There’s nothing more devastating than coming back to work after the holiday period – a chore, made inevitably worse when it’s 30-something degrees outside and your outfits for the last two weeks have relied on a rotation of adorable swimsuits and beach throwovers. We know it’s hard, especially when you’re dealing with the dress code of ‘January casual’ – where linen pants and sandals are acceptable, but denim shorts are probably not. It’s a fine line and a tricky one at that.
Which is why we’re here to help. To make your transition back to the 9-5 a little easier, we’ve curated the perfect selection of work-appropriate attire that will make getting ready in the morning that bit more enjoyable. Featuring a mixture of cool, lightweight materials, adorable summer dresses, and the perfect on-hand blazer for unexpected client visits, we have well and truly got you covered.
Keep scrolling for the items we’re definitely including in our back to work summer wardrobe.
Suit up
For those unexpected client meetings, business lunches or events, having a blazer in your kit means you can easily elevate your casual summer day outfit without a sweat. Thrown over a flowy maxi dress or a crisp white T-shirt and tailored pants, all you need to add is a pair of strappy heels and a few accessories and your outfit automatically exudes office chic! We love this ‘Linen Pocket Blazer’ from Country Road. The long-lined silhouette and lightweight fabric create the perfect relaxed fit.
Country Road ‘Linen Pocket Blazer’, $299, countryroad.com.au
Wear the pants
As far as pants go, the best option is a style that’s sophisticated, but still versatile – just like the Camilla & Marc ‘Claudette Pant’. The silky texture and soft tapered leg create the ultimate relaxed and comfortable fit, while still keeping it classic. Pair with a blouse of the same material and a top-handle mini bag to take you from office hours to summer drinks.
Camilla & Marc ‘Claudette Pant’, $250, camillandmarc.com
Comfort is key
Thankfully, the strappy mid-heel doesn’t seem to be going anywhere this coming season, which means if you haven’t already, you should be adding a pair of these comfortable and practical heels to your wardrobe. Available in a variety of styles and colours, there’s no shortage of options and is the easiest way to dress up your look, while still keeping it office appropriate.
Alias Mae ‘Baxter Heel’, $159.96, aliasmae.com.au
Relaxed fit
For those days when putting together a multi-faceted outfit requires too much effort, it’s essential to have an easy-to-throw-on summer dress at the ready. You can keep it simple, opting for a neutral palette, or have a bit of fun sporting a print like the gorgeous ‘Mimosa Broderie Day Dress’, by Aje.
Aje ‘Mimosa Broderie Day Dress’, $415, ajeworld.com.au
Short and sweet
I know we ruled out denim shorts earlier, but no-one has ever had anything against a pair of well-tailored linen culottes. Settle on a pair that cut off around the knee in a neutral pattern or colour and you’ll be turning heads for all the right reasons. We can’t get enough of the ‘Super Eight Stripped Culotte’ from Zimmermann – the belt just adds a little something extra!
Zimmermann ‘Super Eight Stripped Culotte’, $495, zimmermann.com
The finer details
If an outfit just isn’t gelling, it’s probably because you’re missing the final piece – accessories. Add a spot of sparkle or a spritz of gold to your look and watch it all come together. Australian jewellery brand Amber Sceats has an abundant range of pieces to suit everyone’s taste, whether you’re searching for some statement earrings or a more classic necklace.
Amber Sceats ‘Kamilla Earrings’, $229, ambersceats.com
This article originally appeared on InStyle.
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