Summer workwear

[Tartanpink]

I am in need of a summer work wardrobe and have no idea where to begin!

I work in a professional job and my usual workwear would be a suit or a smart dress and tights. I always wear flat loafer type shoes. There are days when I wear slightly more casual dresses with tights and loafers.

Our office is exceptionally hot and I’d like to wear dresses without tights or even smart trousers, a blouse and I’m not sure if sandals would be appropriate or would look too casual?

I really don’t like wearing heels so I’m unsure what type of shoe to pair with a dress without tights?

please feel free to give me suggestions of dresses, blouses, smart sandals and shoes to wear with a dress. For reference I’m a size 12-14 and 5 ft 4

Are you in the UK? or even smart trousers sounds exceptionally restrictive. (I worked in the most traditional of City professions in a previous century and trousers were completely acceptable then.)

Why is it not possible for the temperature of your office to be made more comfortable?

And heels haven’t been standard work wear for years. Have you really not noticed?

Perhaps you could suggest a budget? There is an infinite variety of choice in the items you mention.

@CountryCousin apologies I may have worded that poorly, I am able to wear trousers.

The type of environment I work in is a bit old fashioned (think old school policing…but don’t actually work for the police) and many women wear heels. I can’t think of what type of shoe would go well with smart mini or midi dresses.

Budget would be up to about £100 per outfit

Maybe these? Breathable but smart enough.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1077645048/beige-ballet-flats-ballerina-slingback?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=slingback+mules&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&pro=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

or

https://www.salt-watersandals.com/gb-en/original-claret-women.html
(many colour options)

Depends on whether a strict workwear dress code 'allows' open toed sandals. Can't for the life of me see why not, in 2023, but some are a bit pernickety about them. And slip-ons, too.

Okay - I’m assuming pupil or very new tenant in chambers - hence selection of black linen dresses below. The oversized is from Community Clothing - I’d wear it with a smart black leather belt on more casual days. You may need to tap each photo for details.

I don’t see why any of these couldn’t be worn with loafers?

What about ballet shoes they can look nice with smart dresses.

Breathable fabrics only, if hot office! Linen/ viscose/ cotton/ tencel...

I'd go for neutral sleeveless tops and neutral, tailored ankle-grazer/straight leg linen trousers. With a smart, colourful, lightweight jacket or blazer to sling on only when absolutely necessary.
(Assuming your dress code isn't restricted to dark and muted palette as well!)

With co-ordinating coloured flat shoes/sandals/backless slip-on mules or loafers.
Or a neutral, but a few shades darker than trousers and top.

Overall outfit look will be lengthening and smart.

These maybe a bit pricey for your budget, although lots of flexibility to mix and match with other outfits, but just for inspiration:

Tops:
https://www.johnlewis.com/reiss-taylor-v-neck-top/cream/p6329801

https://www.johnlewis.com/reiss-delia-v-neck-t-shirt-cream/p109853753

https://www.landsend.co.uk/Womens_LinenCotton_Vest_Top_/pp/P_42789.html?dwvar_P__42789_sizeVariation=48&dwvar_P__42789_color=JQ4&cgid=Tab_2&dwvar_P__42789_size=M

https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/fitted-workwear-shirt-ivory/sty-t1184-ivo

Jacket:
https://www.jigsaw-online.com/collections/petite/products/irish-linen-herringbone-brook-blazer-green

Shoes:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/MAYPIE-Womens-MPL002-Brown-Size/dp/B07PKNGFHS/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=MAYPIE&qid=1685086512&sr=8-1

Wow, lots of great responses thank you for your help. I’m clueless when it comes to fashion!

@FlauntsHerAmpleAssets I really like the shoes. I hadn’t considered a backless shoe. I don’t think the policy mentions being able to wear open toe or not. I always have a nice pedicure just in case though! I like the idea of the blouses with a nice bright coloured blazer.

@CountryCousin unfortunately not the correct job role, I wish it was as that sounds well paid 😂. I am the criminal justice world though. Some really great, smart dress options. I have quite chunky calves so feel that I look a bit dumpy in flats and a dress. Will give it a try though.

Dresses and flat shoes are completely the norm right now - no one will look twice or wonder why you’re wearing those things.

The brands in those photos are about as mainstream as it gets - they have plenty of alternatives if you don’t specifically need black. But definitely look for linen if you have no control over your work environment. (Very light wool is also great in heat - but much more expensive. (Avoid cotton poplin, particularly bright, block colours, if you’re at all sweaty. Worse than useless.)

A quick, brilliant tip from a different thread about hot offices.

Take frozen flat gel packs, or a small cooling pad for cats, to rest your feet on under the desk!