10 Summer Dresses That Work for the Office

Summer dresses are glorious. They’re light, flowy, come in pretty patterns, and have a magical way of keeping you cool and looking adorable at the same time. Of course, not all styles can be deemed “work appropriate.” Depending on where you are, short skirts and spaghetti straps might be frowned upon by your HR department. Plus, who wants to shiver under an air conditioner for eight hours in the pursuit of showing off that cute daisy print? It’s just not worth it. Luckily, we have a slew of effortlessly cool styles that won’t incite any dress code violations.

Just Female Natasha Maxi Dress

Anyone who has attempted to commute in an urban area knows that traveling in the summer is hot and sticky no matter where you go — which means business suits are absolutely out. Wearing a maxi dress like this one is a great solution for staying cool and professional once you arrive at work.

UO Gabrielle Linen Midi Wrap Dress

Wrap yourself in breezy comfort when you wear this simple midi dress. Everyone in the office will ask you where you bought it.

ASOS Stradivarius Short Sleeve Stripe Dress

You’ll look forward to casual Friday when you add this laid-back but still profesh frock into your wardrobe rotation. You can dress it up or down by pairing it with heels, ballet flats, or even sneakers.

H&M Jersey Dress with Smocking

If you’re in a more casual office, chances are you have a little more wiggle room when it comes to your fashion choices. When the weather gets warm, feel free to opt for some breathable jersey fabric.

Madewell Posy Ruffle Dress

Just because you’re in a workplace doesn’t mean you have to put away your frilly dresses. You can easily slip on that ruffly dress on a Monday morning when you know the temperatures will be climbing.

Boohoo Plus Georgie Asymmetric Hem Shift Dress

Even summer dresses can be a little bit more formal. A sleek and professional shift dress is flattering, polished, and summer-friendly.

Lulu’s Afternoon Stroll Polka Dot Midi Dress

Feel free to strip off those sleeves on hot days, even when you’re on the clock. But a good way to balance out a little skin-baring is to look for a sleeveless dress that has a longer hem. A trendy pattern doesn’t hurt either.

Lush Haley Crepe Dress

The last thing you need when the temperatures start climbing is to wear a clingy silo. Instead of sweating through the day, throw on this flowy tunic that has a modest hemline and comes in seasonal colors.

Zara Shirt Dress With Belt

Shirt dresses are awesome for summer since they’re simultaneously polished but still comfortable. And this one comes with a matching belt that adds an extra bit of tailoring to tie your look together.

Club Monaco Saffra Dress

Imagine yourself sashaying through the cubicles in this ruffly number, taking calls, filing files, and never, ever breaking a sweat.