The Best Smart Summer Dresses for Work

Dressing for work during the warmer season can often present a challenge, especially on particularly hot days. Curating an outfit that is refined, sophisticated and of course consistently stylish is important for every working industry, despite what the office’s dress code may be. To solve this, dresses present an easy option, with their instant fashion appeal and timeless versatility. Plus, as a true wardrobe favourite, there’s a smart summer work dress to suit everyone, and styling can also play a part in making the dress the perfect option. Be it bold gold jewellery in summery hues, or transitioning your footwear from boots to sandals, discover the best summer work dresses to perfect your wardrobe this season and beyond.

The Pencil Dress

Forever flattering and a true workwear favourite, the pencil dress is a true office classic. Whether you’re a traditionalist who seeks out traditional shapes, or a prefer to consider a more daring alternative featuring cut out details and extra embellishments, a pencil dress is a sartorial must in any working wardrobe. To take this year-round style into summer, why not opt for a brighter hue in a bold red, vibrant orange or luminous neon style. This adds a contemporary edge whilst still remaining office appropriate.

The Shirt Dress

Endlessly versatile and the epitome of modern style, a striking shirt dress is a perfect addition to the office. Also perfect for adding to your holiday wardrobe, it’s an ever-stylish pick, often belted at the waist to cinch and effortlessly flatter the form. Whether seeking out a utility-inspired design, a traditional button front dress or a wrap style piece, complete your shirt dress with court shoes or stilettos to see you through the summer months.

The Forever Dress

A veritable must for any professional woman, the signature Karen Millen forever dress completes every office agenda – be it a working lunch or an afternoon in the boardroom. Again cinched at the waist with a belted detail, each iteration of the Forever Dress has its own identity, from pencil to pleated skirt. For summer, again try something in colour, a beautiful white, or nod to tradition with black – bringing the summer elements through the use of colour.

The Black Summer Work Dress

With its permanent style appeal, it’s hard to ignore the colour black – even during the summer. Plus, black is undoubtedly the safest hue when it comes to dressing for the office, with its easy elegance. When it comes to dressing for summer, include black with sleeveless styles, cap sleeves and short sleeves to not only overheat, but also separate your black officewear from the cooler months.

The Midi Summer Work Dress

The trending dress of this season, a midi dress offers both modesty and modernity hand in hand. Be it a fitted bodycon style – the ultimate day-to-evening offering - to a pleated piece with an A-line skirt, if you’re unsure on one length of dress to add to your summer working wardrobe, make it a midi one.