Holiday-style outfits for work are a real challenge for some. It's not always easy to create office looks for hot days that also comply with the company dress code. Every company can set its own internal clothing rules that employees must follow. See what a quick and simple summer office outfit might look like and which items of clothing are worth choosing.

Summer work outfits – on a hot day, pay attention to the fabric

In summer, temperatures are the most bothersome. Before choosing the right outfit, it's worth checking its composition and whether it can keep you comfortable in high temperatures. Light and breathable fabrics are ideal for summer.

Cotton reigns supreme in summer workwear, and it's no surprise – it's an accessible and excellent fabric for the heat, usable for almost any item of clothing – dresses, skirts, shorts, T-shirts, and even jackets. Linen, a natural material, also works very well. Cotton muslin is an excellent choice too. Clothes made of it let air through and allow the skin to breathe. It fits perfectly into holiday looks, even for work.

Summer looks for the office – what to remember in the workplace?

Women's coral dress with a frill, short sleeves

If you work in an office, your outfit must be appropriate for the working conditions. Even if dress rules aren't specified, the nature of such work imposes certain restrictions on clothing. We shouldn't create summer business outfits that are too casual. It's better to choose neat solutions that are more subdued, though you don't have to limit yourself to monotonous colours or clichéd combinations. See which models can work to keep you looking elegant if strict dress code rules don't apply.

Work outfit styles for hot days, dresses, blouses - choose breathable fabrics and stylish sets

Navy blue men's polo shirt, navy blue women's polo shirt

In an office where you can be relaxed about putting together your work outfit, it's worth considering a few classic options.

• Blue frilled dress for women. A simple cut enhanced with a frill works perfectly as a summer work outfit. It can be worn by all women, the cut suits women of any age, and it's comfortable and classic. In this model, the shoulders remain covered, which should be taken into account when choosing a summer office outfit  
• Black women's midi skirt. This is a classic option that doesn't look boring at all. The skirt is knee-length, so it will be perfectly appropriate for the workplace. Summer office clothing should be light, and a knitted cotton skirt (95% cotton) works wonderfully as a summer office outfit. It can be freely combined with shirts suitable for office wear, or paired with a less formal top, e.g. a white women's polo shirt. Both skirts and polo shirts are available in many colours, allowing you to create many interesting combinations. For more formal summer office looks, you can stick to classic colours, while for more casual work outfits, you can go for interesting colours and add variety to your look.
• Sleeveless powder pink midi dress. Knee-length works for any job. However, with this model, you must remember to cover your shoulders. The dress has no sleeves, which is an advantage on the way to work, but at the office itself, you should cover them. The simple cut is suitable for any job, and the model ensures comfort throughout a busy day. You can add a viscose cardigan or a jacket to the dress.
• Grey loose women's muslin dress. This model is ideal for a warm day. Light muslin ensures comfort, protects against overheating, and the loose cut adds lightness and allows air to flow through. The shoulders remain covered, which is a good feature for a work outfit. The V-neck is small, appropriate for the office. The grey colour looks subdued in any setting.

These outfits can be complemented with a light bag, e.g. a woven one, which will emphasise the holiday character of the outfit. You can also use a light belt or add sunglasses to the set.

Caramel women's sleeveless dress

Summer work outfits – what to wear instead of a classic shirt for men on hot days

Summer work outfits can be more relaxed than usual, of course still considering situations where a company dress code doesn't apply and clothing matters aren't strictly defined. So, we rely on common sense and a sense of aesthetics. Men, for a summer office outfit and beyond, can use a classic model instead of a shirt, but a less formal one.

 White men's polo shirt or models in other colours, e.g. light blue, brown, burgundy, will be ideal for a summer outfit. On top of that, the excellent fabric composition of the shirt will ensure comfort throughout the day at the office. It's worth considering this option once shirts get boring. Polo shirts look very elegant and will help create a more relaxed holiday-style office outfit. Classics are always appropriate.    

Summer looks for work – better to avoid these in an office dress code

Although summer is a more relaxed time, which we'd also like to reflect in our clothing, it's not worth overdoing it. Overly revealing models are better saved for holiday leave. The same goes for clothes with colourful prints that evoke a beach vibe. It's best to keep things moderate. Dresses with a classic neckline depth, plain-coloured models, good-quality products – these work well in summer sets for the office and beyond.

Summer clothes worth avoiding even in the heat

It's worth remembering that we're still at work, so summer flip-flops are better left at home, and we should try to use common sense even when no dress code applies in our company. As they say, first impressions count, and this is especially important if the position requires contact with customers.

What not to wear to work? Shorts, mini skirts and short tops are better replaced with a short-sleeve blouse and a midi skirt or shorts that at least reach the knees. Let's also avoid clothes that are too tight, elegant and breathable, looser cuts work better. They allow you to feel comfortable and look professional even when it's scorching outside and the air conditioning isn't working properly.

See which dresses are worth choosing in summer: Striped summer dresses – which dress to choose for summer?