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

11th July

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

 

 

 

24 COMMENTS

24 responses to “Summer Office Outfit (for Everything From a Heat Wave to Air Conditioning)”

  1. Laura says:

    Oh I am OBSESSED with that cute top!!! And I agree, summer dressing can be so difficult!

    Laura
    http://www.blackcoffeebeautiful.com

  2. Imogen says:

    Gorgeous outfit. That colour green really suits you x Imogen

    http://www.imogenrose.co.uk

  3. Paola Lauretano says:

    Totally obsessed with your Pedro Mireles pumps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I love the whole look!
    Kisses, Paola.
    Expressyourself

  4. Laurie says:

    I think blazers or suit jackets are such great wardrobe staple. Great with jeans too. I love your sandals btw. A fabulous look. xx
    http://www.vanityandmestyle.com

  5. Gabrielle says:

    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

  6. Anouk says:

    The green top looks lovely!

    ANOUK

  7. Meghan says:

    You have such amazing style.

    Meg | The Blog
    Instagram: MeghanSSilva

  8. Dominique says:

    Such great tips! Couldn’t agree more with wearing layers esp. when it comes to keep that pesky AC air at bay! xx

    http://www.thatnewdress.com

  9. Alyssa says:

    Cute and classy look, I like it 🙂

    xx Alyssa // STYLE VANITY

  10. Lyndi says:

    Ah, I just blogged about this too. The struggle is real! Such a drag to go to work in the summer too – a cute and comfy outfit can be a great motivator 🙂
    Lyndi

    http://www.stylecalling.com

  11. Ashley says:

    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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