Quince’s Featherweight Cashmere Silk Frayed Edge Scarf is a luxurious feeling swath of fabric you can throw over your shoulders to combat the chill at your desk. Their light blue version looks quite elegant over a short-sleeved shirt and high-waisted trousers. While their more vibrant red will make a minimal linen shift dress stand out.
Beyond sweat and chill protection, a wrap layer can also offer UV protection. Coolibar’s Minneola Featherlight Scarf boasts SPF 50 and can be styled as a headscarf, shawl, or scarf. Wear this to guard your skin against the sun while outside and then from goosebumps when inside. Other brands to explore for sun protection clothing are Solumbra by Sun Precautions or UV Skinz. For the purposes of office outfits with either brand, you want to be selective and stay clear of their sportier and performance pieces. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, maybe you could pair a rash guard with a suit to bring a bit of summery edge to your corporate look.
Of course, there will be weekdays when moisture-resistant garments and strategic layers just aren’t cutting it. For the sweatiest, most dire days that kick up the office AC to iceberg levels, you may just have to pack a bag and bring a change of clothes for work. This isn’t ideal, but if your space and workplace policy allows, have a garment bag prepped the evening before with work clothes and change from a t-shirt and shorts when you get to the office. This will also ensure your outfit for work can stay a bit more fresh and wrinkle-free!
