On a day like today for example...
Getting dressed for work is difficult enough as it is; throw in the fact that this week is set to be the hottest of the year so far, and needless to say, it's going to be even trickier to look professionally polished whilst combating clammy weather.
Dressing for work in scorching temperatures can prove to be quite the challenge. In fact, not sweating to death on your morning commute while not freezing to death at your desk as soon as the A/C kicks in while also not being pulled in for a 'chat' with HR should be an Olympic sport.
But, news just in - there are, of course, ways to dress cooly for work without looking like you're about to head into the Love Island villa. Simply by thinking about the kind of fit, cut and type of material your clothes are made of during the summer will make all the difference.
So instead of just throwing on your too-warm wool suiting with a crisp white shirt, maybe you should consider Bermuda shorts and a loose blouse. This is just one of many ideas I've nabbed from various Instagrammers who have office-appropriate warm weather dressing nailed.
From linen suits with velcro sandals to smart summer dresses with strappy heels, as well as flowing co-ords and boilersuits, there are some brilliant ideas that are chic yet practical for your office attire.
Consider your "summer work outfits dilemma" solved.
A blazer paired with a slip skirt works in both 30-degree weather and freezing cold office temperatures.
Oversized Linen Blazer, €99, & Other Stories
YOUR ANSWER TO SUMMER WORKWEAR
The Bermuda short. Think of it as the cycling short's more sophisticated older sister, with the same knee-grazing length but a more grown-up feel. Style with matching blazer to elevate your look and layer over a simple vest or tee. Footwear can be dressed up or down as required.
Cotton Bermuda Shorts, €19.99, Mango
Invest in shirt dresses
A shirtdress and slingback pumps make for an effortless, no-fail outfit combo that will carry you through the summer.
Poppy Utility Dress, €55, Topshop
Day TO NIght Sandals
While strappy-heeled sandals may be a trend you think is best suited for evenings out, that's not the case any longer. Many of this season's trending strappy sandals feature lower heels and square toes for comfort and practicality. They look just as chic with a tailored suit as with a midi dress or skirt. Farewell, sweaty boots!
Leather High Heel Sandals With Square Toes,€69.95, Zara
Summer Friendly Denim
If you really can't bear to part with your blue jeans during the summer months, might we suggest opting for a pair of wide-leg versions for keeping cool? Wear with sandals and a loose blouse.
High waisted flare jeans, €25.99, Bershka
The ALL-IN-ONE
The utility trend is still going strong for Summer '19, and luckily there's a whole host of pieces to appropriate for work (they were originally designed for function after all). Opt for a beige, black or khaki all-in-one for the ultimate throw on and go.
Cotton Blend Utility Jumpsuit, €75, M&S
White pants
You can never go wrong in white - whether they be culottes, denim or a paper bag waist —a pair of white pants makes for ultimate summer workwear MVP.
Ankle Length Twill Trousers, €27.99, H&M
The Pinstripe Shirt
Nothing has the power to smarten up an outfit quite like a pinstripe shirt. Pair it with your summer-friendly denim jeans for casual Fridays, tuck into a wide pair of linen trousers for board meetings and on the days when it's absolutely sweltering, go up a size or two and wear sans trousers.
Button Down Blouse, €14, Zalando
Summer suiting
In Summer's past if we were to tell you that "dad on holiday being a bit smart", you'd have looked at us with a hundred different heads. But this time around, dressing like a DILF is in. A linen suit is perfect for this warm weather. Pair with Velcro sandals for the full 'Dad on holiday' look.
Linen Blazer, €99, Whistles
Linen Cropped Trouser, €89, Whistles
Main image by Getty Images
READ: 5 Successful Irish Women On What They Really Wear To Work
