The moment after we play tag with the snooze button in the morning, what to wear to work crosses our minds. There are several considerations: With whom will we be meeting that day? What’s clean? What’s ironed? What’s the weather outside? On hot summer days, that final concern is paramount and puzzling. Shorts and a tank top would never do, but the usual trousers and blouse seem stifling.
Trouvé belted duster jacket | Nordstrom Collection stripe stretch silk dress | adidas Gazelle sneaker
We asked Nordstrom Stylist Morgan Dillon what to wear to work when it’s sticky, humid and blazing hot, and then our colleague Sydney Bright tried out the airy suggestions at Nordstrom headquarters in downtown Seattle. Let’s just say we’re big fans of her picks (and of fans in general).
Stretch silk is the perfect warm-weather material for looking crisp when the temps are cooking. Its elasticity resists wrinkles and permits easy movement. We topped this striped stretch-silk dress with an equally lightweight duster that adds plenty of coverage without weighing you down. Pink kicks keep your feet sweet and comfy.
Diane von Furstenberg cotton shirtdress
There’s nothing quite as polished as a simple shirtdress, and a white cotton one is a summer essential for any work wardrobe. The flared skirt on this style is particularly appealing (and ventilating) when the Fahrenheit rises. Pair it with colorful pumps or sandals to add an unexpected pop to your sophisticated frock.
Tank-top styles are not off-limits in the workplace, but they should be structured and cover bra straps. This knit top has wide shoulder straps and a slightly thicker weave to ensure complete coverage. Peppermint-stripe linen pants and a block-heel sandal keep things refreshingly chill.
A.L.C. Lia top | Theory Nadeema stripe wide leg pants | Jeffrey Campbell Purdy sandal
A cap-sleeve white blouse with a seersucker skirt can look contemporary (and not overly preppy) when the silhouettes are playful. This tie-back shirt and asymmetrical ruffle skirt have a modern, breezy feel but are traditional enough for any work environment.
Topshop tie back sleeveless shirt | Rachel Comey steady seersucker midi skirt | Dolce Vita Luella pump
Photography: Matthew Sumi
Styling: Morgan Dillon
Hair and makeup: Angalina Sandoval
Model: Sydney Bright
Art direction and copy: Britt Burritt
