Well, it’s finally happened: after over a year of social distancing, shuttered offices, and so many Zoom meetings, many workers are finally returning to their offices this summer. The world reopening is hugely exciting, as everyone is itching to reconnect with our friends, co-workers, and loved ones — so it’s no surprise that many of us are celebrating with a little shopping.
Not sure what to wear to your return-to-work debut? Here are a few office-ready summer trends:
Minimalism
The pandemic brought the negatives of the fashion world (mainly waste and pollution caused by overconsumption) into stark relief. As a result, people are turning to minimalism for no-fuss looks. Of course, minimalist doesn’t have to mean “boring!” Find a few flattering basics at your favorite minimalist fashion brand and you’ll be ready to mix and match.
Pastels
It’s no secret that last year was more than a little bleak. But now there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel — and it’s filled with pretty pastels! Wearing a pale blue blouse, lilac blazer, or blush pink dress to the office this summer might be the pop of color you need to brighten everyone’s day.
Puffed Sleeves
This trend is a comeback from the “milkmaid blouse” style of 2019. But we can’t help but be charmed by it! There’s just something so sweet and romantic about a top with puffed shoulders and sleeves. Pair one of these blouses with a pair of work slacks and you’ve got a breezy summer style.
Wide-leg Trousers
Millennial readers, don’t close the page just yet! Wide-leg trousers, the celebrated style for Gen Z, are also the hottest style on runways like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Kenzo this summer. Whether you opt for a cropped culotte or a palazzo trouser, these puppies are the perfect pants to wear at the office.
Miniskirts
If you’d rather make your summer work look ultra flirty and feminine, you can wear a mini to the office — just make sure you style it appropriately. A pair of tights, some ankle booties, and a long-sleeved button-up (with the sleeves rolled up if it gets too warm) can balance out the mini for an office-friendly look.
Retro Florals
Just as miniskirts are a throwback from the 1960s, many designers have released new looks that are covered in bold, 60s-style floral print. These colorful styles are sure to bring a smile to your face when you get dressed and cheer up your office mate when you walk in the door!
Elevated Casual
Did you spend half your quarantine tie-dyeing your wardrobe and the other half monogramming clothes? You’re in luck — the “elevated casual” look is about to take offices by storm. This look is all about pairing your office wear (like blazers and trousers) with more casual pieces (like that monogrammed tank you made over labor day). The result is so chic — not to mention a great transition from quarantine fashion into “hard clothes”!
Fisherman Sandals
Ah, the most difficult part of going back to work: squeezing back into “real shoes.” This summer, many people are opting to leave heels and dress shoes in the closet while stepping out in classy fisherman sandals. These shoes are comfy enough to wear all day, but dressy enough (and often closed-toed enough) to look great at work.
