How to Dress for Work in the Summer, According to an Expert

by Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour

Dressing for work is hard enough without the added element of serious summer heat. That’s why today, we’ve called on Anh Sundstrom, the stylish expert behind 9 to 5 Chic, to share her top five tips for dressing for work when it’s all too hot out. If you’ve ever checked out her blog (if not, you definitely should!), you’d know that she’s a pro at infusing cool-girl style into a multitude of looks that are office-ready.

Scroll through for her tips and to see (and shop) her perfect work-to-weekend summer looks!

1. Strategic Slits

Photo:

9 to 5 Chic

“When temperatures rise, instinct tells us ‘so should the hemlines,’ but until recently I'd forgotten that a long, tailored skirt with strategically placed slits can have the same, wonderful cooling effect as a shorter hemline.” — Anh Sundstrom of 9 to 5 Chic

2. The Dressed-Up Tee

Photo:

9 to 5 Chic

“Don't underestimate a casual cotton tee! Make it feel more polished by tucking it into a skirt or trousers.” — Anh Sundstrom of 9 to 5 Chic

3. Consider the Shirtdress

Photo:

9 to 5 Chic

“Shirtdresses are an essential, especially in crisp cotton, for hot summer weather. I love that shirtdresses can be styled in so many different ways: belted, unbelted, buttoned all the way up, or left a little loose.” — Anh Sundstrom of 9 to 5 Chic

4. On-Duty Denim

Photo:

9 to 5 Chic

“Denim gets an upgrade in a tailored silhouette like a pencil skirt.” — Anh Sundstrom of 9 to 5 Chic

5. Breathable Black

Photo:

9 to 5 Chic

“Black might not come to mind when dressing for a hot summer day, but when I do choose black, I choose lighter fabrics and looser cuts.” — Anh Sundstrom of 9 to 5 Chic