Summer Work Wardrobe Update - Lollipops & Laptops

Summer is just around the corner, so it’s time to break out the self-tanner and actually shave my legs more than once a week. I typically try to use each season to do a little update to my wardrobe. Although my preference is to spend money on casual clothes, since I have to dress professionally five out of seven days each week, I try to refresh my work wardrobe each season with just a few pieces since it’s mildly unacceptable to continue to wear my circa 2004 Express pants (which I really have and really do still wear). This summer, I’m focusing on a few versatile pieces that are fresh but also classic enough to be worthy of investment.

  1. A Linen Dress. This sleeveless, linen dress is a great option for hot, summer days. The knot detail makes it interesting and the blush color is on trend but subtle enough to last for seasons to come.
  2. A Day to Night Dress. I’m definitely more social in the summer. Between work happy hours and impromptu dinners out with friends, I often feel frumpy and out of place in my suits. A lightweight, silk dress in a bright color can feel fun and still professional with a sweater or blazer over it at work, and it feels much more appropriate after hours.
  3. A Light-Colored Blazer. A neutral, light-colored blazer is a go-with-everything option that formalizes more casual outfits and answers the 90-degrees-outside-but-60-degrees-in-the-office conundrum.
  4. Neutral Pumps. I really wear these year around, but neutral pumps seem to match everything I wear in the summer months. These pumps are relatively inexpensive but are great quality. Since I regularly walk the million square feet of commercial property that I manage, I’ve come to find which brands are worthy of active use versus strict office use, and these stand up to the test. I did have to get the heel caps replaced after about 9 months of regular wear but with that quick fix they were as good as new.
  5. A Bright Accessory. I’m not a huge wearer of accessories, so when I do buy them, they go into one of two camps: high end, classic pieces that last forever or trendy items that I buy on the cheap. These are fun and totally on trend, but won’t break the bank if you only get one season of use out of them.

With any luck, I’ll be on trend this summer, but you better believe I’ll be wearing these still in 2027 no matter their relevance.