What are you wearing to the office this summer?

[FedglingFTB]

I don't have a 'summer wardrobe' let alone a summer work one, in a bid to avoid 100 denier tights in August I've invested in a pair tailored culottes and a simple maxi skirt. Now I don't have a clue what to wear with them?

Everything in the shops seem to be armless, creasey, man made sweat-fests. Or plain tees - which i'd look like a right slob in.

How do people stay smart in summer!?

[MrsBadger]

I am very boring:
in winter I wear a longsleeved tailored shirt, merino vneck or cardi, trous and brogues or short skirt/tights/boots
In summer I wear a short sleeved tailored shirt, vneck or cardi, a-line skirt and closed-toe flats OR if it's roasting a cotton shirt-dress and flats

It's practically school uniform but it suits both me and the office. Does need ironing though.

[MrsBadger]

... so what I meant to helpfully suggest was how about a sleeveless blouse? Uniqlo do some good colours for people less boring than me

[MaybeDoctor]

I am the queen of the summer dress - but I do have quite a casual office.

In the intermittent funny weather that doesn't quite know what it is doing I wear smart jeans and a colour-coordinated top and cardigan.

[MinesaPinot]

I work for a legal firm in London. Office is fairly relaxed to a point.

For summer I have got several dresses - short sleeved/sleeveless which I throw on with a short cardi or jacket depending on the weather. Simple lines, usually A-line, and easy to wear. Have got flats to travel in, and usually leave a pair of neutral heels/wedges in work to change into. Most of my dresses come from Cos or Uniqlo, although am sat in work at present wearing a navy/cream striped dress from Seasalt with rose gold ballet pumps from Primark. I've also just bought a culotte jumpsuit from Uniqlo.

I would look for a crisp sleeveless shirt to go with your culottes/skirt, tucked with with a nice belt perhaps? And flats or wedges.

I remember reading an article about Australian women working in offices etc in the summer, and it emphasised remaining smart, but keeping armpits and feet cool. That's what I aspire to.....

[FedglingFTB]

Oooh, a uniform, that's exactly what I want Badger. I like the look of shirts... on other people. I'm broad in the shoulders and find I feel quite masculine in them, also when tucked in it feels bulky also averse to ironing.

I'll have a look at Uniqlo, I bought a lovely jumpsuit, but it was too short in the body for me 😢

[FedglingFTB]

Oh Minesa smart summer shoes, that's a whole separate dilemma. I hate getting my feet out, so sandals are a no-no. Not sure I can face another summer of sweaty ballet pumps

[MrsBadger]

I buy really fitted ones, unbutton as far as decent and don't tuck them in.
Personally I do dress in quite a mannish tailored way rather than soft or flowing or frilly but I like to think it's a look rather than boringness personified. And it all fits - none of this 'boyfriend' stuff. I like to think it has a slightly 40s or 50s vibe [wishful thinking].
It does mean everything goes with everything else though.

[Judydreamsofhorses]

I am struggling with this this week. I am a big fan of culottes/wide legged trews, but think they need something tucked in, or sitting just on the waist, otherwise you can look like a triangle. Most of my tops are long-sleeved blouses (and they can look bulky tucked in) or t-shirts which are a bit too casual. (I also mainly wear those bottoms with trainers.) I have quite a lot of midi-dresses, but feel like it's not quite warm enough for proper summer frocks yet. No advice, just empathising!

[Etymology23]

I wear lots of phase 8 (occasionally m and s or Laura Ashley) summer dresses with a cardi, jacket or jumper that I can discard if it's too warm.

[MrsBadger]

(I bought these to hide less-than-perfect toenails while still allowing airflow)

[Fernanie]

Not sure I can face another summer of sweaty ballet pumps
You might already be doing this, but if you're not, get some of these or similar: www.wolfordshop.co.uk/hosiery/socks/cotton-footsies-socks/41531.html?dwvar_41531_color=7005
They make a huge difference to the sweat factor!

[FedglingFTB]

Ah, you're one of those chic yet understated dressers Badger . I'm crap at putting stuff together, bloody magpie. I'll come back with a gaudy print and a pair of wellies because they we're a bargain (in summer) and then wonder why I look like Worsel Gummidge.

I do have those Fern from M&S, they have gel to keep them in place. Couldn't get on with the elasticated ones, I once managed to catapult one across the office from my foot!