what to wear: summer work appropriate
May 26, 2010 
9 Comments
With the weather heating up in the Northern Hemisphere, dressing for work just got more complicated, especially if your dress code requires that you dress smart business casual. Since dresses are the best for keeping cool, here’s an outfit that works great for work and into the evening.
Try a short-sleeve Ruched Faux Wrap Dress in a mid-weight jersey. The surplice neckline is super flattering and the length is just right for work. The dress is at a great price ($128), comes in sizes 2-14 and comes in 3 colors: midnight, tobacco and currant (shown.)
You don’t need to wear a jacket with it but since most office environments have the air conditioners running full blast, you’ll want to have something to throw on to ward off the chill. And, since Nordstroms is having their half-yearly sale right now, it’s the perfect time to get this great Marc by Marc Jacobs Ponte Knit Jacket, $154 (40% off.) The fabric of the jacket works really well with the dress and it shows off your curves well.
Navy heels are always hard to find in the winter so now’s the time to get some. The perfect work shoe is a simple mid-heel pump and these LAUREN Ralph Lauren heels deliver at $98. For accessories, you want to lighten up a bit with this adorable golden chain Kate Spade bauble necklace ($75) and Dooney & Bourke’s large leather Kristen Tote in bone for your laptop and files — it’s on sale for $196.
And the great thing about this outfit, it transitions easy for fall so that you get lots of wear out of it — just add tights.
About the Author
All the links are broken. Could you please fix? Thanks!
we took out the snap shots and now they should work. I tested and they work but for some reason the site always likes me. So let me know if the links don’t work for you!
what a beautiful feminine outfit. Even though the colors are a little fallish, I really like it. I do not think pastels look very professional. The berry color is so flattering to most people, especially with a little summer color on your faces!!
love this dress! what color jacket or lightweight sweater would you recommend to pair with the dress in tobacco?
I really love this outfit, but I think I would a wear a wrap or a cardigan instead of the jacket in the summer.
Hi Rebecca — You could do an ivory sweater to keep it all neutral or even a light pink or coral would look fantastic. I would keep it to a soft knit or wrap like Kristen mentioned. Unless you can find a knit jacket like the one shown.
@ Kristen — totally agree with you. This jacket is a knit so that’s why it works. I wouldn’t do a cotton or stiff jacket with it.
Love the outfit, but the jacket only goes up to a size 10!
Just received the jacket and dress in the mail. So flattering. I love your style blog. Keep up the great work.
great to hear Paula! Thanks so much for being here.
@Lexi – Boo on Marc Jacobs. BCBG makes some cute cardis that go up to XL (size 14) and that would work too.