When it's 90-plus degrees out and you have to go to a big meeting, panic sets in. You need to look great and stay cool. Not an easy feat. This is when the hero of your summer steps in: the summertime work dress. The summertime work dress affords you comfort and sophistication. It's a piece that enables you to only put on four items in totality: bra, underwear, shoes, and, well dress.
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But what's the perfect length? Can you wear a print? And how casual is too casual? We all grapple with these workwear questions during the summer. Luckily, we've curated InStyle editors' favorite summertime work dresses. Simply add them to your shopping cart and, voila! Wardrobe made!
Gap Sleeveless Floral Dress
I love a fit-and-flare with a fun print. This sleeveless dress is perfect for hot days but also pairs well with a cardigan for when I step into air-conditioned buildings.
- Lauren Kane, Site Producer
Adrianna Papell Gingham Tie Waist Dress
I'm obsessed with gingham, and when I came across this chic dress from Adrianna Papell, I had to pull out my credit card right away. It's simple yet so stylish, and can easily be transitioned from work to a night out attire.
- Marina Budarina-Sanchez, Deputy Chief of Reporters
Banana Republic Fitted Sleeveless Dress
I own this dress in multiple prints. It's simple and fits closer to the body while still being appropriate for work. It looks super formal with heels, but can be dressed down with cool flats or sandals.
- Victoria Moorehouse, Digital Beauty Editor
Topshop Shirtdress
This pale pink cotton shirt dress is going to get me through this hot and sticky New York summer and every season after that! I can pair this dress with any shoe or layer I wish.
- Alexis Parente, Assistant Fashion Editor
Uniqlo Tiered Short Sleeve Dress
My summer usually starts with a trip to Uniqlo to stock up on great cotton dresses to wear the whole season long. They have cute, work-friendly styles that are easy to throw on each morning and more importantly—machine washable!
- Kristina Rutkowski, Market Editor
Club Monaco Wrap Dress
Club Monaco has long been my go-to for a great dress, and this little wrap number is what I'll be wearing to the office all summer long!
- Macey Hall, Senior Social Media Manager
Love Shack Fancy Short Sleeve Dress
I love a great white dress in the summer. This Victorian style is demure enough for the office, but still light and breezy in the NYC heat.
- Laura Simola, Associate Art Director
RIXO London Star Print Dress
If I could write a love letter to a summer dress, it would be to RIXO London. Not only do their dresses come in the best patterns ever, but they're lightweight and the perfect length for me to wear to work. I've never received more compliments on a dress under $500 in my life.
- Ruthie Friedlander, Special Projects Director
Halogen Asymmetrical Shirt Dress
This shirt dress has the perfect amount of structure to it, and would look fresh with a pair of white pumps or sneakers.
- Angelique Serrano, Beauty Director
Gal Meets Glam Tie Waist Flare Dress
The pleats on this dress really make the look for me, and the baby blue is such a fresh color for summer. And really, who doesn’t love a good keyhole detail?
- Alexandra Whittaker, Digital Associate Editor
Rag & Bone Strappy Dress
I usually opt for a dress that cinches at the waist. When I saw this cool yet elegant dress that I could wear to the office or for a summer night out, I knew I needed to get this and find more in this timeless silhouette. I love how breathable it is, that is key for those blazing hot days and nights ahead. This is a dress you can wear season after season, year after year.
- Elana Zadjman, Accessories Editor
