25 of the best summer work dresses to help you stay cool in the office (2024)

If you're based in the office this season, a summer work dress should be at the top of your shopping list. Navigating the new flexi/work from home schedule is tricky enough without worrying about what you're going to wear.

Smart, cooling and comfortable, the right dress is effortless to throw on but makes you look instantly pulled together. Plus, with only accessories to consider on a Monday morning, you might even get a few more minutes in bed. Win-win.

As temperatures climb, weekend and workday wardrobes become more distinct. Bare shoulders, shorter hemlines, sheer fabrics and plunging necklines are best suited to barbecues and picnics. But on stuffy commutes you’ll want to keep cool and collected, while striking the balance between summery and smart enough for work. The answer? Invest in a few seasonal work dresses and keep them on rotation.

From shirt and shift styles to silk numbers that will see you through to Friday night drinks, we’ve rounded up the summer dress options that feel both office-appropriate and bang on trend for summer.

Inspired by the classic menswear staple, shirt dresses were literally made for the office.

But while crisp cotton-poplin looks smart, the coolest designs have a modern twist: statement prints, oversized pockets, pleated details or utilitarian hardware.

Our top pick is Phase Eight's summery Broderie shirt dress – the belted waist makes it feel smart enough for the office, but you could easily swap out loafers for a pair of espadrilles to make it garden party appropriate. After something more transitional? Opt for Hush's floral midi style instead (it'll work with knee high boots come September).

There’s a reason the shift dress is a workwear staple. Not only smart and timelessly stylish, it’s universally flattering too, skimming over your figure to fall in a neat A-line shape.

If you prefer something more fitted, opt for its sister style: the sheath dress. Deftly placed darts will enhance your curves and accommodate a larger bust.

Hobbs' Suri style (complete with matching fitted jacket) nods to Jackie O’s iconic Sixties shifts, while Boden makes retro comfy with an A-line shape and stretchy jersey.

These days, nine-to-five is less common, so there’s often little chance of a quick change before you head out after work on a Friday night. The perfect desk-to-dinner dress can be instantly elevated with a simple shoe swap – leather loafers to heeled sandals or black ankle boots.

Luckily, black dresses are summer's new micro-trend. Surprising, we know, since this season is usually associated with colourful hues. However, there's something very chic about a pared-back block-colour dress that lets the cut do the talking – it's a natural tan-enhancer, too.

The best bit? This style will go with absolutely everything in your wardrobe and can be instantly elevated with silver or gold jewellery.

The latest midi dresses are longer than ever and, as a result, more flattering, finishing just above the ankle to highlight the slimmest part of your calf.

Surprisingly versatile, a midi length gives you more options. Fitted and sleeveless silhouettes are balanced by demure hemlines, so they still look formal enough for meetings.

Just because summer is here, doesn’t mean you have to bare all. If the idea of showing off your arms brings you out in a cold sweat, fear not, there are plenty of long-sleeved summer dresses out there.

From elegant three-quarter bracelet lengths to billowing balloon and kimono shapes, you can choose how much of a statement you want to make.

So, there you have it, the five summer work dress styles that will make you look the business...