Comfortable & Stylish Summer Dresses That You Can Wear to Work
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Everyone wants to look cute when they're heading into work. But, in the summertime, sometimes that can be a challenge. The rising temperatures can make you sweaty and uncomfortable, and on top of that you're possibly carrying in your laptop, water bottle, lunch, and other essentials for the day. And going from a sauna-like commute to an important meeting can kind of suck. So, you need something with a carefree, lightweight summer aesthetic, combined with a style that's professional and office-appropriate. Lucky for you, I've streamlined your shopping list and picked out some of the best comfortable and stylish summer dresses that you can wear to work.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Summer Dress You Can Wear to Work
Because even when it's hot outside, what you wear inside your office still has to be an outfit that checks certain boxes. Keep an eye out for natural, lightweight fabrics such as silk, linen (very trendy right now), or cotton blends that can make you feel cool and confident, even in conservative settings. You also want your summer work fit to be something that you can layer if it gets chilly (just in case an air conditioner is set to extra high) – plus breathable layers and looser fits can promote airflow.
From comfortable maxi dresses to billowy shirt dresses, from Old Navy to Anthropologie, these are the best summer dresses that you can wear to work. They're perfect for office dress codes, without being too corporate or stuffy, and they'll keep you polished from your commute to happy hour. So, keep on scrolling and refresh your summer wardrobe with these easy breezy picks.
With a belted waist, flared hem, and elegant look, this midi dress is ready for any office setting (and gives classic Audrey Hepburn vibes). It comes in 5 colors, and you can get an extra 15% off if you add it to your cart now.
Backed by over 19,000 5-star Amazon reviews, this t-shirt dress is popular for a reason. One shopper reported, "Easy, flattering, not too short for the office, and not see through! Dress it up or down." It also comes in 23 colorways (stripes and solids), so you're sure to find the right fit for you.
Work wear doesn't have to be boring. This tired dress has so many accents that elevate the look and make it eye-catching, as well. There's puffed sleeves, eyelet detailing, and a button down front, and one satisfied shopper called it, "gorgeous and springy."
Wedges, flats, sneakers, everything goes with this high-neck dress. The top is knit, the bottom is cotton (with pockets), and the whole thing is perfect for the subway to the street to the office. All it needs is an iced latte.
Floral and flouncy, this midi dress gives that professional vibe, but adds a feminine, summertime aesthetic. This shopper added, "Dress was flattering and easy to move in," which is ideal for coffee runs and running for the train.
Pockets, check. Ribbed short sleeve top, check. 33 colors to choose from, check. This summer dress has a lot of pros. One reviewer raved, "I wear this to work on a weekly basis in the warmer months. It is so comfortable and has a good amount of stretch."
Featuring a classic double-breasted design with an included belt, this midi dress is sleeveless for the heat but could easily be layered with a blazer or cute cardigan. It's a classic staple dress that everyone needs for a sophisticated vibe in the office or other occasion.
Made of a form-fitting ponte knit, this soft midi dress can go from casual to more formal in a snap. Pair it with anything -- sneakers, heels, jean jacket, blazer -- and the flattering cut and square-neck design will do the rest.
Available in sizing from 00 to 40, this sleek shift dress is ideal for meetings, coffees, events, and more. There's even a hook and eye at the neckline, which you can keep open or button for a cute keyhole accent. Snag it in 4 colors.
Nothing's more classic than a relaxed shirt dress. It goes with sandals or heels, a blazer or cardigan. This stripped option is made of a cool, linen blend, but it also comes in solid colors. This user shared, "easy to accessorize, comfy and cute. Great dress for work!"
Looking for something with a casual, yet professional vibe? Then your search is over. This denim shirt dress is a Madewell bestseller, with a fitted waist, vintage aesthetic, and buttons down the front. Plus, it has a little stretch for sitting in your workplace all day.
Soft and lightweight with flutter sleeves, this dress is ideal for work or a weekend event. It's flirty and feminine, yet office-appropriate, and comes in 29 colors and patterns. And it's so comfy, you may not want to take it off when you get home.
Buttery soft and equipped with pockets, this workwear dress is one you'll want to wear every day. Reviewers rave that it's comfortable, stylish, and one shopper added, "feels like it will last forever. Love the styling and the drape of the tencel. It is soft, while feeling extremely durable and well-made."
Want something that flows like the breeze? Then this maxi dress is it. With a matte texture and a trapeze fit, it's oversized without feeling frumpy, and features a modern geometric design that elevates the vibe. It's also available in black, in regular, tall, or petite.
With a high coverage neck, form fitting ribbed fabric, and length that hits below the knee, this midi dress is great for walking outside in the heat and then layering with a blazer or cardigan in the workplace. Dress it up for the office or wear it over a bathing suit at the beach, it does it all.
Vests are trending right now, and so is this midi dress. You can wear a bodysuit underneath in the fall, or wear it solo in the warmer months, and it will turn heads all year round.
Score this lightweight linen dress for just $49 (it can usually retails for $218). It comes in stripes, gingham, and solid colors, and it has pockets. One Quince reviewer reported, "I received so many compliments on this dress. It's the perfect dress for the office and a day out in town."
This linen midi dress is one I personally own. It's so breezy, without being see through, and keeps me feeling cool and confident all day (and I have a long commute and have to chase 2 kids around when I get home). The dress helps me look put together without a lot of effort (win win).
Looking for more styles? Then check out Everlane's vacation-ready capsule collection that's filled with cool, timeless classics.