Workwear inspo: What people are wearing to the office in summer
IMAGE VIA @hollyvillagra/instagram
WORDS BY DAISY HENRY
OOTD.
It’s difficult enough to dress for a 40-degree day, let alone dressing for the office. Though hot days are part and parcel of an Australian summer, we’ve truly been hit with some sweltering (and humid) temperatures. Depending on where you work, this can make office dressing a challenge.
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We’ve already tackled this from a few fronts – we’ve polled FJ readers about whether they were pro or anti thongs in the office, and we’ve flexed our investigative journalism to find the best local labels making work-appropriate shorts. The natural next step is asking people for their on-the-ground, IRL take.
Eager for even more workwear inspiration, we reached out to our favourite fashion creatives to see how they’re approaching office dressing in the summer months.
Cait Emma Burke, writer and senior podcast producer
Dressing for work in summer isn’t my favourite thing. I’m more of a spring or autumn girl, mainly because I love layering. But this outfit has proven to be so versatile and such an easy combo to throw on when I’m hot and bothered, and low on time.
I’ve always been fond of a boob tube layered over another top, so when I spotted this grey St. Agni boob tube-dress-hybrid at their Melbourne archive sale, I knew it would be a piece I’d get a heap of wear out of. The pants are also St. Agni and I’ve been thrashing them lately. The cut is impeccable and they have an adjustable waistband. My black tee is from New Zealand brand Buddy, and I always wear it backwards so I get the boatneck, ’90s neckline (I do this with most my tops). And thongs are from Twoobs – I work in women’s media, and thongs are A-okay in our office!
Abbey Dockrill, brand manager
I take a season-less approach to workwear. It’s is less about the time of year and more about how pieces fit, move and wear through the day. I’m always in natural fibres, like cotton, wool and merino, and gravitate towards relaxed tailoring that feels polished but never precious. The palette stays neutral (realistically, its black most days), and I’m never without a blazer and a coffee.
This season, the Beare Park Abbey Trouser and Frederick Blazer have been on high rotation (not just because of the name!). Both are crafted from 100 per cent wool, with subtle details like the pin-stitch down the front, and the blazer’s collarless cut keeps it feeling light and effortless, even on warmer days . It’s tailored, but never too much.
Brooklyn Ellis, creative and studio administrator
One of my favourite pieces to style for the office in summer is a waistcoat. I have a few in my wardrobe now and I always find myself gravitating towards them because they’re so easy to wear and style, while still looking polished. This Blanca waistcoat features a cool crossover detail, which I’ve paired with a fun pair of trousers (another office staple of mine) from Wynn Hamlyn, for a look that feels elevated but wearable when it’s hot.
Holly Villagra, branded content and production coordinator
Keeping a promise to myself from last year, I’ve been trying to have more fun with colour. These Suku Home pants are a current favourite, made from a light, breathable cotton. I’ve styled them with the Marnie long sleeve dress from Resting, adding a small hit of white at the waist, finished with my favourite Khaira bag. I’m also firmly pro-thongs in the workplace. Worn with a good outfit and a fresh pedicure, I stand by the idea that you can absolutely get away with having the dogs out.
Matilda Padbury, account manager
As my colleagues can attest, my office uniform is built around a staple wardrobe of neutral basics. I tend to steer away from colour and pattern in favour of pared-back pieces I won’t tire of, and more importantly, that can withstand the test of B2B office days.
I’m a pants and jeans girl through and through, but when it’s hot, I’ll happily swap them out for a midi skirt. On this day, I wore an old T-shirt from Bassike, a white slip skirt from With Consideration and a beaded necklace from Baac Studios.
We’re luckily a flip-flop-friendly workplace at Hutton House, so I take full advantage of the opportunity to get the dogs out on a hot day. Between trusty Havaianas and Woodchuck Sato Tabis, my summer office footwear rotation is sorted.
Olivia Koennecke, founder and creative director
My schedule is busy and varied, and I need outfits that are versatile. My go-to is our Maison Essentiele Kimono top with our Silk Lace midi skirt or classic denim for a look that works from desk to dinner.
Isabelle Carson, showroom manager and senior PR account manager
I work in fashion, meaning the office dress code is mostly non-existent. In summer I struggle to keep my outfits interesting so tend to lean on accessories. Here, I’m wearing quite a big locket which I stole from my mum, along with my daily bracelets and rings. My ‘uniform’ generally consists of a skirt with loafers. This is a Comme des Garçons skirt from SS2002, one of the most special things in my wardrobe!
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