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Who doesn’t love breaking out sundresses and short-shorts when the temperature finally gets above 70 degrees? Summer is my favorite season, but summer workwear can be tricky when all you really want to do is cosplay your next vacation by going to the office in a flowy maxi dress – not ideal for that critical team presentation on a Tuesday morning.
Instead, here are three subtle twists on classic workwear that are more timeless than trendy, but will meet your need to look professional and have a little fun too.
Thank you to Jack Soltysik for collaborating with me on this shoot!
The Color-blocked Sheath Dress
Sheath dresses have a flattering silhouette, but solid colors can get boring very quickly. Color-blocking is a modern update to the classic style, and more casual details – like slightly cut-in armholes or a sassy front slit – make it easy to transition from cubicles to cocktails.
Shoes | M. Gemi The Lustro in natural – use my referral link for $50 off your order! Earrings | Designs by SEK Rue Lepic
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A Graphic Pencil Skirt
Pencil skirts and button-downs are boring, but a graphic print and a bell-sleeve top create a more dynamic summer workwear look. Bonus points for finding the perfect summer skirt length that’s right above the knee – longer than a mini-skirt, but shorter than a true pencil shape. I love this chiffon blouse with ribbons at the sleeves from local shopping site Boutique 44 – the lightweight fabric is warm-weather ready, but covered shoulders protect from the worst of the indoor air-conditioning.
Blouse | Boutique 44 Hunter Bell Sleeve Top Skirt | Milly checkered tweed skirt – similar from Lord & Taylor here
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Power-dressing Separates
Power dressing gets a modern update from J. Crew design alum El Turner for her fun and functional workwear brand, Argent. With a new pop-up shop on the ground floor of The Shay at the corner of Florida Ave and U St. in D.C., Argent’s punchy colors and practical details are simply delightful. (Can you tell I’m a fan?)
Here I’m wearing a super lightweight crepe shell with a split hem that can be worn tucked or untucked, and reversible plaid pants (solid on the reverse) that feel like airy flannel pajamas but look like worsted wool.
Top | Argent crepe shell in bright fuchsia Pants | Argent grey plaid reversible trouser Bag | DVF Bonne Soirée in light dune / neon yellow – other colors available here
If you’re stuck in a polo-and-khakis summer workwear rut, my antidote is as follows: one part color-blocking, a dash of slightly shorter skirts and fuller sleeves, and one part new favorite brand-to-watch. Enjoy!
What do you want me to blog about next? Let me know in the comments!