16 Jul Cubicle Chic: What to Wear to the Office When It’s Hot

We’re finally in the thick of summer. Here in New York, some days it feels like you can cut the humidity with a knife. With temperatures quickly rising, the last thing you want to do is layer on clothing. But how do you remain professional when you literally don’t want to wear anything at all? The key is to stick to lightweight fabrics.

In this week’s Cubicle Chic, we’re showing you a few options for staying cool at the office when the temperature skyrockets. These are perfect when you’re clueless on what to wear to the office when it’s unbearably hot.

Relaxed Fit Dress

Dress / Earrings / Bracelet / Bag / Wedges

An easy breezy dress keeps fabric off your skin, allowing it to breathe. This Mango frock {less than $35!} is also a linen blend and is slightly fitted so the dress won’t overwhelm your frame. Add some fun neutral accessories like these anchor earrings, metallic bracelet set, tan bag and multi textured wedges. Just avoid heavy necklaces and long earrings that can stick to you in the heat.

Linen pants

Shirt / Pants / Earrings / Bag / Heels

Linen is a super fabric for summer. It’s light and airy, yet professional. These H&M linen blend pants are structured enough for the office but will breathable for your increasingly hot subway ride to work. To add to the coolness, wear a crochet top with a thin lining. Both pieces are light colored to deflect as much heat as possible. Top it all off with a mid-level heel and a blue bag for a much needed pop of color.

Chambray

Shirt / Skirt / Earrings / Bag / Heels

Finally, chambray is another great fabric for summer. This skirt flows away from the body and has a cute lace trim. Pair it with a cute printed shirt, also in a relaxed fit, and accessorize with crystal studs, a small satchel and heeled sandals. As with the dress above, keep this silhouette relaxed but slightly fitted. Swimming in lots of extra fabric is only going to make you hotter!

What do you wear during a heat wave to keep cool in the office? Are there certain garments or materials you shy away from?

About the author: Antoinette Childs is a Baltimore native and recent Howard University grad with a lifelong love of art and fashion. She enjoys thrifting, professional football, Japanese cuisine and old Hollywood glamour. You can check out her blog at MlleAntoinetteC.wordpress.com, follow her on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Also, like Mademoiselle Antoinette on Facebook.