After what felt like 50 years of winter, summer is finally here (Memorial Day weekend being the benchmark). This means many things. Among them: (1) it’s time to finalize vacay plans and update that OOO message and (2) it’s time to stock up on throw-on-and-go summer dresses that are (somehow) both unconstraining and office-appropriate.
Needless to say, the definition of “office-appropriate” varies from job to job, but generally speaking, a good summer work dress should be cheery enough to match your mood, modest enough to please HR, lightweight and loose enough that you’re not drenched in sweat by the time you reach your desk, easily layered (should you have an oppressive office A.C. or a strict no-shoulders dress code) and versatile, so that you can easily switch up your shoes, swipe on some makeup and make a beeline to the rooftop to meet your friends the instant the clock strikes 6.
Above, you’ll find 25 summer work dresses that meet all these qualifications (some are more conservative-leaning, some more creative-gig-geared). As a bonus, the Memorial Day sales are now in full effect, which means even the pricier options are generously marked down.
[ Next: 25 Statement-Making Spring Dresses Under $100 ]
Work/Spring/Summer Appropriate Dresses
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J.Crew
Belted Shirtdress, $138 at J.Crew
This navy number looks professional, but not un-fun, thanks to the white banding.
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Rachel Comey
Ellipse Isotope Dress, $384.99 at Need Supply
Take a cue from Need Supply's stylist: wear it with white statement heels. (But definitely add a bra.)
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Zara
Midi Dress with Voluminous Sleeves, $69.90 at Zara
Don't you love it when the price and cut are just right? Wear this fun kelly green dress immediately.
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Ganni
Roseburg Crepe Wrap Dress in Total Eclipse, $250 at Lisa Says Gah
From the "Danish Mansur Gavriel," a dress you can wear in the boardroom, out to drinks and everywhere in between.
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Farrow
Sora Dress in Navy Plaid, $89.99 at Need Supply
A breezy checkered maxi dress with lots of ruffled accents for days when you've got an 11 a.m. meeting and a 6 p.m. picnic.
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Mango
Print Wrap Dress, $79.99 at Mango
Behold: a very affordable wrap dress that you can wear all summer long. Dress it up with kitten heels, dress it down with tennis sneaks.
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Vero Moda
Asymmetric Polka Dot Prairie Dress, $56 at ASOS
Covers the requisite amount of skin, but still light enough for a hot day. Wear this airy prairie dress with flat sandals.
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Faithfull The Brand
Nina Floral-Print Crinkled-Crepe Midi Dress, $190 at Net-a-Porter
An influencer favorite, Faithfull The Brand is based in Indonesia, where all of its vintage-feeling pieces are designed, dyed and printed by local artisans. For a less beachy, more office-y vibe, style this 40s-style tea dress with fancy mules and a slicked-back bun.
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Free People
Diamond Head Embroidered Shirt Dress, $198 at Free People
Wear it as-is or unbuttoned over pants, if you're feeling experimental.
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Raey
Split-Skirt Linen Halterneck Dress, $410 at Matches Fashion
A light, minimal dress that you can get away with wearing at work (if you keep a gauzy wrap handy). Also, plain linen looks great with gold jewelry.
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Zara
Long Creased-Effect Dress, $49.90 at Zara
You know what we love about this dress (in addition to its obvious coolness)? You never have to iron it.
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ASOS
Curve Shirt Dress in Dobby Lace, $103 at ASOS
Though a translucent shirtdress wouldn't normally be appropriate for the office, the built-in slip saves the day. Offset the pretty/precious lace with a menswear-inspired shoe.
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Diane Von Furstenberg
Olivia High-Neck Dress, $448 at Matches Fashion
From queen of feminine workwear DVF, a high-neck dress that's perfect for hot summer days spent toiling away in the office. Just add a neutral cotton slip and you're good to go.
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Uniqlo
Pleated Sleeveless Shirtdress, $29.90 at Uniqlo
Shirtdresses can be a little blah, but this one's got pleats and a buttery-yellow hue to keep it interesting. Jazz it up with colorful heels.
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Coach x Keith Haring
Quilted Patchwork T-Shirt Dress. $297 at Coach
This dress might look a little too short for the office, but if you're on the petite side, it’s actually perfect. (And even if you're not, Coach is having a crazy-ridiculous Memorial Day sale that you absolutely must check out.)
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With Jéan
Emelie Dress, $189 at With Jéan
Those who work at a millennial-targeting company: slip on a cardigan and some block heels and you're set.
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Premme
Sol Satin Dress, $119 at Premme
Sunshine in dress form.
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Topshop
Mix Floral Midi Dress, $95 at Topshop
This fun mixed-print dress will look great layered over a turtleneck once it gets cold again (shudder).
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& Other Stories
Cross Front Dress, $95 at & Other Stories
Again, it needs a cardigan, but it's modest and pretty and definitely puts us in a spring/summer state of mind.
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Chalayan
Wrap Midi Dress, $276 at Farfetch
A wrap dress with some drama from Chalayan.
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Glow
Beige Button Wrap Dress, $149 at The Frankie Shop
A neutral shirt dress with cute button details that looks like it could be from 3.1 Phillip Lim, minus the accompanying price tag.
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Reformation
Locklin Dress, $198 at Reformation
Modest Reformation dresses are few and far between — get this one while you can.
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A.P.C.
Rita Dress, $425 at A.P.C.
Got an office A.C. that could double as a cryogenic freezer? This one looks great under a black blazer.
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COS
Ribbed Polo Dress, $150 at COS
On a polo shirt kick? Style this one-and-done option with neutral oxfords and fun socks.
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Mara Hoffman
Tamar Dress in Taupe, $450 at Lisa Says Gah
Remember the custom Ralph Lauren trench dress Priyanka Chopra wore on the 2017 Met Gala red carpet? Well, this is our/Mara Hoffman's office-friendly take.
