Office Style Do's & Don'ts that are Perfect for Transitional Weather

Drawing the line between chic and professional at work is harder than it seems — hard enough to say that many find themselves stuck in their closets riddled with decisions. But what’s worse than indecisiveness? New York summers. Figuring out a stylish work-appropriate look when it’s over 90 degrees out seems just about impossible. You’ll have to take into account the inevitable sweat on your morning commute, the blasting AC next to your desk, and the overbearing colleague pointing out your dress length. Read below to find the perfect harmony of summer workwear without going overboard.

Uplift your look with a classy pop of color. Colorful blazers are a staple that offers the best of both worlds — serving looks in 90-degree weather and nearly freezing-cold office temperatures. Pair them with a slip skirt or trousers, and call it a one-and-done easy work outfit.

Structured Suit Blazer, $100; Mango.com

There’s no better way to enjoy the summer season than with a midi skirt. Dress it down with your favorite hoodie or make it mean business with an off-the-shoulder top. Need something extra graceful for an office meeting? Try shopping for a silk midi — the perfect lightweight fabric and an elegant blank canvas to kick off your outfit. Not-so-minimalists can find printed midi skirts just about anywhere for a range of prices. There’s a unique way for everyone to edge up their midi skirt this summer.

Satin Midi Skirt, $93; Arket.com

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Anything slip-on is appealing. We’re talking slip dresses and slip-on sandals for the win this time around. The ideal slip dress fits comfortably day to night. In the best-case scenario, it works well for a day in the office or a stroll in the park with an easy switch of footwear. Reuse that colorful blazer or build up your jewelry for an elevated look, and finish off with a pair of sneakers or flats. Leather jackets also pair fabulously with a cami slip dress.

Tierny Slip Dress, $165; Allsaints.com

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Dressing head to toe in white may be one of the classiest ways to take your workwear up a notch. Bright white, off-whites, and creams are closet essentials that can adapt to any occasion. Give it a breezy summer solution, and swap your 9 to 5 pair of trousers for white jeans and a loose white top. To add a contemporary spin, consider a sophisticated white blazer. As the saying goes, less is more!

Straight Cut Blazer, $83; Zara.com

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Quit the morning guessing game, and throw on a single-color outfit. Play around with the color wheel, mix textures, and combine similar shades to create a fun look. Bold red, mustard yellow, pale green, and hot pink are some personal favorites — in tune with summer spirit and a confident work-day attitude. Uni-color capri pants and pant skirts work well with tucked-in tops. To bring out the silhouette even further, consider adding a silk scarf to your ponytail. Patterned or not, the trace of color will bring out the hues in your look.

Printed Satin Scarf, $16; Zara.com