The Complete Capsule: 7 Summer Items You Need for Work Right Now

Getting dressed for work is difficult enough as it is; throw in the fact that next week is set to be the hottest of the year so far, and needless to say, it's going to be even trickier to look professionally polished whilst combating the rising temperatures. Let's face it: Wool suiting just won't do, nor will constricting pencil skirts and the like. You need pieces that won't cause you to overheat but won't look out of place at client kickoff meetings either. That's where we come in.

Having spent years honing our summer workwear style, we reckon we've created the ultimate capsule for looking chic in the heat. From the office-appropriate shoes that will keep your feet cool to the versatile dress grown-up influencers always wear, keep scrolling to see and shop the best warm-weather work outfits for summer 2019, made up of seven key pieces.

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1. Short Suit
(Image credit: @erika_boldrin)

Style Notes: Blazers are in integral part of any workwear wardrobe, but never before have we seen the short suit become to prevalent. Ensure your hemline grazes your knee and co-ord will serve you well for even the most formal of meetings. 

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2. Striped Shirt
(Image credit: @natashandlovu)

Style Notes: Nothing has the power to smarten up an outfit quite like a striped shirt. Wear it with a pair of classic jeans for dress-down Fridays, or tuck it into a pair of wide-leg trousers. 

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3. Tan Handbag
(Image credit: @wethepeoplestyle)

Style Notes: Chances are your typical work handbag is black. Are we right? The quickest way to freshen up your existing workwear wardrobe is to switch in a tan. Plus, it'll be more in keeping with your lighter summer colour palette. 

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4. Shirt Dress
(Image credit: @erica_davies)

Style Notes: The perfect workwear hybrid, a shirt dress will always look the professional part, particularly when it features a below-the-knee hemline. Unbutton the collar on warmer days to ensure you don't get too hot. 

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5. Wide-Leg Trousers
(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Style Notes: Tight-fitting trousers on sunny days are a no-go. Instead, try a wide-leg style in cotton or a slinky fabric for a chic but practical ensemble. 

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6. Slingback Heels
(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

Style Notes: Open-toe sandals aren't appropriate for every work environment, but you don't want your feet to swelter in shoes either. Have the best of both worlds with a slingback heel. Your ties will remain covered, while the open back will be a saviour on hot days. 

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7. Button-Side Skirt
(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: Midi skirts with buttons to the side are all over the high-street right now. Incredibly versatile, they look great paired with a crisp white shirt and blazer, while the clever vent to the side will help to keep you cool. 

Next up, shop the five sandals we keep seeing on Instagram

Opening Image: @wethepeoplestyle

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.