Summer Workwear: Polished Looks that Beat the Heat

By Avery Siebrecht

As the temperature rises, it’s time to revisit your infinite closet to find the perfect elevated summer styles to wear for work. We’ve studied the latest trends in summer workwear and fully stocked them from our favorite brands to bring you the ultimate summer wardrobe.?

Striking a balance between staying cool and looking professional can be tricky, as summer-appropriate clothing often doesn’t meet professional standards. Conversely, high temperatures can make traditional professional attire, such as suits and blazers, unbearable. These garments are often made from heavier fabrics that retain heat, like wool, polyester, and synthetic blends. Add humidity and you have visible sweat stains that undermine a polished appearance.?

We got you. To address these challenges, our summer inventory includes lighter fabrics such as linen and cotton, lighter colors, and lightweight layering pieces.

Summer Workwear Best Bet: Linens

Embrace the lightweight and timeless elegance of linens this summer. Linen pieces are a staple for navigating the heat while maintaining a polished look. One of the biggest perks with linens is the infinite styling possibilities. You may find yourself rocking a flowy neutral linen pant paired with a lightweight striped button-up. Alternatively, picture yourself in a flowing linen shirt paired with your favorite jean shorts. If that’s not your thing, you can play with a simple beautiful linen-blend dress paired with a cute, chic flat. Linens provide an elegant, professional base that you can use to flex your creativity with accessories.?

Brands to browse for linen: Armoire’s selection of linen garments from brands like Lilla P, Faherty, Michael Stars, and more are here to keep you comfortable, but also to elevate your professional wardrobe.

Summer Workwear Staple: Patterned Midi Dresses

When you step into the office in a vibrant midi dress, all eyes will be on you. Whether covered in floral patterns or abstract shapes, these pieces make being put-together effortless. Another perk of a patterned midi dress is that all you have to do is accessorize. The dress will flow beautifully paired with a low open-toed heel, ballet flats, or sandals. Next is the fun part: you can begin playing with jewelry. Add on a hat, a hair accessory, or a purse to finish off the look. If you want to feel comfortable and confident in the workplace this summer, try out this perfect summer trend.

Brands to browse for patterned midi dresses: With brands like Calvin Klein, Torrid, and Eliza J, Armoire’s collection offers a range of patterns and cuts that cater to every taste.

The Latest Summer Workwear Trend: Matching Sets

Elevate your workwear game with chic matching sets that blend sophistication with ease. Coordinated tops and bottoms not only streamline your morning routine but also project a polished image. Match the bright colors of summer in a matching suit vest and shorts or a go for a neutral set. Matching sets truly do make it easy because your outfit is already picked out for you.?

Brands to browse for matching sets: Two of our favorite brands to wear for a cool, sophisticated workwear set are Steve Madden and French Connection. They have blazers, button-up vests, shorts and trousers in a variety of vibrant and neutral shades.

Easiest to Pull Off: Pops of Color

It may stretch your comfort zone, but now’s the time to experiment with color. Clothing rental is a chance to push yourself to try new things, after all. Whether you are starting off slow with subtle pops of color or exuding pure joy with bright pieces, you will look fresh and on trend. Once you have your bold piece selected, the rest of the outfit is easy. Pair a bold blazer with a simple white top and trousers, then add a matching bright pair of flats. Alternatively, make your life even easier by selecting a vibrant dress and pick out some simple complimentary accessories to go with it. By experimenting with color and vibrancy this summer, you can make going to work your one-woman fashion show.

Brands to browse for pops of color: There are infinite ways to rock color, whether you want to try out a bold, flowy dress by Farm Rio or Lilly Pulitzer, or a bright blazer by Nanette Lepore. Armoire’s selection of colorful pieces allows you to experiment and express your personal style.

Here to Stay: Bold Wide-Leg Pants

Embrace comfort without compromising style in the bold wide-leg pants that are dominating the fashion scene right now. Offering a relaxed, yet polished silhouette, wide-leg pants are perfect for balancing professionalism with personal style. Because of their wider fit, these pants pair nicely with a fitted top, tailored blazer, or suit vest. Imagine yourself in wide-leg trousers paired with a tucked-in blouse and simple accessories for a look that transitions seamlessly from the office to after-work engagements.?

Brands to browse for bold wide-leg pants: Within Armoire’s endless closet you can find the perfect bold wide-leg pants from bands like Boden, Ellen Tracy, Scotch & Soda, and so many more. Our collection ensures you stay on-trend and comfortable throughout the summer months, making them a versatile addition to your workwear and day-to-day wardrobe.

Back Again: Tailored Vests + Wear-to-Work Shorts

A versatile staple that balances an office-friendly look with comfort, tailored vests feature flattering, structured silhouettes. Complementing this trend are wear-to-work shorts, which redefine workplace dress codes with their tailored cuts. Together, tailored vests and wear-to-work shorts harmonize without sacrificing professional standards. Pick your favorite pair of wear-to work shorts, add a tailored vest, and your outfit is almost complete. Loafers and simple jewelry will finish the look.

Brands to browse for tailored vests + wear-to-work shorts: Armoire provides you with a never-ending closet that has just what you need for this new summer workwear trend. Check out brands like Derek Lam 10 Crosby, Who What Wear, and Banana Republic.

Top Color: Sunny Yellow

Incorporating any clothing piece in our favorite sunny yellow will instantly introduce a vibrant and confident aura to your workwear outfit. This color exudes positivity, strength, and confidence, making it a compelling option in a professional setting. Wearing sunny yellow can enhance mood and promote a sense of optimism. It’s a bold and stunning choice that transitions seamlessly from the boardroom to the ballpark. Try out a patterned yellow midi dress to slip into the summer spirit and top it off with gold jewelry and a neutral ballet flat. Or, experiment with a solid yellow top and neutral pants, shorts, or skirt.?

Brands to browse for sunny yellow: All of these pieces can be found at Armoire. Some brands with higher stock levels in sunny yellow include Lilla P and Equipment.?

As you navigate the summer months in style, remember that comfort and confidence are key. With the right pieces and styling tips from our very own personal stylists, you can stay chic and cool while conquering the workday. Embrace the perks of clothing rental and expand your horizons. Explore the versatility within Armoire’s personalized rental wardrobe, experiment, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine.

Read the full article on The Curated Column.