Fashion Clothing 7 Summer Work Outfits Curated by Fashion Experts They're versatile, practical, and oh-so-stylish. By Julia Guerra Julia Guerra Julia Guerra is a freelance contributor with over six years of experience writing beauty, health, wellness, style, parenting, and food content. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on May 16, 2023 @ 09:52AM Pin Share Tweet Email Summer work outfits come with their fair share of challenges. In the face of heat and humidity, they need to be comfortable and breathable — yet still appropriate for the office. Of course, dressing for warm weather can be tricky when your workplace feels like a frozen tundra with the AC blasting. So to help you out, we called on fashion experts for their best no-fail, cool-for-the-summer outfit formulas, along with styling advice. From seasonal pantsuits to stylish shirtdresses, these looks are chef's kiss. The 23 Best Blazers That Will Instantly Elevate Any Outfit in 2023 Keep scrolling for seven stylist-approved summer work outfits to wear on repeat. 01 of 07 Anything Linen Is a Go Getty Images There's a reason why linen is associated with summer dressing: the fabric is comfortable, breathable, and helps to keep your body from overheating — elements that, according to MiKADO personal style advisor, Jordan Stolch, make it the ideal summer office wardrobe staple. To style the material for the workplace, Stolch tells InStyle she'd opt for a linen blazer paired with a simple T-shirt and trousers, or an A-line linen skirt styled with a classic silk button-down. The 13 Best Linen Shirts for Summer 02 of 07 Stock Up On Shirt Dresses Getty Images Stolch is convinced shirt dresses are one of the top must-haves for the office this summer — and we agree. Dressed up with a block heel or worn with your favorite flat, the stylist ensures this unstructured silhouette "maintains breathability, while keeping you looking polished and put together in the process." 03 of 07 Rock a Seasonal Pantsuit Getty Images Pantsuits have been a hot ticket item as of late, and according to Stolch, they'll continue to reign supreme at the workplace this summer. Celebrity stylist Lindsey DuPuis agrees, urging her clients to lean into boldly colored solid sets for the season. To make your suits feel fresh and modern, Stolch recommends swapping out your conventional business button-down for a classic cotton T-shirt and trading in neutral color palettes for pastels and rich jewel tones. 15 Trends to Try This Spring, According to Stylists and Fashion Experts 04 of 07 One-and-Done Outfits Are A Win Getty Images When it comes to getting dressed for the day, comfort is key, but so is convenience. For stylist Erica Ball, that translates to one-piece outfits like jumpsuits and dresses, especially for a summer office wardrobe. "Solid color cotton poplin dresses are especially flattering and easy to wear for work in the summer. Style them with sandals or sneakers and add a cropped cardigan for texture," Ball tells InStyle. "Jumpsuits are also a great summer workplace alternative. I'd look for a sleeveless option that can be worn with a tailored blazer for more work-appropriate polish when indoors." Even If You Aren't Heading to Italy, You Can Still Embrace Amalfi Coast Dressing 05 of 07 A Blazer Is Always Timeless Getty Images One staple piece to add to your work capsule wardrobe (and any capsule wardrobe, really) is a lightweight oversized blazer. For the summer, specifically, fashion and design expert Nicole Rattner recommends investing in a lighter, neutral color that is versatile and office-appropriate, but still very on-trend. "Throw one on with an airy, silky dress, especially if your workplace leans more corporate and conservative (or if the AC is always cranked up)," Rattner tells us. "For casual offices, style a blazer with an elevated tee and a pair of high-waisted, lighter wash denim shorts — think a polished "mom" style with a long inseam and finished hem." 06 of 07 Midi Over Mini Skirts Getty Images When it's hot as Hades outside, you might be tempted to reach for your favorite micro-mini, but stylist and host of Fashion Crimes Podcast Holly Katz recommends opting for a midi skirt instead. It's still just as easy and breezy, but will always be appropriate for the office in summer. "If you can wear open-toe shoes in the office, then wear this type of skirt with some adorable patterned mules. If not, then rock it with some sneakers and a vintage tee," Katz says. "Throw on a beaded or jeweled denim jacket or cardi when they crank up the air so they can't freeze you out of your workspace." Jennifer Lopez Is Correct — 2022 Is the Year of the Maxi Skirt 07 of 07 Puff Sleeves Add Playfulness Getty Images Sprinkle a bit of Bridgerton vibes into your summer work wardrobe with a puff sleeve number. It'll help breathe new life into the common workday dress, and, Katz says, ensures you're able to go from on-duty to off-duty with a change of accessories. "Change from a summer white bootie and work tote to a sleek, strappy heel, statement earring, and shiny clutch for dinner and drinks straight from work," she instructs. "This dress is also ideal with a canvas sneaker, crossbody bag, and ball cap for a casual, comfortable day with no client meetings on the books!"