Work Outfits for Spring and Summer

When the sun comes out and the weather heats up, there is a desire to wear more colorful and trendy outfits. Which can be more of an issue, when it comes to a work environment, where it is important to always look professional. Now depending on the type of work you do, and what the company policies are regarding what is and isn't appropriate, you may or may not have as much leeway. For the most part though there are ways to incorporate spring and summer trends and colors into your work outfits.

 

Very Strict Dress Code

Outfit 1: Top: Alice & Olivia Skirt: Damsel in a Dress Earrings: Tiffany & Co. Cuff Bracelet: Overstock Pearl Bracelet: Blue Nile

All: Blazer: Joie Watch: Daniel Wellington Shoes: Gianvito Rossi Handbag: Burberry 

Outfit 2: Earrings: Henri Bendel Top: Equipment Pants: Alice & Olivia

Bracelet: Kate Spade

Outfit 3: Earrings: Kate Spade Scarf:Hermès Top: Iris & Ink Pants: Etro

For jobs like this adding interest through accessories is great way to add pops of color (that way if you have to take it off, it's easy to do so, and it's a smaller piece so it's less in your face) Also, don't wear too many accessories, less is more, especially for strict dress codes. In the workplace (unless you live in a more creative field) it's best to keep things more muted.

 

Somewhat Strict

Outfit 1: Top: Yumi Skirt: Jane Norman  Earrings: Ann Taylor  
Both: Blazer: Mango Bracelet: Blue Nile Watch:Nixon Handbag: Jil Sander Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana  
Outfit 2: Earrings: CARAT Top: Lela Rose Pants: Ralph Lauren Blue Label Handbag: Lauren Ralph  

I would recommend staying away from the bright and neon color here as well. But if you're going to add them, add them through your accessories, a great scarf, or necklace.Certain colors, such as red are more acceptable in brighter shades, while other colors should stay more muted by going more pale, or deep and dark for a professional hue.

 

Relaxed

Outfit 1: Dress: Mango Cardigan: Maurices Earrings: Cusp Necklace: Modcloth Bracelet: Valextra Shoes: GUESS 

Both: Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs Handbag: Yves Saint Laurent

Outfit 2: Top: Equipment Cardigan: Carven Pants: Yves Saint Laurent Earrings: Zalando Necklace:Alexander McQueen Ring: Lele Sadoughi Shoes Frye 

If you work in this type of environment then you have more liberty with how you dress, so you can be more experimental. You can also be more casual. Heels may not be expected, nor  a blazer, or a suit. Despite this, bringing something light, even a light  cardigan is great for keeping warm as many building keep the air conditioning on too high. In these types of dress codes, not only can you be more casual, but also more experimental with trends, and add brighter colors into your work wardrobe.

 

Very Relaxed

Outfit 1: Dress: Bouchra Jarrar Earrings: Marc by Marc Jacobs Necklace: Kate Spade Handbag: Kate Spade Shoes: Nine West 

Both: Watch: Kate Spade Bracelet: Valextra 

Outfit 2: Top: Burberry Cardigan: EAST Pants: Paige Earrings: Kate Spade Necklace: Vivien Frank Handbag: Alexander McQueen Shoes: Accessorize 

If you work in an environment like this, you can probably dress as if you weren't even going to work (think casual jeans and a tee-shirt). All that the company really cares about is that you do your work, not how you look doing it (within reason). So at a place like this you can take more liberties with bright colors, and wearing trends, just remember to keep it classy, nothing too short, or low cut. You want to be remembered for the work you do, not wearing revealing clothes.

It's always better to air on the side of conservative when at work, then to dress too casual, or too fun. Remember you have free rein when you're off work, you can always carry a spare change of clothes and accessories in your bag for when you're done work. You know best of all what would and wouldn't be appropriate so always keep that in mind. I hope I've helped inspire you with some outfit ideas for the spring and summer. Have fun with fashion, it's a way of expressing yourself.

Which category do you fall under? Which is your favorite look? What do like to incorporate into your summer work wardrobe?