Sizzling Summer Office Style: Workwear Trends Decoded

Attention, stylish Brits! Get ready to face the predicted heatwave from northern Africa on the 27th of June. Temperatures are said to soar up to 30°C, so it’s time to show off your best “I’m not melting, I’m just glistening” workwear outfits. Embrace the sizzling weather with your coolest shades, breeziest fabrics, and a strategically placed handheld fan. Want to stay cool and fabulous? Plus-sized fashion, Zizzi Fashion, experts share more…

Fashion tips are always a trending topic. With #workwear taking over TikTok like a viral sensation, now’s the perfect time to decode the secrets of staying suave and sweat-free at work. The Zizzi Fashion gurus have dug deep into this season’s workwear trends and even cracked the code on everyday essentials to combat the dreaded office heat. Slay the work scene without sacrificing your comfort!

T-shirt dresses

In the week commencing Tuesday, 28^th May, Google searches for ‘t shirt dress’ exploded by 479%. This summer staple is stylish, work-appropriate, and able to regulate body temperatures, making them the perfect way to dress professionally during the scorching heat. Collared shirt dresses are especially professional, although a slightly more casual t-shirt dress can also be dressed up with a lightweight blazer and body-defining belt to achieve a more office-appropriate look.

Linen suits

Nothing screams workwear like a tailored suit. To make this formal staple perfect for the summer heat, you can wear a three-piece linen suit. With interest in ‘linen suits’ rising 106% on Pinterest Trends over the last 6 months (from 30^th Nov 2024 to 30^th May 2024), there’s never been a better time to don this smart and versatile outfit. Also, if you start to work up a sweat, swap the blazers and shirts in favour of a chic and simple trousers-and-tailored-vest look.

Need a tailored suit? Get one made-to-measure by Tony Phillips aka Tony the Soho Tailor. Available by appointment only via DM HERE.

Breathable fabrics

By wearing the appropriate materials, anyone can avoid a sweaty afternoon in the workplace. Cotton, for example, is an affordable, lightweight fabric that allows heat to escape the body. As such, cotton t-shirts and trousers are one of the easiest ways to regulate body temperatures during the heatwave while also looking chic and professional.

Linen is another fantastic material for office workers. Made from the stems of flax plants, linen is a naturally breathable fabric that can soak up moisture or body sweat even more effectively than cotton. Linen shirts are a perfect, versatile way to battle the summer heat, whether people prefer to tuck them into a skirt or wear them unbuttoned as a blouse. Really, the options are endless.

On the other hand, it’s best to avoid any synthetic materials during the heatwave. Polyester and nylon can trap heat and moisture close to the skin, raising body temperatures and causing rashes.

In search of summer fabrics? We love Soho’s oldest fabric store, Borovick Fabrics, located at 16 Berwick Street CLICK HERE.

Stay sweat-free with light layers

Layering isn’t just for the winter months. In summer, you can stay cool by wearing layers to keep skin shaded and protect against sun exposure. As mentioned above, it’s best to use lightweight fabrics, such as linen and cotton.

Additionally, chambray is a heat-proof material that can be layered during a heatwave. Often compared to denim, chambray is a thin, lightweight material that regulates body heat. A chambray shirt jacket or “shacket” can be layered with other breathable fabrics to help workers stay cool in the office.

That being said, layer up correctly. Avoid layering with tights, heavy jumpers or wool cardigans, as these are a recipe for a sweat-drenched afternoon in the workplace.

Edited by Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl