What to Wear Wednesdays: Summer Office Edition
How to look cool, feel confident, and survive the office heatwave without sacrificing your dignity (or your lunch break latte)
It’s Week 2 of What to Wear Wednesdays, and today we’re swapping sequins for spreadsheets: welcome to the summer office edition.
It’s 29 degrees. Your thighs are glued to your desk chair. The air-con is either broken or arctic. And someone, somewhere, has the audacity to suggest a meeting at 4:45pm. In July. You’re expected to look professional while actively melting.
So: what on earth do we wear when we want to be taken seriously and survive the commute without arriving looking like a croissant left on a radiator?
Let’s get into it.
💻 The Vibe
Summer workwear is all about strategic polish. You want to feel breezy but not beachy. Put together but not sweaty. Comfortable, confident, and just structured enough to be taken seriously when you say things like “just circling back” and “let’s park that for now.”
👗 Your Hot-but-Holding-It-Together Staples
The Elevated Tent Dress
Loose, flowy, collar or puff sleeve detail. Smart enough to pass as “intentional” but you could also wear it to a picnic. Bonus: no waistband.
The Wide-Leg Trouser x Vest Combo
Linen or viscose trousers + a thick-strapped vest top = effortless. Throw on an oversized shirt or blazer for instant authority.
The Summer Co-ord
Matching sets in breathable fabrics (cotton, seersucker, linen blends). They whisper “I planned this” even if you got dressed in five minutes.
The Midi Skirt Miracle
Pairs with literally anything. Comfortable to sit in. Doesn’t fly up on a windy lunch break. Perfect for people who panic when forced to wear shorts.
The Power Sandal (That Doesn’t Give You Blisters)
Chunky, structured, minimal. A sandal that says: “I read the agenda.” Not one that says: “I’m on holiday in Kos.”
🧊 Small Touches That Make a Big Difference
Light layers: Bring a knit or linen blazer to survive sudden drops in office temperature.
Silky hair claw: Keeps you cool without making you look like you’re about to do a sheet mask.
Tote bag full of survival tools: Deodorant, mini fan, SPF, patience.
Jewellery that distracts from the fact you’re basically wearing pyjamas: Statement earrings work wonders.
☀️ The Golden Rule: Dress for how you want to feel
Hot weather makes everything a little harder; including confidence. But the magic of a good outfit is that it can change your mood in five seconds flat.
Pick pieces that help you feel:
Unbothered
Capable
Slightly smug that you didn’t opt for polyester
Summer workwear doesn’t have to be stiff. It can be easy, light, breezy and still mean business.
Next week: Picnic Looks. Think gingham, romance, and lying in grass while gossiping about your ex’s ex.
Until then, may your armpits stay dry and your outfit speak louder than your Outlook calendar.
About Twenty Five Reset
Hi, I’m Niamh, and everyone was right 25 really is a turning point. I finally know who I am, what I want, and my purpose… but it’s nothing like I expected.
I work in TV, but it doesn’t define me. This space is my reset embracing the mess, reflecting, and creating again. You can expect:
Pop Culture and a lot of chats about 2000 - 2020 TV Shows
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