Smart, cooling and comfortable, the right work dress is effortless to throw on but makes you look instantly pulled together. Plus, with only accessories to consider in the morning, you might even get a few more minutes in bed. Win-win.
As we ease into high summer, weekend and workday wardrobes become more distinct. Bare shoulders, shorter hemlines, sheer fabrics and plunging necklines are best suited to barbecues and picnics. But on stuffy commutes you’ll want to keep cool and collected, while striking the balance between summery and polished enough for work. The answer? Invest in a few seasonal work dresses and keep them on rotation.
From shirt and shift styles to silk numbers that will see you through to after work drinks, we’ve rounded up the summer dress options that feel both office-appropriate and bang on trend for summer.
The Shirt Dress
Phase Eight Natalie Burgundy Shirt Dress
The White Company Organic Cotton Poplin Shirt Dress
Inspired by the classic menswear staple, shirt dresses were literally made for the office.
But while crisp cotton-poplin looks smart, the coolest designs have a modern twist: statement prints, oversized pockets, pleated details or utilitarian hardware.
Our top pick is Phase Eight's Broderie shirt dress – the belted waist makes it feel elevated enough for the office, but you could easily swap out loafers for a pair of espadrilles to make it garden party appropriate.
The Shift Dress
Jaeger Linen Shift Dress
There’s a reason the shift dress is a workwear staple. Not only timelessly stylish, it’s universally flattering too, skimming over your figure to fall in a neat A-line shape.
If you prefer something more fitted, opt for its sister style: the sheath dress. Deftly placed darts will enhance your curves and accommodate a larger bust.
Hobbs' Harmony style nods to Jackie O’s iconic Sixties shifts, while Jigsaw makes retro comfy with an A-line shape and stretchy jersey.
The Black Summer Work Dress
Mango Flared Dress
Boden Long Sleeve Midi Dress
These days, nine-to-five is less common, so there’s often little chance of a quick change before you head out after work on a Friday night. The perfect desk-to-dinner dress can be instantly elevated with a simple shoe swap – leather loafers to heeled sandals.
Luckily, black dresses are summer's new micro-trend. Surprising, we know, since this season is usually associated with colourful hues. However, there's something very chic about a pared-back block-colour dress that lets the cut do the talking.
The best bit? This style will go with absolutely everything in your wardrobe and can be instantly elevated with silver or gold jewellery.
The Printed Midi
Jaeger Printed Midi Shirt Dress
Aspiga Lara Shirt Dress
Boden Midi Shirt Dress
The latest midi dresses are longer than ever and, as a result, more flattering, finishing just above the ankle to highlight the slimmest part of your calf.
Surprisingly versatile, a midi length gives you more options. Fitted and sleeveless silhouettes are balanced by demure hemlines, so they still look formal enough for meetings.
The Long Sleeved Summer Work Dress
Arket Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress
ME+EM Cotton Stripe Midi Shirt Dress
Reiss Striped Midi Dress
Finery London Embroidered V-Neck Midi Dress
Just because summer is here, doesn’t mean you have to bare all. If the idea of showing off your arms brings you out in a cold sweat, fear not, there are plenty of long-sleeved summer dresses out there.
From elegant three-quarter bracelet lengths to billowing balloon shapes, you can choose how much of a statement you want to make.
So, there you have it, the five summer work dress styles that will make you look the business...
