Summer work clothes

[Rtato]

I really need help with summer work clothes. Everything seems to be too casual or too formal! I don’t like trousers, so am looking at skirts and dresses. My usual look would be Cos, but I fancy a change. I’m 1.6m and a size 10/12 top and a 12/14 for anything that is fitted around the waist. I hate my stomach, so nothing fitted there. My legs are probably my best feature, as I’m quite short, above knee length looks better (but can sometimes look too casual with bare legs). At the weekends I like the short Sezane sundresses, but they are too casual for the office.

I work with mostly men and their uniform seems to be blue shirt and chinos to give you some idea! I just need some inspiration, maybe some new brands to try. I prefer natural fabrics, I’m not keen of overly floral things for work. I’d prefer to wear flat shoes, but don’t mind wearing heels occasionally if it looks better.

Thanks, I have a couple of jackets from there, and a silk vest, but I find it a bit hit and miss in terms of the styles suiting me. I think I’m an odd shape as the dresses don’t seem to sit right on me.

I was in Benetton recently and they had a fantastic colourful range of summer clothes, which looked very European. They had a lot of linen and cotton

@Rtato , I wouldn't dismiss Seasalt altogether, as the clothes are decent quality, but you need to only go for things in your own style.
The prints are definitely not for me but the plain linen might be.
(It does seem a bit fixed in my mind as 'Mum likes their clothes' but she likes the printed tunics and cropped trousers, and she is not my age.)

Short striped shirt collar dress | The Kooples

I didn’t realise they were still going!! I have a fine wool cardigan from there that must be nearly 20yrs old!! It’s a bit holey now, so I use it for bed in the winter, but it lasted so well especially as I didn’t take too much care with washing and drying when I was a late teen. My husband introduced me to the concept of delicate washing and drying flat! I will definitely check it out, hopefully it’s still the same quality.

@UpMyself yes, in my mind it’s what my mum wears! She’s usually head to toe in Seasalt or Joules. Nothing wrong with it, she looks great, it’s just not really my style. Especially the shoes!

I like that Kooples dress, thanks.

I used to LOVE Benetton too and didn’t realise it was still going!

If you like the Nordic architect look then cropped trousers would work for the summer. Oysho linen separates are surprisingly good quality for the price
ignore the styling on the page - something like a pair of cropped trousers with the short sleeved shirt either to match or in a contrast colour would be smart for the office. On cooller days the shirt works with a long sleeve scoop neck tshirt underneath. Uniqlo is also always worth a browse.

@Rtato , are we siblings?

What do Nordic Architects wear?
Japanese and Finnish styles are cool IMO, but some of the Japanese styles are in the tunic and printed pants area, but somehow they work. I'd love to try it but suspect I'd look like I was in too short scrubs, or in my mum's seasalt.

Women's Linen Clothing | OYSHO United Kingdom
(like many other sites, it did my head in a little bit)

More linen:
Dresses | Beaumont Organic

Love or hate her, I feel like Meaghan Markle did nail smart hot weather dressing. Those button front sleeveless dresses she wore, sleeveless linen shirts with tailored trousers - that kind of thing.

Nordic architect 😂I love it. This is going to be my guiding aesthetic from now on!

Time to ditch the Amish wench look (I am a massive TOAST fan but I don't think a lot of it is smart enough for work).

Yes but she has good shoulders.
I don't think arms and shoulders should be on display, but I'm not a Californian celebrity.

(my stilton colour crepey scraggy arms and shoulders are best shrouded in an air of mystery)

I find summer work clothes more difficult! I work in a corporate role but mainly at home so I don't have this issue anymore. I hate clothes that are too formal as they make me feel frumpy! I can get away with wearing something like this in neutral colours and prints when I need to go into the office, and its also something i can wear at home . I normally pair with a jacket and flat shoes. I also like a nice pair of lightly coloured tailored trousers, I don't think you can go wrong with those.

Crew has quite a few in at the moment that would be suitable for work
Women's Dresses For Every Occasion | Crew Clothing

Agnes B is on the more expensive end but has some really nice options for summer work wear..

www.agnesb.com/en-uk/women/clothing/dresses/black-viscose-mouette-dress-Q578JHN2_000.html

I’m a 5 ft 2 apple and have bought lots of stuff from Whistles this season. They have some really nice jumpsuits and linen stuff. Like you I have comparatively slim legs but haven’t found any dresses I like this summer so I am wearing wide linen trousers/fitted tops/ jumpsuits.

I’ve got loads of nice summer shift dresses from vinted this year. I just look for my size and for BNWT and others that are in very good condition.

ive lost weight recently and have saved a fortune on a new summer work wardrobe.

massimo?

Oh god I look like Mr Tumble in a jumpsuit. They accentuate my round stomach and pull in at the crotch. I burst out laughing the last time I tried one, but I have lost some weight recently so it might be time to revisit!

I like their clothes, but wrap dresses don’t suit me. It’s the v-neck I think, it makes me look broad, when I don’t think I am. I think it’s my lack of boobs, they sit high and look like I’ve stuck them on!

Thanks, some do look more work like, but I like a bit more structure. It skims over my wobbly bits!

Love this thread!
I just did a bit of a trolley dash in M&S today - they have great things this season but emphasis on separates from what I could see so may not suit the shape you say you like.

i also LOVE OSKA - clothes for life really but to make them work appropriate you need (1) attitude (2) strong on trend jewelry (3) the right shoes that this can be extremely hard in summer for shorter women
www.oska.com/looks/?_gl=1%2A18b6czh%2A_gcl_au%2ANjI0Mzc0NjM0LjE3NDc3NjczNDQ.

I got some great linen separates for there @LazJaz and I only went in for some food! Some cropped trousers and sleeveless tops. I bought them in both colours and an extra one last week in the size below. I can’t wait for them to get back online as I wanted to order another pair of the trousers in a size down as they’re perfect and I’m worried they won’t sell them anymore. They are the only trousers I’ve liked for about 10yrs!!

I like some of those Oska clothes you’ve linked (although some would make me look like I’m off to a karate class), I will investigate further!

Boden? Their clothes are great quality so you'd be buying some pieces to last a few years. Fatface currently have some beautiful sand pink wide leg trousers if that's your thing. They're smart enough for work but you could glam them up for evenings.

Boden doesn’t suit me at all unfortunately as it’s all very cheap on Vinted! I’ve never seen anything in fat face I like, I always think it’s more casual/beach wear, but I’ll have another look. I’m not really keen on trousers. I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to wear them to work, I’m definitely more of a skirt/dress person (the recent trousers I bought were a wfh purchase).

Sorry, I realise I’m being very fussy, but I have appreciated all the responses and have already ordered some things from Margaret Howell and Soeur which I am hoping will fit the bill!