How to Wear a Summer Dress to Work
If you work in an office environment, the dress code your employer has in place for you to follow could be one of several different types. Office dress codes vary widely, from smart, modest clothing suitable for a corporate setting to a more relaxed dress code that gives you more freedom to wear the outfits you love.
When the warmer months roll around, your favourite summer dresses will likely become a key part of your everyday wardrobe again. While some workplaces will allow you to wear your most comfortable, eye-catching pieces, others may have more restrictions regarding the dresses you wear for work.
You can wear a lightweight dress during the summer no matter what type of office you work in, but you’ll need to ensure that your chosen style fits in with the dress code first. To help you to curate the perfect summer ensemble to suit your workplace, we’ve created a guide on how to wear a summer dress to work.
Read on to find out the best dress styles, shoes and accessories for work this summer.
Contents
1.1. Shift dress
1.2. Shirt dress
1.3. Sun dress
2.1. Jackets
2.2. Accessories
3.1. Court shoes
3.2. Sandals
3.3. Trainers
3.4. Boots
Women’s summer dresses to wear to work
Summer dresses come in different styles and silhouettes, each suitable for different types of workplaces. Discover which summer dresses are appropriate for your 9-5 with our list of options below.
Shift dress
Structured and sophisticated, a simple shift dress creates an elegant aesthetic suitable for any corporate environment. The hem of a shift dress typically sits just above the knee, with the dress hanging straight from the shoulders to create a comfortable but chic silhouette.
Sleeveless designs are popular, especially in the summer months, with scoop and high necks being the most common styles suitable for the office. They can be worn with smart shoes and accessories or layered with tights, a cardigan or a blazer jacket on cooler days. You can choose from neutrals, brights, block colours and patterns to suit your employer’s dress code.
Shirt dress
A shirt dress is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a more relaxed dress style to fit a smart casual dress code. As they tend to feature details taken from a men’s shirt, such as a structured collar, button front and cuffed sleeves, they offer the perfect balance between masculine and feminine style.
With an array of fabrics, such as cotton, linen and satin, it’s easy to swap between smart and laid-back styles to suit your workplace. From classic white designs to bold patterned styles, there are many ways to wear a shirt dress, making them an ideal wardrobe staple, whatever your taste. Again, these dresses can be layered with tights and various outerwear pieces, so you can style them to suit every season.
Sun dress
A relaxed dress code at work gives you more freedom to wear the pieces you love so that you can opt for more laid-back clothing styles such as floaty sun dresses. Sun dresses commonly feature a wide neckline and thin shoulder straps and are made with lightweight fabrics suited to warmer weather.
If your workplace allows you to wear what you like, you can wear your sundress on its own with your favourite pair of shoes. Alternatively, you can add a touch of formality to your look by wearing a smart jacket over your dress or layering a long-sleeve or t-shirt top. Slip dresses are a versatile staple in your wardrobe due to their minimalist designs and layering potential.
What to wear with a summer dress at work
Once you’ve chosen your dress, you’ll need a few coordinating items to help create a put-together aesthetic. With various jackets and accessories, you can change the look of your dress every time you wear it.
Jackets
If you love to layer your clothing, you can use a stylish jacket to change your look and add extra warmth on cooler days. Whether you choose a slouchy denim shirt, an edgy leather jacket or a sophisticated blazer, you can use your outwear to tailor your outfit to suit your workplace’s dress code.
Dress up a casual summer dress with a structured jacket, or add a laid-back vibe to a smart, fitted dress with a lightweight shacket over the top. Experimenting with your working wardrobe will allow you to create go-to ensembles to wear regularly.
Accessories
Once you’ve curated an outfit you love, you can stop there or add subtle accessories to elevate your look. Adding delicate or statement jewellery pieces such as necklaces and rings will elevate your summer dress’s look while adding character to your look.
You can also add a handbag in a matching or contrasting colour to coordinate with our outfit’s colour palette. Then, if it fits in with your dress code, finish off your work outfit with an elegant pair of sunglasses for a touch of sophistication.
What shoes go with summer dresses?
Complement your summer dress with suitable shoes for the ultimate workwear ensemble. While you must be comfortable at work, that doesn’t mean you must compromise on style.
Court shoes
A pair of classic court shoes will go perfectly with your summer dress, especially if you opt for a more formal style. Court shoes feature a protective closed-toe design and can be purchased in various heel heights, so it’s easy to find a pair suitable for wearing all day.
Whether you prefer patent or matte leather styles, a pair of court shoes can instantly dress up your summer dress to make it more work appropriate. They are ideal for those working in a corporate environment, as they give off a smart, professional aesthetic you can take from day to night.
Sandals
If your office dress code is smart-casual, you can embrace summer footwear styles by pairing chic sandals with your summer dress. With flat, heeled and wedge designs, there are plenty of ways to incorporate sandals into your workwear.
Sandals are perfect for summer as they allow your feet to breathe, and there are plenty of classic and contemporary options. Go casual with a comfortable flat variety, or elevate your look with a supportive low or mid-height block heel. You can opt for a neutral pair for excellent versatility or go bold to add a pop of colour to your workwear.
Trainers
When your workplace offers a relaxed dress code, comfort is key. Luckily, there is a pair of trainers to complement every type of outfit, so it’s easy to add a casual touch to your summer dress. From canvas to leather, you can experiment with various materials and colours to find an option that suits the vibe of your outfit.
For fun floral pieces, a classic black, white or nude pair of trainers create a more laid-back look without drawing attention away from the gorgeous fabric of your gown. In contrast, bold footwear makes an interesting addition to dresses featuring block colours. Try a sleek, slip-on design without laces to smarten up your look. Their practical design will ensure that the focus remains on your dress while injecting professionalism into your outfit.
Boots
Many summer dresses can be styled to suit every season. The best way to wear your dress during the colder months is to wear them with a glamorous pair of boots to protect your feet. You can also layer your look with tights to add an extra element of warmth.
Various types of boots can be paired with a summer dress, from Chelsea boots to biker boots. Choose a design to complement the style of your dress for a beautifully curated look suitable for the office.
Summer dresses at Yumi
There are many ways to wear summer dresses for work, so you can embrace the trend whatever your dress code. With the right garments, accessories and footwear, you can curate an outfit that is weather-appropriate while still adhering to your workplace’s clothing guidelines.
At Yumi, we’re proud to offer a huge selection of women’s summer dresses for every occasion. Our collection features wearable colours, patterns and silhouettes, so you’re guaranteed to find the perfect piece.
We also offer everything you need to style your work dress, including jackets, shoes and accessories, so you can easily create various looks to suit your 9-5. Explore our stunning range today and choose from simple and statement designs to enhance your summer wardrobe.
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