Fashion Jobs – How to Style Your Summer Dress for Work

Jun 26, 2016

Style Nine to Five - Fashion Jobs

Fun dresses are a summer wardrobe essential, but can sometimes be tricky to transition into workwear. Between the high hemlines, flashy prints and slinky straps, it can be hard to find the perfect summer dress you can still look professional in.

When choosing a dress to wear during hot months at the office, look for quality fabrics and classic cuts to still appear respectable. Linen and chambray are great fabrics to wear in the summer at work because they still have structure to them. Colourwise, neon brights can be fun to wear but best reserved for other times. Coral, turquoise and mustard are easy colours to tone down for the office but still feel appropriate for summer. Sleeveless pieces can still be fine as long as the straps aren’t too flimsy and chances are your office is air conditioned so adding a cardigan on top will keep it modest and help you fight off chills – a win win. Stick to lighter accessories to go with your summer dress- think cognac and tan pieces instead of black clunky shoes and bags. Ditch the briefcase and find a fun straw bag to carry your work essentials in to add to the summer vibe you’ve got going on.

Here’s some outfit inspiration for you!

summer dress 1• H&M Mustard Ruffle Dress, $19.99

• Topshop Clog Sandals, $80

• J. Crew Cotton Cardigan, $85

• BaubleBar Venus Collar Necklace, $48

summer dress 2

• Lulu’s Chambray Shift Dress, $49

• Madewell Braided Leather Belt, $45

• Sole Society Slingback Wedge Sandal, $80, available at Nordstrom

• Lilly Pulitzer Straw Tote, $160, available at In The Pink

summer dress 3

• Banana Republic Red Tassel Dress, $49

• Dolce Vita Cream Ankle Booties, $164, available at Gilt

• Bar III Drape White Vest, $108, available at Macy’s

• Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace, $80

summer dress 4

• Mango White Embroidered Sundress, $100, available at ASOS

• Tommy Hilfiger Red Cotton Blazer, $81, available at Macy’s

• Hogan Panelled White Brogue Shoes, $245, available at FarFetch

• Coach Tristen Gold and Blue Watch, $148

• Matt & Nat Leather Laptop Backpack, $175, available at Nordstrom

summer dress 5

• Topshop Pink Off the Shoulder Dress, $75, available at Nordstrom

• Accessorize Ellie Floral Earrings, $29

• ALDO Neroli Gold Flats, $45

• Kate Spade Blair Straw Tote, $186, available at Nordstrom

Inspiration image: Krista Robertson, courtesy of Covering the Bases

By: Sarah Brooks, Toronto

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