Striking a balance between comfortable and office-appropriate attire in your summer work wardrobe can be trickier than coordinating a status meeting for your hybrid team at 2pm on a Friday. (Though really, why are you scheduling a meeting on a Summer Friday?!)
So let SG HQ assure you: It can be done! When you’re less inclined to layer, focus on adding visual interest to otherwise simple looks. Think: textured pieces, bright whites, and seasonal patterns.
Check out 14 pieces to level up your summer work wardrobe:
1. a summer suit
SG Says: Sure, if you work in a more corporate environment, then year-round wool suits might be standard issue.
But! If your office allows for more creativity and expression in your work wardrobe, consider adding an unconventional suit to your summer work wardrobe.
Look for quirky yet stylish numbers that straddle the line between work and weekend, and look just as good with a breezy button-up shirt for work, as with a tee on the weekends.
2. summer dress shoe
SG Says: We’re just gonna come out and say it: a flash of bare ankle on a man in the summer is very sexy.
Opt for a pair of tassel loafers that’ll feel dressed up and like you’re going a bit rogue all at once.
3. fresh work shirts
SG Says: Just a guess that your summer work wardrobe could use a few new dress shirts.
Upgrade your button downs for hot weather with styles that boast performance stretch and sweat-absorbing fabric.
4. summer accessories
SG Says: You don’t have to be a jewelry “guy” to have a little more fun with your finishing touches in the summer.
For accessories that feel fresh for the summer months, but still work-appropriate, think subtle yet colorful.
5. fresh summer scent
SG Says: Need help on picking the right fragrance for you this summer? We got you.
6. knit tie
SG Says: Small details that show your personal style (and personality) are the key to going the extra mile with minimal effort.
7. clean white sneakers
SG Says: We may be all about a retro sneaker, but we’ll always hold a space in our heart for a man in a clean white tennis shoe.
8. lightweight trousers
SG Says: Pair those crisp white sneakers with these lightweight performance trousers and a dark-colored sweater polo for a monochrome workday look that communicates subtle sophistication.
9. sweater polo
SG Says: You can’t go wrong with a here-to-stay style like the sexy, sophisticated sweater polo. So, add a little oomph to your weekday by choosing one with a little heft to it.
Keep in mind, this is not a cotton pique polo shirt that could be mistaken for part of an after school job uniform. Think: short-sleeve sweater (because that’s exactly what it is).
10. canvas work bag
SG Says: The authority in durability, this Filson bag will get you from Point A to Point B with everything you need…in style.
11. suede loafers
SG Says: Humina humina, amirite?
12. wear ’em everywhere chinos
SG Says: If you work in a dress code free office but can’t quite bring yourself to wear jeans to work, go with a pair of flat-front chinos instead.
13. striped tee
SG Says: Have we convinced you to invest in a striped t-shirt yet? Well, have we?? You could dress this tee up with the chinos above and a pair of loafers, or down with cuffed jeans and a perfectly scuffed sneaker on Summer Fridays.
14. lightweight watch
SG Says: It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? Let that “somewhere” be on the hands of a mesh metal watch* that can translate from work to happy hour even after an outfit switch.
*We wrote about even more of our favorite watches for guys who…don’t really care all that much about watches over at The Inventory!
Looking for more summer work wardrobe ideas?
>> We’ve been working hard to update lots of good shopping roundups for you!
Check out our favorite swim trunks, dopp kit essentials, and shorts for warm weather
