During the week, when you're headed to work, it's tempting to reach for those familiar, reliable pieces when it's too hot to care. There are office-appropriate options other than T-shirts, tanks, sundresses and flip-flops. Here's a handy guide for those days when you find yourself drawn to summer-wardrobe temptations that are long on comfort and short on style.
Temptation: Weekend sundress.
Sundresses are the most comfortable items we own. They're reliable, for the most part accepting, white bridesmaid dresses white bridesmaid dresses and cool. No separates to layer or tuck in, a dress is the easiest thing to wear in the summer. But note to self: Save that old reliable for Saturday. Try these instead.
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The full sleeves, pin-tucked neckline and print make this Gran Sabana shirtdress, $148 at Anthropologie, worth the investment. Pair with heels or wedges for work and with metallic sandals for the weekend.
This Exotic print dress, $158 at Ann Taylor, is cut like a standard shift, but the light batik print allows for summer flair. To change up the look, cinch with a colorful belt.
Every woman should own a wrap dress. It's one of the most flattering of dress silhouettes, compliments most body types and is incredibly comfortable. We like the slight sheen and gathered sleeves of this AK by Anne Klein wrap dress, $139 at zoodress.com.
Temptation: beach weddings Tank tops.
The office feels like an oven and the only piece of clothing that doesn't sound miserable is a lightweight tank top. Stay strong. Keep tempting tanks for other occasions. Here are a few options that are comfortable and conference-room ready.
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Light in color and material, white dresses this silk tunic, $98 at Ann Taylor, can carry you through summer. Pair with any color pencil skirt to lend a summer touch or tuck into jeans for a casual, cool ensemble.
Although tank tops are an office don't, certain sleeveless options keep you cool without revealing too much skin. The artful ruffles and trendy snake print of this silk belted flutter blouse, $69.50 at Banana Republic, evening gowns evening gowns elevate any outfit from predictable to memorable.
A big trend last spring, stripes are a simple way to freshen up your look and add interest. The citron bright colors of this twisted-neck, roll-up top, $14.50 at Old Navy, make this T-shirt a fashion find. Whether a shirt is paired with a blazer or worn alone, stripes help the look feel more pulled together.
Temptation: That same old black pencil skirt.
We all have that trusted black pencil skirt. Convenient and easy to wear, it's a great wardrobe staple, but it doesn't need to become a uniform. Here are three new styles to add to your rotation.
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Safari-inspired clothing is a summer constant. Although you can find a variety of animal prints, it's important to keep the color palette soft and the cut conservative. This Tiger printed pencil skirt, $69.50 at Loft, meets the mark.
The newest trend in skirts is the breezy, tea-length option. This style dresses for summer dresses for summer, shown here in an irregular-stripe midi skirt prom dress , formal gowns $64.63 at zoodress.com,looks summer chic with a white blouse tucked in.
If patterns aren't your first choice, you can refresh your office attire by adding a bold color such as this grass-green double-cloth sheath skirt, $39.90 at zoodress.com.This vibrant color works all year, even if worn with just a white blouse.
Temptation: Comfortable, worn-out denim.
Friday is finally here, and those soft, perfectly worn jeans are calling your name. Resist.
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For a denim option that is still office-appropriate, try these cropped pleat jeans, wedding guest dresses wedding guest dresses $69.95 at Gap. The soft denim makes for an easy and relaxed feel, but the trouser pleats and rolled cuffs give them polish.
For a denim-free casual option, we also like slim khakis like these broken-in skimmers in pear cactus cute dresses , $49.50 at Gap. Dressed up with a blazer and heels or dressed down with a T-shirt and flats prom dresses , these versatile pants easily go from work to weekend.
Wide-leg silhouettes are the freshest pant trend, and they add sophistication to your look. We suggest these trousers with contrasting waist, $89.90 at zoodress.com.
Temptation: Flip-flops.
It's no secret we are love our flip-flops. They take us from grocery shopping to pool parties. They seem to work in a pinch - except for the office. Here are three options to add summer style to your step.
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Summer is a great time to experiment with color, and these sandals, $24.95 at H&M, are an easy way to start. The slight wedge keeps the look feminine, and the deep blue adds interest to any look, from boyfriend jeans to a pencil skirt.
For those ladies who require a little height, an alternative to high heels would be a stylish wedge like these Franco Sarto "Gavels" wedges, $79 at zoodress.com. The neutral pairs well with other colors, and the leather cutouts keep them fashion-forward but office-appropriate.
These nude Seychelles "Cream of the Crop" sandals, $79.95 at Nordstrom, are a summer staple. Coordinating with most any color or outfit, this cool option has the polish of a flat but the ease of a sandal.
