As someone who works a full-time office job and moonlights as a personal stylist, I spend an embarrassing amount of time thinking about clothes … but also workwear. I’m dressing myself five seven days a week, helping clients build wardrobes on the weekends, and constantly reminding people (and sometimes myself) that looking polished doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune.
But here’s the thing: after a full day at work (and a sweet 90 minute commute), the last thing I want to do is spend three hours scrolling through online shops trying to figure out what’s actually worth buying. And don’t get me started on the amount of energy you need for making styling decisions.
So if you gave me, let’s say … $ 600 to help your summer work wardrobe with a refresh, here’s what I would put together for the frequently asked questions.
PS. If you're reading this newsletter, I'm willing to bet you're someone who genuinely enjoys fashion and sees getting dressed for work as more than just putting on clothes. It's a small daily ritual—a way to romanticize the everyday and express your personal style. So, what I’m trying to say is, this guide is giving ‘editorial / fashion corporate’, not ‘office essentials’.
Drop any questions or further recommendations in the comments, there’s nothing I love more than yapping about clothes for the office!
The situation: You have either just started your job or you’re lacking basics. Or you have worked in a different field and suddenly find yourself in a position where you need actual office looks. However, you love fashion and you do know a thing or two about styling your own wardrobe. Here’s what you can buy this season and mix and match with your existing wardrobe.
1. COS Boat Neck T-Shirt*, $ 39 - This is your workwear version of a white tee.
2. ARKET relaxed blazer*, $ 234 - A bit of cheating since ARKET are not shipping to the US - I would go for The Frankie Shop boyfriend blazer* for American instead.
3. H&M midi satin skirt*, $ 29.99 - This is so versatile! Wear this with a grey oversized t-shirt on the weekends or with an oversized black linen button-down to grab a coffee.
4. Zara Men black hobo bag, $ 55.90 - I’m sorry to inform you that Zara Men is so much better than Zara Women. I personally would go for a minimal bag like this.
5. Uniqlo linen shirt*, $ 39.90 on sale - or basically any oversized button-down. It’s easy and modern but professional.
6. Massimo Dutti Mary Janes*, $ 200 - Massimo Dutti flats are hands down the most comfortable thing you’ll ever put onto your feet so I had to include these. These white Zara flats could be an alternative for $ 120.
7. I added this Etsy necklace* for $ 36 to the mix. Noone says you need to leave your personality at home. I would choose this one if you wanted a longer version*.
The situation: Warning: This category will be boring but effective - but that’s the only strategy to figure this out, in my opinion. Having dealt with two heatwaves already, you’re out of ideas of what to wear in the next heatwave and summer still seems very long? Ideally, this is work and after-work fun in the sun. It’s hard to look professional when sweat is dripping from your forehead but you can at least try - in oversized tailored linen and maxi dresses.
This Mango set -a waist coat*, $ 79.99, and the matching bermuda shorts*, $ 79.99 is such a great look - assuming you have a pair of sandals to go with this. It’s a mix-and-match-situation and this set will let you breathe.
ARKET oversized waistcoat*, $ 113 - or any oversized taupe waist coat with a maxi skirt.
Mango cotton skirt, $ 69.99 - This will be working very hard for you in your summer wardrobe (pun intended).
COS maxi dress*, $ 189 - I don’t know about you but I personally find it hard to think if it’s boiling outside. This is the no-brainer dress you need for that. You can sweat all your way under this - still looking cute with a beaded necklace and a pair of sandals. We’re sacrificing a lot of money from our budget for this but it’s so worth it.
I’m a sucker for a good beaded necklace, and this Etsy listing*, $ 26, is neutral enough for me.
Iced Americano - free in the office, if you work in the right place.
The situation: You’re tired of your comfy pants and your worn-out t-shirts. Plus, you have watched yourself in the corner window of the Zoom call for too long now and you need something that will cheer you up - and makes you look professional in front of your clients / colleagues / potential work crushes. You don’t need a work bag, you need fun pieces that will look good in a Microsoft Teams frame.
Etsy silver pendant necklace*, $ 33 - If you want to have better style in video calls, this is your perfect option paired with basic t-shirts.
Missoma x Lucy Williams necklace*, $ 156 - I can see this in my free time, too.
Topshop necklace with gold detail*, $ 23 - Another necklace for the neutral girlies.
H&M ruffled gingham top*, $ 24.99 - If your options are limited in what people see of your outfit, I would always make it more interesting by adding texture.
& Other Stories textured top*, $ 99 - Same idea, different top. I think this is even versatile enough to take on your next summer vacation, too.
& Other Stories pearl earrings*, $ 39 - Your face and upper body are the only thing representing you in Zoom, so why not make it fun with a pair of earrings.
& Other Stories twisted hoop earrings*, $ 49 - A great option for the neutral Scandi girl.
Massimo Dutti Men linen shirt*, $ 130 - Brown is softer on the camera and a little more unexpected, maybe?
COS beaded earrings*, $ 45 - Hear me out, beaded earrings are the new beaded necklaces!
Zara Men long sleeve Polo knit, on sale, $ 28 - The softer alternative to a button-down - and it’s warmer if you’re sitting at your desk all day.
The situation: You’re a fashion pro. You know your personal style. You’re just a bit … bored and can’t figure out a way to update your summer work looks.
Mango braided bag*, $ 329 - I saw this on my new TikTok crush Francesca Mancini and this would be the piece I would go for if I wanted a summer work bag.
Zara white leather flip flops, $ 55.90 - Want to add a modern element to your office look? White shoes it is.
Weekday double layered skirt*, $ 54 - I love the flowy silhouette and the mix of classy and a bit special in this. This will look great with office basics.
Massimo Dutti Men linen checked shirt*, $ 130 - Summer shirts are the best shirts, and there’s nothing wrong with a bit of Tomboy energy at your desk. Pair this with a skirt and off you go.
& Other Stories pearl ring*, $ 45 - Cute details? I’m in!
Mango hairclip*, $ 29 - This is not only very effortless French chic but also very practical. Clipping your hair back is the ‘let’s get to work’ - equivalent to rolling up your sleeves.
Viu Wifey glasses, $ 222 - These are only available in Germany, Austria and Switzerland but I do love this Miu Miu dupe - I wear them every day.
The situation: Commuting in summer feels extra hard - swollen feet, weird sweat patches, too many sweaty people around you. You want: a swimming pool and an ice-cold cocktail in your hands. You need: comfy shoes, layers and a bit of entertainment.
Camper Dana sandal*, $ 150 - These arrived at my doorstep yesterday and they are the comfiest shoe to walk in. They had their viral moment on TikTok so last time I checked they were sold out in the US but still available in Germany.
Book: Belle Burden, Strangers - I use a Kindle on the train but this book is on my list.
Massimo Dutti Men grey knit sweater*, $ 100 - I feel like this is the first real summer in maybe four (?) years and most days, I don’t need a sweater in the morning but when I do, it’s often a grey soft one like this.
Marks & Spencer Autograph leather tote bag*, $ 174 (which I own a little over six months now and I love it!) or
COS bowling bag in brown*, $ 329 - another bag, you ask? Yes, if you’re commuting, the bag is the outfit. Either you’re committing to one classic bag or you need variations. I am spending at least three hours a day with this bag, so cost-per-wear will be worth it!
Violette Fr Bisou Balm in Calisson*, $ 30 - I’m not a person who would touch up their make-up. However, when I’m on the go a lot, I do reapply my lipstick or at least carry a lip balm. This one gives you the best of both worlds. It’s a your-lip-but-better-color for work.
MUJI Coffee To Go Cup, $ 25 - I make coffee cups my entire identity and this one is modern and aesthetic enough to tick all the boxes for me. I tried to cut down the number of coffees I drink during the day but 05.30 am wake-up calls make it hard!
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