I HATE Getting Dressed For Work in the Summer, but These Comfortable Outfits Are Better Than a Bikini
Getting dressed for the office instead of a pool, the beach, or a yacht (dream big) in the Summer is kind of the worst, right? OK, sure. There are far worse tragedies than stifling suits, constricting dresses, and, the absolute worst of them, uncomfortably tight jeans in the heat (see this $35 pair of pants as a comfortable alternative). But they're pretty terrible. A delightfully airy maxi dress with oversize sunnies, a wide-brim hat, and comfy sandals is far more idyllic (preferably in a warm but not unbearably hot locale while consuming copious amounts of oysters with an Aperol spritz and/or glass of rosé in hand). But I digress.
Since, like most people, work is still very much a part of my Summer (I've got to bring in the bucks for those dreamy getaways!), my warm-weather office outfits revolve around lightweight blouses, breezy midi dresses and skirts, loose-but-still-crisp shirts, and tailored separates in cool fabrics like linen and cotton. Yes, I'd prefer to be wearing slinky slip dresses, whisper-thin skirts, and shoulder-baring tops in 90+ degrees at all times, but I'm not exactly angling for darting glances from HR.
Already with an affinity for neat and tidy attire, Summer's tailoring trend — a look that's all about looking polished and relaxed at once — couldn't be more up my alley. With warmer days already on deck, I want to get ahead of the season and plan out a handful of comfortably tailored looks that are smart for the office but also enjoyable enough to wear for leisure. Pieces like the floatiest pair of cropped wide-leg pants, lightweight blazers in fun colors and prints, and versatile tops that help to transition from the office to off duty will get me there.
If you're looking to add a few new outfits to your workwear lineup this Summer, ahead, see how I'll be wearing the Summer tailoring trend over the next couple of months. Featured here are affordable hero pieces from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's, including $44 linen blazers and $30 tie-front tops.
For more comfortable office outfit ideas, head over to The Outfit Bar at Kohl's, where you'll discover a range of affordable looks you can wear to every kind of meeting on your calendar.
While I've declared myself "not a pants person", I recently changed my tune after discovering a $35 pair of cropped, high-waist trousers from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's.
For a more feminine take on the look, I went for this ultra-floaty pair of floral-printed trousers and teamed them with a ribbed tank and tonal blazer from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's. (If you're "not a blazer person," this jacket is equally as game-changing as the aforementioned pants . . . trust.)
On Laura: POPSUGAR at Kohl's blazer, Babaton ribbed tank top, Zimmermann pants, Ratio Et Motus bag, Staud wedges, Cyril necklace and earrings, Jennifer Fisher medium cuff, Eriness small cuff, and rings by Aurate, Maya Brenner, and Jennifer Fisher.
For a Summery finish, '90s-inspired wedges (wedges!) helped make this tailored look feel a bit more relaxed, though the structured lady bag and sleek jewelry ensured an overall polished effect.
With a classically tailored blazer at the crux of this outfit, the trendier accessories, playful shades of pink, and bold floral print feel perfectly sophisticated for work (the combo is a fun departure from standard neutrals, too) though I love it just as much for an elegant brunch or party in the Summer.
Babaton Arjun Long Knit Ribbed Tank Top
Cyril Studio Stepped Diamond Drops
Cyril Studio Stepped Diamond Drops ($1,100)
Jennifer Fisher Medium Stripe Cuff
Eriness Princess Cut Diamond Cuff
Eriness Princess Cut Diamond Cuff ($1,850)
Jennifer Fisher Tube Pinky Ring
For a tailored take on nautical, this striped blazer from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's is the ultimate way to capture the mood. With a bright white tank, paper-bag trousers, and strappy sandals, this outfit is clean and classic, but surprisingly comfortable considering each piece is impeccably cut.
On Laura: POPSUGAR at Kohl's blazer, A.L.C. tank top, Wilfred pants, Bakari bag, Zara sandals, Jennifer Fisher hoop earrings and ring, and an Ariel Gordon x Taylor Sterling necklace.
To maintain a sense of polish, an ivory bag with wooden details is in line with the soft palette, but structured for a professional feel. For a slightly dressed down take, simply swap the trousers for a pair of high-rise jeans or linen pants. Sculptural hoop earrings, a chunky ring, and locket necklace are a perfectly elevated finish no matter which bottoms you choose.
Wilfred Tie-Front High-Waisted Cropped Pant
Bakari Tussaud Mini Handbag
Bakari Tussaud Mini Handbag ($615, originally $768)
Ariel Gordon x Taylor Sterling Lumière Locket
Jennifer Fisher Triple Tube Ring
Two things I love: button-down shirts and midi skirts. So, it's no wonder I reached for tailored versions of the two when giving the Summer trend a try. This tie-front version from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's feels more playful in warm weather while still feeling smart — if you want to try it for off-duty, however, you can style it like a crop top by cinching it higher on your waist.
On Laura: POPSUGAR at Kohl's shirt, Occhii skirt, Ratio Et Motus bag, Zara sandals, Cyril necklace, Mounser earrings, and rings by Aurate, Maya Brenner, and Eriness.
To keep the tailored vibe in full effect, I opted for a menswear-inspired check on bottom, but finished with polished gold jewelry and a modern top-handle bag for a feminine finish.
SHOP THE LOOK
POPSUGAR Knot-Front Button Down Shirt ($30, originally $44)
Zara Heeled Leather Sandals With Heel Detail
Mounser Tidal Mismatched Earring Pair
Eriness Diamond Signet Pinky Ring
Eriness Diamond Signet Pinky Ring ($1,795)
Another take on my favorite shirt-and-skirt combo is this blue button-down top from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's and a tie-dye skirt (I've been dying to take this trend for a spin and finally found the most "me" way to do so).
On Laura: POPSUGAR at Kohl's shirt, Tanya Taylor skirt, Cuyana bag, Zara sandals, Mounser necklace, Jennifer Fisher cuff, Cyril earrings, and rings by Maya Brenner and Jennifer Fisher.
While this outfit certainly skews more casual than the others for work, a structured bag, sleek jewelry, and minimal sandals keep the look in refined territory. It's also ideal with flat sandals on the weekend for outings like brunch, birthdays, and happy hour.
SHOP THE LOOK
POPSUGAR Knot-Front Button Down Shirt ($30, originally $44)
Mounser Pagoda Gold-Plated Pearl Necklace
Zara High Heeled Vinyl Sandals
Jennifer Fisher Medium Chain Link Cuff
Jennifer Fisher Tube Pinky Ring
My one-and-done answer to Summer dressing on any given day is a crisp white dress and this punchy blazer from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's instantly gives my go-to look an office-appropriate spin.
On Laura: POPSUGAR at Kohl's blazer, Cyril lapel pins, Brock Collection dress, Staud bag, M.Gemi sandals, Mounser earrings, Eriness bracelet, and Jennifer Fisher ring.
To keep things comfy, I slid into a pair of flat leather sandals and finished with a structured bucket bag, mismatched statement earrings, and unique lapel pins for a modern Carrie Bradshaw moment. Fun, yes?
Brock Collection Ondina Stretch-Cotton Midi Dress
Brock Collection Ondina Stretch-Cotton Midi Dress ($546, originally $780 )
Mounser Corkscrew Gold and Rhodium-Plated Crystal Earrings
Jennifer Fisher Tube Pinky Ring
I just love wearing formal dresses to the office . . . kidding! Although my co-workers didn't bat an eye as I traipsed down the aisles wearing this in between shots. I'm actually obsessed with taking blazers out of the office and wearing them for casual occasions and events like dinners, cocktail parties, and my favorite, weddings!
While wedding-guest dresses are always a fun category to shop for, one of the hardest things is figuring out layers to wear over them, am I right?! This blush version from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's is perfectly lightweight for Summer nuptials and a great hack if you're not keen on showing your arms.
On Laura: POPSUGAR at Kohl's blazer, Zimmermann dress, Gucci bag, Staud sandals, Ariel Gordon necklace, Jennifer Fisher earrings, and Maya Brenner and Jennifer Fisher rings.
This light pink blazer couldn't be more perfect atop a ditsy floral print. In fact, I think it made this muted motif pop even more than it does on it's own — the blue sandals and feminine jewels help, too!
Zimmermann Ninety-Six Flutter Dress
Zimmermann Ninety-Six Flutter Dress ($1,350)
Gucci GG Marmont Camera Small Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag
Ariel Gordon Baroque Pearl Drop Necklace
Jennifer Fisher Triple Thread Hoops
Maya Brenner Triplet Ring
Maya Brenner Triplet Ring ($400, originally $800)