I know a lot of my friends and fellow Magpies have been returning to the office after years of COVID-related WFH arrangements. One of my girlfriends recently lamented how difficult it is to dress for work after years of getting by with “Zoom tops and stretchy bottoms.” I thought I’d share today a curation of a variety of workwear for the summer — including neutrals and pops of color! Lots of opportunities for mixing and matching. The older I get, the more I find these pieces are easy to wear both in professional environments and personal/casual ones. For example, a great button down will take you from a board meeting (with trousers and heels) to the playground (with jeans and sneakers).
Anyhow — voila, for my workerbee Magpies!
LEATHER TOTE // SHIRTDRESS // VEST TOP // STRIPED BUTTON DOWN // PARACORD NECKLACE // STRAIGHT LEG PANTS // BALLET FLATS
Summer Work Tops.
01. A classic striped button down — versatile. Layer beneath a blazer or vest; tuck into a high-waisted pair of trousers or dark wash denim.
02. Italian cotton cropped button down — I find that the cropped style adds unexpected, fashion-forward shape to a workplace ensemble.
03. The Everything Shirt from Sold Out NYC is truly everything!
04. Great cutaway vest top!
05. Polished tank — great wardrobes are built on staples like this.
06. The sleeves on this blouse are so good.
07. Stunning denim peplum top.
08. I love the color and flattering fit of this top.
09. I have to mention this Veronica Beard vest — I have this in a few of their variations from past seasons. Super polished.
10. Sandro short-sleeved cardigan on final sale!
11. Ann Taylor linen blend tank for a pop of color.
12. Classic, sleeveless cotton top.
Summer Work Bottoms.
01. Favorite Daughter’s “favorite pant.” Comes in a few staple colors!
02. A straight leg pant for under $100.
03. I love J.Crew’s spin on the classic cotton poplin skirt with contrast stitching. Reminds me of Ulla J.
04. Wide leg linen pant — perfect for the summer heat!
05. Oxford stripe pants — pair with a blazer or tailored cardigan.
06. Chic barrel leg pants. A great way to feel fashion-forward in a staid place.
07. Poplin skirt lined with buttons that add a professional detail.
Summer Work Dresses.
01. Pictured above, this shirtdress is understated. I paired with this sweater over the shoulders — effortless! Look-for-less here.
04. The Goop Natasha dress — one of my recent favorites and reminiscent of the Natasha from SATC.
Summer Work Totes.
01. Work tote in stunning colors and quality leather.
02. Love this canvas tote with leather trim.
03. Tory Burch double bag — you know I adore this.
04. Another fab canvas tote option.
05. Small Cabas tote roomy enough for all work necessities.
06. My all-time favorite work tote — the Romy from TB!
07. The Everyday Cabas tote.
Summer Work Layers.
01. A linen blazer is ideal for chillier offices.
02. Gorgeous and unexpected blazer! The details!
03. Pinstripe blazer from Max Mara.
Summer Work Footwear.
01. Prada pointed toe ballet flats.
02. A summer work must-have: a good ballet flat — Le Monde Beryl reads more fashion-forward!
03. Suede slides in deep brown.
04. Goop sandals.
05. Leather Manolos.
06. Raffia mules — obsessed!
07. These fisherman sandals from Emme Parsons feel polished and sharp.
Summer Work Accessories.
01. Of course, the Dorsey paracord necklace!
02. Ideal layering necklace — I wear everyday.
03. Subtle earrings — I recently wore these for my birthday gathering.
Styling Summer Workwear:
BLAZER // COTTON POPLIN SKIRT // SLEEVELESS TOP // PARACORD NECKLACE // EARRINGS // SUEDE SANDALS // CANVAS TOTE
VEST TOP // CARDIGAN // BARREL LEG PANTS // PARACORD NECKLACE // BALLET FLATS // TORY BURCH TOTE
PINSTRIPE BLAZER // GOOP DRESS // FISHERMAN SANDALS // PARACORD NECKLACE // EARRINGS // LEATHER TOTE
P.P.S. Styling gingham pants.
P.P.P.S. What might surprise people about your job?
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I love the Goop shite shirtdress, but not the price tag! Is there a good look for less?
ahhh I see you posted the J crew one! Thanks!
On a mission to spread the Max Mara word!! They have a gorgeous shirt dress this summer, structured with a drop waist in a muddy cotton color that barely touches my skin! Also love their shorts. The difference for me is I eschew polyester, natural fibers breathe so well! Love my max Mara shorts paired with the quince linen vest, or silk from head to toe (usually secondhand Theory)