If there’s one behaviour that marks a person as decidedly British, it’s the art of complaining.
All winter long, we struggle against sub-zero temperatures and frigid winds, desperately declaring all that we would do just for a single ray of sunshine to break through the clouds.
By the time summer rolls around and the mercury rises, residents and commuters threaten to melt onto pavements like the Wicked Witch of the West while desperately praying to ancient gods of weather for the remotest of cool breezes.
Meteorologically speaking, Britain can never seem to win. It makes weather-appropriate dressing a veritable lottery, with the frequent mid-season complaint echoing throughout office breakrooms, “I just don’t know what to wear right now” - especially when we factor in our island’s predilection for entirely random torrential rainstorms.
While working from home, we can sprawl out in linen longue sets with multiple fans positioned directly on our faces. Heading into the office during the summer months is an entirely different story, especially when factoring in sweltering underground temperatures.
In a post-Covid, WFH world it’s becoming increasingly difficult for regular nine-to-fivers to strike the correct balance between comfortable and office-appropriate summer clothing.
From linen trousers that are creased from the moment you step onto the Tube to short-sleeve shirts which become saturated with unruly sweat patches, curating a perfect office capsule wardrobe in the heat feels like a thankless task.
Dresses, for those who enjoy wearing them, are a fantastic middle-ground, weather-appropriate and office-suitable option for all seasons – especially the warmer ones. We’ve curated a selection of the best work dresses for smart summer style all season long.
Keep scrolling to make sweltering summertime commutes easy, breezy and beautiful.
Sky Smocked Linen Midi Dress
Smocked dresses are an instantly flattering, endlessly comfortable summertime staple. This balloon-sleeved option from Boden will keep you cool in warmer weather, and the calf-grazing length is modest enough to prevent unwanted skin contact with tube seats. Plus, it features two handy side seam pockets.
Buy now £94.25, Boden
Gabin Dress
Though Rouje’s perennially popular Gabin dress is available in a myriad of colourways, this lace-trimmed white option is unique to the dress collection. We love the subtle scalloped finish and mother-of-pearl side buttons, complete with a tie-front wrap silhouette.
Buy now £215.00, Rouje
Black Tiered Rosalind Midi Dress
As Nobody’s Child puts it itself, “there’s no such thing as too many black dresses.”
Though they don’t reflect heat in the summertime, they certainly mask unruly sweat patches from a too-warm morning commute. Tiered, oversized smock dresses are a brilliant year-round office wear choice, simply pair with a turtle neck and tights when the mercury drops back down to zero.
Buy now £75.00, Nobody’s Child
Flared dress with ruffled hem
Contrasting texture, drop-waist dresses are all the rage at the moment. Offering easy-breezy sophistication and comfort, they’re a value-for-money and breathable wardrobe staple that can be dressed up and down with ease.
Buy now £29.99, Mango
Lambertine Skirt - Sézane x Momonì
A gorgeous European collaboration between Parisian Sézane and the iconic Italian brand Momonì, this embroidered tiered skirt features a delightful speckling of flowering plant pots. Pair it with the matching Tomboy Shirt or the Marga Top depending on how hot it is outside.
Buy now £175.00, Sezane
Halterneck A-line Maxi Dress
Crafted from a sumptuously soft Tencel lyocell blend, this A-line halter dress flows marvellously in the summertime breeze. Cinch at the waist for a more Roman Holiday-inspired look.
Buy now £155.00, Cos
Baukjen Cynthia Slip Midi Dress, Black Polka Dot
A versatile silky number that’ll look just as good with a pair of trainers as some high-end slingbacks, the moveable satin will keep you cool on hot summer nights.
Buy now £169.00, John Lewis
Organic Cotton Mini Shirt Dress
Offered in two chic, striped colourways, this organic cotton shirt dress from Gap is the definition of a hard-working closet staple. The contrast white collar and cuff details evoke the feeling of luxurious riviera lunch meetings.
Buy now £42.00, Gap
Bria Embroidered Gingham Mini Dress Black
Perfect for picnics in the park with colleagues, this flattering, breezy gingham dress from Monsoon features a modest V neckline for all-day office comfort.
Buy now £80.00, Monsoon
Annie Dress Lisa Says Gah
Inject some of colourful, playful elegance to your dreary office environment with the help of Lisa Says Gah’s Annie Dress. Covered in the brand’s signature Buon Appetito print, it’s designed to celebrate the spirit of Italian dining.
Buy now £195.00, Lisa Says Gah
Rhea dress - pink gingham
Finished with delicate embroidery and a shirred back panel, this bow-adorned, puff-sleeved dream is the feminine coquette’s modest office wear dream. The contrasting red bows are a sheer delight.
Buy now £135.00, Damson Madder
The Ellie Nap Dress
The Nap Dress is the gift that keeps on giving. Beloved American clothing brand Hill House owes much of its success to the smocked, signature ultra-soft garment, which is available in various cuts, patterns, finishes and colourways. The Ellie Nap Dress is one of our personal favourites, with its lovely ruffled shoulders, tiered midi skirt and pockets.
Buy now £170.00, Hill House
White Floral Broderie Mini Dress
Meet your new favourite little white dress, sister to the humble little black dress. Featuring a crew neckline, tiered ruffle details and broderie anglaise finishes, it’s set to be a summertime favourite.
Buy now £109.00, Mint Velvet
Meadows Rincus Dress
Known for its almost medieval silhouettes, Meadows is home to a plethora of beautiful dresses with fitted bodices and gathered waists. This lovely gingham piece is no exception, with its flattering square neckline and short gathered sleeves.
Buy now £180.00, Meadows
Aligne Gabriella Short Sleeve Broderie Dress
Who says utilitarian clothing can’t have delicate details? This cotton poplin dress by Aligne is complete with a stunning broderie design and is available in a range of neutral tones.
Buy now £69.49, Aligne
