No matter what you do or where you live, one thing seems to ring true: Workwear can be pretty bleak. And one thing can make it a whole lot worse extremely fast, and that is a sweaty commute. Yes, summer workwear has all the ordinary challenges of workwear—feeling comfortable, looking cute—plus the caveat of needing to do it when it’s 100 degrees outside.
Nobody wants to spend a day sweating in polyester, so we set out to do the impossible: creating an arsenal of cool, comfortable workwear that you actually look forward to putting on on a Monday morning—and that’s a match for the heat. With the help of light knits, cool accessories, and a whole lot of linen, well, let’s just say we made the impossible possible.
Don’t make heading to the office this summer any more difficult than it needs to be. Yes, it is possible to like what you wear to the office in the summer, and our 2022 summer office capsule wardrobe proves it.
sunglasses | knit tank | knit tank (plus-size) | tote | linen pants | linen pants (plus-size) | loafers
Nothing can prevent you from getting sweaty on a commute, but you can prevent walking into the office with armpit stains by wearing a knit tank. Since it has a higher neckline and thick straps, it makes it appropriate for the office while wearable on a super hot day. With linen pants on bottom, you’re sure to stay cool all day long.
sunglasses | button-up | button-up (plus-size) | tote | tailored shorts | tailored shorts (plus-size)| heeled sandals
Unless your office has a strict no-shorts rule, there are plenty of shorts that qualify as work-appropriate, and these are exhibit A. The inseam is long enough that they look professional, and with the tie detail and pleating, they’re the perfect summer equivalent to a good pair of trousers.
sunglasses | midi dress | midi dress (plus-size) | tote | white sneakers
Our advice? Taking advantage of summer dresses whenever you can—especially to the office. This knit midi one is versatility at its finest, with a vibe that passes the check both for work and out-of-office shenanigans, making it one of those pieces guaranteed to be worn on repeat.
sunglasses | knit tee | knit tee (plus-size) | tote | linen pants | linen pants (plus-size) | loafers
There’s nothing chicer than an androgynous moment, and this button-up knit tee and linen pants combo has the perfect touch of menswear appeal that’ll turn heads. With the pop of green, it’ll put some fun into office dressing—something that’s easier said than done.
sunglasses | ruffle top | ruffle top (plus-size) | tailored shorts | tailored shorts (plus-size) | heeled sandals
Having a good blouse or two to wear to work on hot days is key, and we’d argue this is the perfect one. In a seasonal color and with ruffled sleeves, it’s fun while remaining professional and is plain enough that it can be paired with any bottoms in your closet.
sunglasses | knit tank | knit tank (plus-size) | linen blazer | linen blazer (plus-size) | tote | gauze pants | gauze pants (plus-size) | white sneakers
Take it from us: You don’t want to be the one who’s so preoccupied with being cool enough in the heat that you forget that most of the time, office ACs are blasting all day—meaning you have to be prepared for two environments. The solution? Having a neutral linen blazer handy that can compliment anything you throw it over. Pro tip: Leave it on the back of your desk chair before you head out of the office so you don’t have to worry about lugging it back and forth every day.
