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Summer has officially reached peak heat, thus prompting the daily question of what to wear to work that is both chic and cool at the same time.The goal is to strike the ideal balance of sophistication and stylishness in the perfect pleated trouser, ultra-crisp white shirting, and seriously sleek skirts. But by way of labels like Toteme, Proenza Schouler, and Cos, who create luxurious pieces of trendy professional clothes, there are several smart tricks to try when shopping for the best office clothes for women.
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If you’re planning to embark on a workwear-friendly wardrobe overhaul, shirting is a solid starting point. Look for soft materials to launch your way back into something resembling desk-side polish—we love the classic styles from Anine Bing and Vince. For those of us who are ready to embrace some form of structure, a trusty blazer is the definition of understated elegance. Luckily, lightweight versions, like Everlane’s bright white offering to Zara’s linen version, are cool enough on even the longest of commutes. Meanwhile, Beare Park’s menswear-inspired staple is one to make a part of your power suit equation, especially when paired with a tailored-to-perfection trouser from Vince. The midiskirt silhouette is a must-have in any office wardrobe rotation—and styles from Staud, Esse Studios, and Cos are masterfully minimal. Jean skirts from Khaite and Tibi are also topping our summer shopping list.
When looking for office-appropriate sneakers to wear with an editor-approved dress or even with denim—yes, you can wear jeans to the office—look to Loewe and Adidas for the perfect pair. On the preppier side, luxe loafers from Toteme and Weejuns are classics for a reason. Not a loafer lover? Sweet ballet flats and Mary Janes are a fashionable alternative. As for the eye-catching jewelry that will have your coworkers lining up at your desk to see what’s what? Simple and dainty pieces from Lie Studio and Mejuri have what it takes.
Here are Vogue’s 11 favorite office clothes for women that are as stylish as they are smart.
When striving for everyday elegance, a dress delivers maximum style with minimal effort. Midi dresses, in particular, are especially editor-approved, like those from Cos, Tory Burch, and Bite Studios. Sleek shirtdresses are another work wardrobe nonnegotiable, whether you choose striped styles from J.Crew and Massimo Dutti or Proenza Schouler’s khaki version. At the Vogue HQ, we’re styling ours with anything-but-basic black sandals, fashionable flip-flops, and even the occasional sneaker.
Bite Studios Grace pleated-waist cotton-poplin dress
Proenza Schouler belted paneled midi shirtdress
striped shirt dress with belt
Our summer shopping tip? Invest in the suit vest. This season the style staple is reimagined in chic, flattering silhouettes, cementing any look to polished perfection. With endless stylistic opportunities, wear yours atop a tailored trouser or a clean-lined midiskirt for a masterfully minimal result.
Still Here Ludlow tailored cotton vest
Wardrobe.NYC cropped wool vest
Blazers can smarten up even the simplest of looks. For example, the off-white herringbone detail on Anine Bing’s double-breasted blazer adds a feminine touch to the otherwise classic menswear style. The Frankie Shop’s oversized black blazer is a classic amongst the Vogue editor group for a reason: Its roomy shape is a more modern approach to the blazers you might already have in your closet. Meanwhile, Everlane’s quietly luxurious linen offering is cool—and not to mention very chic.
Toteme tailored herringbone single-breasted suit jacket
The Frankie Shop Bea single-breasted canvas jacket
Zara linen-blend printed cuff blazer
Everlane The Linen Oversized Blazer
If you’ve yet to find the perfect pair of trousers, let Vogue’s selection be your first port of call. When it comes to a solid wardrobe foundation, there are few things more versatile and reliable than tailored black pants. Find yours from Vince. Pleated pants from The Row and By Malene Birger are more of a relaxed fit for, say, a casual Friday. Meanwhile, Max Mara’s pinstripe pick is a seasonless star; and Favorite Daughter’s bright white pair is a summertime standout.
The Row Bufus high-rise cotton pants
By Malene Birger Piscali pleated satin wide-leg pants
Max Mara pinstriped jersey trousers
Vince drop-waist pleated crepe trousers
White shirts will forever be a classic wardrobe staple like these from Anine Bing and Vince, but why not try a trendy color like a zingy striped blue from Rag & Bone or a pop of pink from Remain Birger Christensen and The Frankie Shop? Camilla and Marc’s blue button-up is a favorite amongst this editor group, to be worn done up for polished perfection or undone over a white tee for casual coolness.
Anine Bing Braxton striped cotton-jacquard shirt
Rag & Bone Maxine striped button-front shirt
Remain Birger Christensen Nalia oversized shirt
The Frankie Shop Lui striped crepe shirt
Sleek skirts are another fashionable foundation to invest in this summer. Always reliable, floaty styles from Staud, Esse Studios, and Toteme pair well with timeless tanks and tees to crisp overshirts. Jean skirts continue to trend amongst our favorite brands, like those from Tibi and Khaite. Make the midi (or maxi) skirt the centerpiece of your summer wardrobe, styling it with a barely-there sandal or chic carryall.
Toteme tie-waist cotton poplin midiskirt
Khaite Caroline paneled denim midiskirt
Cos The High-Slit Maxi Pencil Skirt
When styled correctly, a delightful pair of denim can abide by nearly all office dress codes, whether casual or corporate. Look for options with subtle tailoring, like these offerings from Agolde and Citizens of Humanity, or in a more sophisticated dark wash, like the below from Tibi and Dries Van Noten. Meanwhile, white jeans from The Row and Levi’s are a summertime staple.
Citizens of Humanity Annina high-rise rigid wide-leg jeans
Dries Van Noten high-rise wide-leg jeans
No office outfit is complete without a shiny pair of shoes, and a fashionable pair of flats are undeniably the chicest choice. You can never go wrong with the classics—like these menswear-inspired loafers from Weejuns and Toteme. For the trendy professional, Mary Janes from Aeyde, Reformation, and Mango are the sweetest style, while ballet flats from Everlane are very much Vogue verified.
Lady Skirts The Row Boheme canvas Mary Janes