Summer workwear is a serious investment. Get it right and you’ll be able to wear it for season after season, but get it wrong and you’ll be sweating and hiding unsightly see-through patches all summer long.
But fear not, this season has blessed the fashion catwalks with a hoard of fabrics, cuts and hues which are perfect for the boardroom.
From trouser suits and co-ords, to androgynous tailoring, fashion flats and even some sports-luxe influences, there’s something for everyone. And not a trouser suit in sight. Well, not a black one anyway.
So how to wear this hoard of covetable and genuinely desirable workwear buys? Well, try teaming a nower-than-now pair of culottes with metallic accessories, a pleated skirt with mules, some Chloe-inspired wide leg trousers with flat sandals, and mannish trousers with stripes and a statement clutch.
Here’s 30 on-trend pieces which can be mixed and matched to take you from the boardroom presentations to office drinks…
Whistles Navy layered silk chiffon top
The loose-fitting cut of this top is not only perfect for the hottest of summer days and commutes, but also ideal for creating a Roksanda-inspired over-sized silhouette wit wide-leg culottes.
£115.00
Balenciaga light-pink cotton-poplin skirt
Tick off the pastel trend in this pretty-meets-geometric minimalistic skirt. Perfect for teaming with white shirts and a pair of patent pumps.
£395.00
‘Ada’ ice blue double breasted blazer
The classic blazer is given a subtle on-trend pastel makeover and in turn, becomes as versatile as a timeless black version. Wear with a pencil skirt in the office and a pair down with boyfriend jeans and Birkenstocks on the weekend.
£175.00
Jimmy Choo metallic pointed flats
Comfortable and on-trend make these high-shine fashion flats an absolute must. What’s more, they’ll work just as well with a pleated skirt as they will a pair of sports-luxe trousers.
£395.00
Whistles block heel mules
If you buy just one new shoe trend this season, make it the mule. A light and sophisticated, they’re a subtle and easy way to update any summer workwear look.
£165.00
Striped Trousers
If you’re a fan of the pinstripe shirt then it’s time to mix things up and invest in their wide leg pant counterpart. For those daring enough, clash the top and bottom prints, or alternatively team with a boxy neoprene top and sandals.
£39.99
Monki pleated black culottes
Quite possibly the most practical yet directional new season staple are culottes. Comfy while also channelling the elusive cool-Scandi vibe, they’re the ultimate alternative the classic tapered trouser this season.
£45.00
Equipment washed silk shirt
A silk shirt will forever be a smart buy for a working wardrobe, so make sure you have a nude version just like this timeless Equipment number in your styling arsenal.
£230.00
Mother of Pearl sleeveless printed shirt
Wear this pretty floral print with simple navy trousers in the day and make a style statement by teaming them with matching floral trousers for evening look with a bold difference.
£325.00
Scallop-edge Skirt
Wear this cute mini with metallic flats and of course, the matching jacket for a co-ord that oozes 60s cool.
£35.00
New Look white structured backpack
The luxe backpack continues to strive in the fashion world and when they look this good, it’s hard not to ignore. All the room for a laptop and heels without the back strain is a win-win in our eyes.
£19.99
Boucle Scallop-edge Jacket
Co-ords are having a serious moment this summer so investing in matching tops and jackets is a must. Handily, this boucle jacket comes with a matching mini…
£55.00
‘Tilly’ floral pointed flats
Add some colour and print to even the plainest of looks with this pretty yet on-trend point-toe flats.
£150.00
High Waisted Skirt
This elegantly cut skirt is screaming out to be worn with pool slides and a boxy silk jacket.
£59.99
‘Margueritte’ printed silky trousers
Team these boyish trousers with heels and a bold lip for the ultimate boy-meets-girl vibe…
£95.00
3.1 Phillip Lim metallic Pashli messenger bag
Whether you’re wearing a monochrome trouser suit or a pretty shift dress, this metallic bag will add a welcome hit of colour and shine to even the most formal of offices.
£655.00
Band of Outsiders stripe shirt
Add a little androgynous to your look and team this pinstripe shirt with cigarette pants. Heels and a pair of statement earrings will give this look the perfect finish.
£185.00
Two-tone dress
Proving that not all office dresses must be neutral, this subtle pink hued dress is a forever piece that will last for season after season.
£89.00
Jason Wu drawstring trousers
Sports-luxe and office attire may not immediately appear to be an obvious pairing, but these Jason Wu trousers prove how well they can work together.
£930.00
‘Danni’ graphic tortoiseshell sunglasses
You can never have too many sunglasses and these tortoiseshell sunnies make no exception to the collection. Whether teamed with ripped denims or an LBD, these sunglasses are guaranteed to transform your look in a flash.
£70.00
Oasis pleated midi skirt
Pleated skirts form an integral part of any summer workwear wardrobe. Team with metallic flats and a crisp white shirt for a new season update.
£45.00
Blue jacquard trousers
This summer is all about matchy-matchy so style these super-cute trousers with a crisp white shirt and matching jacket.
£42.00
Blue jacquard blazer
It’s time to ease yourself out of the monochrome and navy hued past and into the gorgeously pale blue co-ord present.
£58.00
Grafea peach leather backpack
Let’s be honest, if you’re going to wear a rucksack to work, a fabric style just won’t cut it. Instead, invest in a sleek leather version just like this gorgeous peach hued number.
£165.00
Warehouse pink fluted skirt
For a designer skirt with a high-street price tag, look no further than this knock-out Warehouse skirt. Perfect for ticking off the pastel-hue trend, it’s ideal for taking you from day to night with the help of metallic sandals.
£45.00
Tabitha Simmons ‘Vera’ metallic leather and suede flats
Point-toe flats are comfortable and chic which makes these Tabitha Simmons suede flats a necessity, right?
£435.00
Cut-out crepe dress
Sometimes simplicity prevails, and in the case of this classic yet bold-hued Mango dress, you can see why. Style with paired-back jewellery and a simple ponytail and you’re good to go all summer long…
£34.99
Sophie Hulme mini envelope bag
The perfect shade of leather for summer with the added cool-girl edge of a chunky gold chain, this Sophie Hulme bag will prove invaluable this summer, and the next and the…
£350.00
Cobalt Blue Suede Heels
White is a key colour this season so make sure to add a pop of colour with these electrifying heels.
£110.00
Wrap mini skirt
A geometric twist like this wrap skirt will give even the most classic of shirts and jackets a modern spin but for maximum style points, team with a pair of ankle boots and a boyfriend blazer.
£17.99
Click here to see StyleNest’s roundup of the best summer jackets