Summer at work in Australia is a strange mix. You arrive hot after the commute, then spend the day in an office where the air conditioning can feel almost wintry. Most workplaces are now business casual, which is good news: breathable blouses, shirt dresses and relaxed trousers are exactly what the season calls for. Here is how to put them together so you look polished from the first meeting to after-work drinks.
The summer work capsule
These pieces cover weeks of office outfits:
- Two loose blouses in light colours
- One printed or striped blouse
- One collared shirt dress
- One relaxed midi dress with a defined waist
- Two pairs of wide-leg or relaxed trousers
- One light cardigan for the air conditioning
- One pair of closed-toe flats
- One pair of low block heel sandals, if your office allows open toes
Six summer office outfit formulas
1. The blouse and wide-leg trouser
A loose button-through blouse with wide-leg trousers is cool, comfortable and professional. The Nerja Relaxed Button Through Blouse half-tucked into wide-leg pants looks effortless. Browse pants.
2. The shirt dress
A collared shirt dress is the most office-ready summer piece: one layer, structured enough for meetings, airy enough for the commute. Try the Nerano Collared Shirt Midi Dress or the Monterey Striped Shirt Midi Dress.
3. The sleeved blouse for client days
Bell and flutter sleeves cover the upper arms and look refined. The Nantucket Bell Sleeve V-Neck Blouse works with trousers or a midi skirt.
4. The polished midi dress
A pleated or wrap midi dress looks elegant and stays cool. The Assisi Pleated V-Neck Midi Dress transitions easily to evening plans. See all midi dresses.
5. The matching set
A wide-leg two-piece set looks deliberate and pulled together, which is ideal for presentation days. The Lucca Striped Wide Leg Two Piece Set can also be split up and worn with other basics. Browse two-piece sets.
6. The casual Friday
A textured polo top with relaxed trousers and flats. The Montauk Textured Waffle Knit Polo Top is smart but relaxed.
How to dress for air conditioning
- Keep a light cardigan at your desk, such as the Kalamata Lace Panel Knit Cardigan.
- Choose sleeves over sleeveless tops for full days indoors.
- Midi and longer hemlines keep your legs warmer in cold meeting rooms.
- A scarf adds warmth around the neck and folds into a drawer.
Shoes for summer workdays
Many offices still prefer closed toes. A neat ballet flat or Mary Jane looks professional and is comfortable for the commute. Try the Mojacar Faux Leather Bow Ballet Flats or the Uzes Rounded Toe Mary Jane Flats. If open toes are fine, a low block heel sandal like the Sete Strappy Low Block Heel Sandals dresses up any outfit. See all flats.
Commuting tip: on very hot days, commute in comfortable sandals and keep a pair of flats under your desk.
What to avoid in a summer office
- Very sheer fabrics without a camisole underneath.
- Beach-style slides and flip-flops.
- Very short hemlines, which also feel colder in air conditioning.
- Heavy fabrics that crease badly after a hot commute.
Frequently asked questions
What should women wear to work in summer?
Loose blouses, shirt dresses, midi dresses, wide-leg trousers, closed-toe flats and a light cardigan for air conditioning. These pieces stay cool and look professional.
Are sleeveless tops appropriate for the office?
It depends on your workplace. In many business casual offices they are fine with a cardigan on hand. For client meetings, a sleeved blouse looks more polished.
Can I wear sandals to work?
In many offices, neat sandals with a low block heel are acceptable. Avoid beach slides and flip-flops, and check your workplace dress code.
How do I stay cool on my commute?
Choose loose, breathable shapes in light colours, commute in comfortable sandals, and change into flats at the office if needed.
For weekend and holiday looks, read our main guide to summer outfits for women over 50 or browse tops and blouses.
