For two whole weeks in the summer Britain is graced with a little heat and light, and as such our offices become sweltering. No one likes to sit in a stuffy office when the sun is out, but what makes it worse is when you’re sat trying to work and are far too hot and restricted by your clothes. This year we seem to have been lucky, and although it’s overcast it’s still warm enough to go out in a light cardigan or just your top. However, it poses a dilemma to many women; just how do you keep cool and stay office-appropriate?
The type of office you work in will affect what you can get away with; an office of lawyers might not allow anything but strict corporate wear, while an office of web designers may allow you to wear jeans. However, short shorts and crop tops are never going to fly in an office, so when the high street is awash with casual summer wear, where do you turn for your office clothing fix? Our favourite retailers are Zara and Marks & Spencer; they have a whole host of dresses, light trousers and summer tops that can keep you looking smart and staying cool in the office.
In your love of the fleeting sunshine, be sure to remember that the British summer can disappear as quickly as it came – so anything you do choose to wear would need to be able to withstand the wind and rain too. We think knee-length boat-neck dresses in a variety of prints would make for great summer workwear and allow you the comfort and convenience of your everyday t-shirt bra, rather than opting for a strapless bra to avoid showing any straps. If you’re more of a trouser lover then high-waisted wide leg trousers would keep cool and on trend, and by teaming these with a cotton shirt and a slouch tailored blazer you can easily go out for after-work drinks without feeling overdressed.
What are your favourite workwear pieces for summer?
