What to Wear to Work in the Summer, According to the Harrods Editors

Words by Sophia Miller

With corporate dress codes to contend with, deciding what to wear to work in the summer is no walk in the park. Not only do your outfits have to look suitably professional (read: no mini hemlines, plunging necklines or strappy sandals), but they need to see you through both sticky commutes and the chilly onslaught of office air conditioning. Luckily, we know a few experts on this very topic – the Harrods editors, for whom looking chic is part of the job. These are the outfit formulas three of our best-dressed colleagues rely on when the city starts to heat up.

Katie Service, Harrods Magazine Editor

Midi Dress + Lightweight Blazer

“A midi dress is always one of my favourite work looks, whether I’m spending the day in meetings, at brand events or hosting a panel talk. In the colder months I might go with a long-sleeved shirt dress, but a sleeveless number like this one from Tom Ford is ideal for the summer. And no matter how hot it is, I’m never far from a blazer. A well-cut piece of tailoring always makes me feel in control – plus it’s ideal to throw on in the evening or when the office starts to get a little too air-conditioned.”

Katie’s Picks

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Abigail Gurney-Read, Fashion Editor

Blouse + Bermuda Shorts

“Temperatures being up needn’t mean ditching the silhouettes you normally gravitate towards. I love asymmetric shapes, boxy suiting and sculptural heels – all of which can be worn in summer. Just choose looser silhouettes, swap trousers for shorts, and opt for breathable materials like silk and linen. As for accessories, a good watch always finishes off an outfit nicely – Cartier’s Baignoire, please – and these leather mules by Le Monde Béryl go with everything.”

Abigail’s Picks

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Nateisha Scott, Beauty Editor

T-Shirt + Silk Trousers

“I’m all about a staple. When it’s hot and I don’t want to wear too many layers, I lean towards basics with a twist, like this Agolde white T-shirt with corset detailing at the back. Flats are another go-to, especially when running from appointment to appointment – Alaïa’s raffia pair is top of my list. Then, like lots of our editors, I’ll usually finish my looks with something tailored, whether that's a pair of perfectly cut suit trousers or a blazer.”

Nateisha’s Picks

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Our Summer Workwear Rules

Our number one tip for heatwave dressing? Choose fabrics that breathe, and avoid stuffy synthetic fibres. Natural materials like linen, cotton and silk are infinitely better at wicking away sweat and keeping you cool in warm weather, even if your office dress code means you have to stick to long sleeves and trousers. It seems simple, but it will make the world of difference.

Sometimes, it’s just too hot for complicated ruffles, embellishments and layers. That’s when you need to lean on the simple wardrobe staples that you know always look good: think white T-shirts, little black dresses and leather flats. Unstructured silhouettes and loose waistbands are also your friends on the warmest office days. Finally, your favourite tailoring can easily be swapped for summer equivalents – try a linen blazer or waistcoat instead of a heavier equivalent, and opt for cropped trousers or even tailored shorts instead of longer pairs.

Choosing your shoes can be one of the trickiest parts of dressing for the office during a heatwave. It’s a topic that splits opinion, even in the Harrods office – some of our editors happily wear sandals on the hottest days (especially after a trip to Townhouse Nails), while others are staunch advocates of keeping your toes under wraps at work. If your workplace has a particularly corporate dress code, you might prefer to play it safe and choose a pair of summer shoes that aren’t sandals – in which case, we recommend woven flats, mules or slingbacks for a smarter option that still lets your feet breathe.

We all know the hidden villain of summer dressing: air conditioning. A 30-degree commute is often followed by a morning spent shivering at your desk when the office thermostat can’t seem to get it right – so it’s always important to pack an extra layer. Blazers are a favourite among our editors, but lightweight knitwear is another good option. Why not keep a neutral-coloured cotton cardigan at work to cover all bases?

When the rest of your look is simple, it’s the accessories that take things from bland to confident. A pair of statement earrings or a beaded necklace shows personality without feeling too cumbersome, while a good tote bag is always a must year-round to carry all that the workday requires. If you can bear it, a belt is also a good option to add some definition to an otherwise basic outfit.