We wait all winter, longing for summer's return and then when it finally (and fleetingly) arrives, it ushers in a wardrobe panic. What do you wear to work now that it's a "scorching" 25 degrees outside but arctic inside your office when the air-con is on full blast? What's the best and most flattering outfit choice that hides or limits sweat patches and is chic and easy at the same time? What can you wear that's meeting-appropriate that can take you straight out to a rooftop bar after-hours? And are flip flops acceptable? (No, never. Unless you work at Abercrombie & Fitch.)
Before you resign yourself to being late for work most mornings after more sticky sartorial situations rifling through denim shorts, T-shirts and strapless dresses, here are some ideas to make summer styling quick and easy, to maximise time in the sun.
Off-the-shoulder is our go-to silhouette for summer and while a cropped version might be best left on festival-going teens, this Whistles dress is chic, effortless and perfect paired with plimsolls or sandals.
A white shirt with culottes or jeans is the quickest way to do workwear well. We love the embroidery and sequin details on this loose-fitting, billowy blouse.
A cut-out jumpsuit might not be the first item of clothing to spring to mind when you think of your office uniform but this Madewell one-piece comes down to the mid-calf and looks great under a blazer, denim jacket or worn alone. Summer dressing is all about picking the right fabrics and the blend of linen and cotton will keep you cool in more ways than one.
Madewell Tie-front cutout linen and cotton-blend jumpsuit, £155, available at Net-A-Porter
Letting your feet sweat in steamy trainers all day is one of the less exciting aspects of summer. These suede bow sandals smarten up any look and are a step up from flip flops or ubiquitous pool slides.
Looking for a top to take you from the office straight out? Then an embroidered blouse is an easy, elegant option, but if Isabel Marant is beyond your budget, head to H&M for highstreet alternatives.
Isabel Marant Lisa embroidered silk wrap blouse, £385, available at Harvey Nichols
Don't limit your dose of denim to just your jeans. Try a denim shirt, jacket or better yet this frilled sleeve top from ASOS. Nail two big SS16 trends – ruffles and denim – in one fell swoop.
When you want to embrace colour and print but are bored of florals, why not give a paisley pattern a go instead. This tailored, stretch silk skirt with an exposed zip is a modern update on the timeless A-line shape. Team with a tucked-in white T-shirt and skate shoes for casual Fridays or a blouse and heeled sandals for a bolder look.
This jacket is top of our summer wish list with its retro tan suede, gold buttons and '70s silhouette. Though the price tag may be pretty hefty, it can dress up a T-shirt and jeans or dress down a gown – a wardrobe staple that will only get better with age.
Frame Denim Le Cropped suede jacket, £888, available at Matches Fashion
However, if a suede jacket isn't for you, embrace lace for the day with this feminine bomber from Zara. Ideal for throwing over a monochrome shirt and trousers.
When Gemma Chan wore a show-stopping, floor length River Island dress to the Baftas last week, we were reminded of the highstreet treasure trove that we tend to neglect. We'd wear this layered skirt with a crew neck and sandals for simple summer chic.
Nothing beats a Breton.
If you're bored of polo-necks, our daily uniform for winter and spring, upgrade with a satin roll-neck for warmer weather. Wear with dungarees or boyfriend jeans.
For those days when you don't have time to think about what you're going to wear to work – damn you, snooze button – slip into this M.i.h dress based on a vintage sample and first introduced in SS15 that's swiftly become a brand favourite.
When you can't wear your Converse or loafers again, up your footwear game in these knotted sandals from COS. Comfortable, clean and chic, they'll complete any office look this summer.
Another off-the-shoulder favourite is this blush-pink, ruffled blouse from one of our emerging designers to watch, Magda Butrym. Since launching in 2014, the Polish-born designer has already garnered a celebrity fanbase including Nicole Richie, Jourdan Dunn and Caroline Vreeland.
By now, you've probably gathered that we're into Finery London in a big way. They're the womenswear brand creating luxury, high fashion designs with accessible price points and they're fast taking over our work wardrobe. This dusky rose boyfriend blouse is the latest addition.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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