Three Chic Summer Work Outfits

Sometimes the best part of writing this blog is getting to play virtual dress up. As I think about how to wear the pieces I already own and how I want to build out my wardrobe for a handful of business trips later this summer, I decided to brainstorm a few new outfits. Here are a few looks that I think are perfect for the office this summer.

Look No. One. Michael Kors Knit Polo Dress // Margaux Crosby Slingback // Tory Burch Mercer Satchel // Monica Vinader Diamond Huggie Hoops

After escaping the 1990s preppy aesthetic that shaped my senior-year wardrobe, I never thought I would wear another polo dress, ever, ever again. But here we are. Last summer, I was gifted a polo dress by a friend who needed to clear out some work clothes postpartum. I wore it almost every third day for the remainder of August and September. So when I spotted this <$200 Michael Kors option, I knew I needed to share it with the world.

These knit polo dresses give you the comfort of pajamas with office vibes. All you need is a comfortable slip short for a little smoothing and you’re good to go. If black is not a summer color you want to wear, Ralph Lauren has a similar look in navy. Need a similar dress for less? Nordstrom Rack has you covered for under-$50.

As for the accessories, let’s start with the earrings. Monica Vinader gifted these diamond-accent hoops to me. I’ve worn them every day since they arrived. At $140 on sale, they’re a steal.

The shoes are Margaux. They give the closed toe look but are open enough to work for summer, and they have enough structure to work in fall. As for the bag, I wanted a soft color to add a subtle pop. This pale blue bag from Tory Burch is perfect. If you want something a bit more affordable, Anne Klein has a fantastic satchel for under-$100.

For styling, this is one of those looks that needs hair down or half-up or else you’ll look like the hot teacher. (But you might be into that.) I would also choose a statement lip color. All the teenage girls in my life keep telling me that I have to try the Laneige Glaze Craze.

Look No. Two. Ann Taylor Bubble Hem Top and Linen Palazzo Pants // Chico’s Mixed Media Cuff Bracelet // Coach Skimmer Ballet Flat // Cuyana Celestia Shoulder Bag

Looking for summer color? I loved this combination when I spotted it on the AT website in their preview section last month. It’s the office meets White Lotus, and I am here for it. The vibrant green is a great color for work because it isn’t as overwhelmingly girly as some other summer shades.

Not sure how you would wear the pants except with the shirt? A navy cardigan would look fabulous (or a hot pink one if you want to go all in). You could also add a chambray button down. Or grab a simple white poplin top and a sandal for a relaxed Friday look.

For the accessories, I love the metal bead accent on these Coach slingbacks. If you need a professional flat shoe for summer, these are it. I also chose this twisted mixed metal cuff from Chico’s. I’ll be wearing this to every summer wedding.

For styling, I would probably wear my hair up to make the look more formal. I would also wear a rosy nude, not pink, lip color and blush to avoid being a little too colorful.

Look No. Three. Reiss Collarless Jacket // Mango Striped Cotton Blouse // Nordstrom Wide Leg Jeans // Margaux Mesh Ballet Flats // JW Pei Barrel Purse // Argento Vivo Mixed Metal Hoops

This entire look was based around the top. I loved the slightly unexpected, but totally wearable combination of pale blue with a subtle black and white stripe. Killed it. So I needed to find a topper for it, and a black collarless jacket was the one for me. I especially like this outfit if I’m headed to a relaxed dinner after work. Just lose the jacket and I’m good to go.

I paired it with jeans (see: home office, mild climate), but if you need it dressier for work, I recommend a white pencil skirt. If you still need suiting, Preston & York still has affordable, basic pieces and the quality is pretty good.

Choosing a purse for this look, sort of stumped me. I knew I wanted a more modern east-west bag because I thought the length would add a little drama. But what color? Ultimately, I thought this olive shade gave a nice contrast without being a little cliche, which a red bag would have been. If olive isn’t your pick, a darker shade of blue or a burgundy with purple undertones would have worked too.

Finally, I chose a mesh flat to lighten up the look a bit. It may be 62-degrees today, but it’s still June. I also added a mixed metal hoop from Argento Vivo, which is a great piece for when you want to blend white and yellow metals with ease.

To style this, I am wearing my hair down with some texture spray. Up would look way too formal. And a bit of bronzer and highlighter is needed here.

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