Office wardrobe in summer ideas?

[penguinbiscuits]

Hi I'm relocating to an extremely hot place (think Dubai) and I'm struggling to find the right wardrobe for work. I'll be spending time in an office (with aircon) but also outside. I think I need mostly cotton and linen, but I'm a bit stuck?

So far a have a couple of oversized cotton shirts like in the picture, and some loose linen pants. For shoes I don't know.. I will need to look pretty smart but most things for hot a hot climate look too casual?

I'm not very fashion savvy, can anyone please recommend some key pieces?

Gah mumsnet won't let me post photos but I was thinking oversized cotton shirt over a singlet. Reading that I realise that doesn't sound great.

That's all the ideas I have

I think anything cotton or linen is going to work. It depends how formal you need to look for work and what the ‘dress code’ of the country is as well. But I think linen and cotton shirts and linen trousers will be fine. Can you also wear dresses? Maybe a wrap dress?
For shoes can you wear open toed low block heeled sandals?
I think if you add accessories and jewellery then your outfit will look more put together and work appropriate whilst also being suitable for hot climates.

Dress code is smart, I've been told no sandals. It's left me feeling a bit lost. What other shoes can I wear in 35 degree heat...?

Shoes - go for slingbacks? Low or with a block heel. Looks formal from the front but still airy.

Tops - long sleeved linen shirts or silk blouses/popover tops. Or good quality white t-shirts. For more fitted/traditional shapes, try Jaegar, Autograph, Reiss. If you can pull off the oversize/architect look, try Cos and ARKet.

I’ve recently bought this and really like it - https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-silk-blouse/p/clp60677208?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

Blazers are great, but make sure the lining fabric isn’t polyester.

@Nospecialcharactersplease I forgot about jaeger as a brand, thank you ! Will have a browse on there now.

I'm 5"8 and a size 10 so I think I'll suit most things. I'm worried silk will soak in sweat though, not sure if I'm being too dramatic

I'd be prepared for it to be baltic inside the offices tbh. I've not worked in Dubai, but have done quite a bit across SE Asia and their offices are always freezing.

We have aircon at work (which IMO is really only required on a handful of days a year) and I agree about offices being baltic, so keep a jacket or cardigan to wear in the office.

@penguinbiscuits i forgot about the sweat issue! I might take it back, it’s still within the return period.

I am in the same position with lots of travel in the Middle East coming up.

What do you mean you’ll also be outside? This is very atypical in virtually all office working environments in Dubai.

The office (including communal areas/lifts/parking areas) will be freezing so chances are you’ll need to dress for a U.K. spring day (cardi and/or wrap essential!). Even if you do have to go outside, from April - October (at least) there’s no possible way to dress for the weather so don’t overthink it!

What are you going to be doing outside?
"No sandals" could mean that they have a pretty formal approach to the office but might also be a safety thing.

What about this from Arket?

Have a look at Uniqlo - they've got a lot of linen or cotton linen blend in stock.

I am on holidays at the moment in hot weather and so many of the shops have lovely light dresses/ trousers that l wouldn't get wear out of at home. Can you wait until you arrive and shop there as the clothes will suit the climate. And only buy a little until you meet your workmates.

@Merrilydancing apart from the fact that seems very unlikely to meet the formal office brief, OP will run the risk of look like she’s wearing male national dress which was laundered with a red sock

Best in mind if it's as hot as Dubai there might be very efficient Air Conditioning so in places such as malls, cinemas and office spaces it's actually good to have a layer on. Office clothes are still very much the uniform trousers and jackets. Cannot go wrong with M&S .. avoid see through tops with a few beige slips .. that way you can wear a light blouse so it's cooler when you do step out but bear in mind most of the time you are likely to be a cool climate controlled office

I won't be in Dubai, I'll be in Dubai-like temperatures

I'll be having meetings with clients at outdoor cafes and restaurants 2-3 times a week, so I don't want to be dripping in sweat when everyone else is acclimatised. So silk, polyester is out

No time unfortunately - I'll be going to work soon after I arrive so won't get a chance to shop around

I've been to the office and people wear blazers etc. but I don't think they go out to meet clients as much as I will be doing.

Uniqlo is a great suggestion too as someone recommended - having a look now.

Forgot to add I've been on extended mat leave (and covid WFH before that) so I'm completely out of touch with the current office fashion.

I'm aware it's a lot of oversize, but it seems it's a lot of casual stuff too, which I'm wary about as my manager said I should dress smart.

Sorry misread “think dubai” as dubai.

I’ve spent a lot of time working across ME and if you want accurate advice you might need to be more specific. Muscat has a very different vibe to Abu Dhabi which is very different again to Tehran or Beirut and none of them have much of an outdoor cafe culture between April and October, which is what is really throwing me with suggestions.

probably wide leg tailored cotton/linen trousers and a tailored sleeveless (depending on conservatism) shell top will serve you best with a blazer for when you’re indoors.

a very light weight shawl is a must if you don’t tolerate the sun well and/or you’re in a more conservative country/area.

Sling back flats in Leather are best bet to prevent sweaty blistered feet.