Summer Office Outfit (for Everything From a Heat Wave to Air Conditioning)

Summer office attire

Dressing for work in the summer can be a challenge. Here’s an example. We’ve had a recent heat wave in the Bay Area. To make matters worse, the air conditioning in the courtroom where I was working conked out. Then when it was revived the next day, the room was frigid! Here’s how I survive such conditions.

How I dress for work in the summer
Smart Layers

This outfit is an example of how I dress for work in sunny California. The gauzy cap-sleeved top as well as the sandals allow me to feel whatever breeze there is outdoors. On the other hand, cropped pants and a jacket protect me from forced cold air indoors.

I especially love this filmy top that I don’t have to tuck in, since tucked in shirts are not fun when it’s really hot out. Its sheerness also creates a cool effect, subtly revealing the line between the white tank and black trousers.

Close up of filmy blouse for work

This general work attire is quite on trend: the suit or jacket with cropped pants. It can look adorable with oxfords or even laced-up ballerina flats. Of course, I prefer the leg-lengthening effect of heels.

Further Protection When the A/C is Blasting

If I want to take things a little further in staying warm indoors, I sometimes add a light silk scarf. When my chest area is warm, I can stay a lot warmer in places with air conditioning on steroids.

Summer work outfit

Fashion Shoot in Santa Cruz

I took these shots in the early evening hours in Santa Cruz, by the way, where the fog provides natural (reasonable) air conditioning. I love shooting in this town. People are sooo friendly. This couple playfully suggested that “we all get in the shot.” 😀

Fashion shoot in Santa Cruz

One More Tip for Summer Work Dressing

Another court linguist I know wears nude hosiery to prevent A/C goose bumps. I don’t feel comfortable in pantyhose while walking in sometimes 96 degree heat to get to work.

I do, however, wear aerated tights – I mean, those ones that seem more crotcheted than nylon. They might include nude fishnets, which you cannot see unless you are close up. For my traditional workplace, I prefer tights with floral patterns. These aerated tights not only let in air but also prevent blisters caused when my shoes rub against feet swollen from the heat.

I hope you liked this outfit and tips on how to dress for work in summer heat. I’ve mentioned this previously, but I’m currently vacationing in Spain and Italy. If I don’t respond right away to comments, please be patient. I love your feedback!

A summer work ensemble

I wore: Joie top / Piazza Sempione jacket / Wilfred pants (Aritzia) / Pedro Mireles pumps / Furla bag / Balenciaga sunglasses

xo, janea

 

 

 

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24 Responses

  1. This type of short-sleeve blouse can be such a life saver in summer, when you’ve no idea what the weather will be like and often sees you go from air conditioning to heat and back again – as you’ve said! haha 🙂 Love this shade of green on you!

    aglassofice.com
    x

  2. KC is the same- super sweaty + hot outside, but then the offices are SO cold, you can’t just go with bare legs + arms. I love your styling idea, lady- a blazer is such a great all-season piece!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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