Here's How to Dress for Every Work Situation This Summer

Every office has its own rules—or, worse, some private code that no one actually talks about but somehow seems to exist. We toss buzzwords like "business casual" and "startup vibes" around without a second thought, then find ourselves wondering how that woman on the third foor gets away with sandals.

When you're swamped with projects or starting a new job, the last thing you want to think about is planning and updating your work wardrobe. Still, admit it: you're tired of wearing that same button-down/blazer combo day in and day out.

That's why we've partnered with the fashion-savvy team at Trunk Club for a series of articles dedicated to tricky office fashion situations. But we wanted more than just their advice—we wanted proof that advice worked in the form of real women.

No two careers are alike, but we're all entitled to look good and feel our best. Below, you'll find six of our favorite working ladies (hint hint: one is our own Lauren McGoodwin), outfitted specifically for their unique companies, work, and schedules. For this round, we're covering summer looks—because it's hot as Hades out there, and sweat marks are so not cool. 

Robin Zweig, Account Manager at Snapchat

At a startup like Snapchat, team bonding is an essential part of the work culture and, of course, office dress is a little less formal. But let's get this straight: working for a growing startup does not equal sweatpants. Since Robin often attends professional events—like client happy hours overlooking the beach from the Snapchat's offices in Venice—we asked Trunk Club to help Robin find the perfect ensemble for one of them—specificially a summer office party (yeah, we wish we were at one of those right now, too). Check it out. 

Why Trunk Club Chose It: "This shift dress marries a beachy, boho print with a silhouette that’s still modest enough for networking events. A luxe leather backpack is upscale without being overly formal, and these metallic mules are just dying to be Snapped."

Why Robin Likes It: "I like that [this look] is nice and flowy because I work right on the beach. Something that’s easy to throw on and that I don’t have to think about is really important. It’s good in front of clients but also around the office, so it’s casual but business-friendly. The colors are flattering, and the print is playful but it's muted enough so that it works with the neutrals in your closet." 

Raakhi Agrawal, Digital Strategy Marketing Manager, Nestlé

Raakhi runs digital marketing at Nestlé, so that means a lot of client meetings. Also, working for a larger company means a more corporate perspective on what is—and what isn't—work wardrobe appropriate. That means that flowy dresses and skirts are a lifesaver in hot weather. They keep it cool but professional, exactly the way things should be.

Why Trunk Club Chose It: "There’s nothing more perfect for the office on a hot day than a shirtdress! It’s always sophisticated, and usually made from lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton that’ll keep you cool. The vertical stripes feel particularly classic, especially paired with simple gold jewelry."

Why Raakhi Likes It: “I work in a more traditional office environment that’s definitely business casual. I’m excited to show off a look that's fun but also professional at the same time.”  

Rachel Richardson, Blogger + Founder of Lovely in LA

We think it's fair to call Lovely in LA, Rachel's blog and brand, a fashion empire. Well, running that (growing) empire requires a lot of in-person meetings, photoshoots, happy hour chats, and coffee dates. Often Rachel doesn't have time to go home and change between one social commitment to the next, so everything she puts on needs to do double (or triple or quadruple) duty. We asked Trunk Club to create an adaptable outfit that would carry her from breakfast meetings to nights out. But here's the catch: it also needed to be fashion forward enough to fit with Rachel's highly attuned sense of style and trends. 

Why Trunk Club Chose It: "A quick glance at Rachel’s Instagram feed shows that she loves a great print! This tropical one felt right on for summer, but in a color palette that maintains a professional vibe. The combination of the blush tote and the nude sandal is cohesive without being too matchy-matchy."

Why Rachel Likes It: "I love to wear dresses in general. I feel like running around in L.A., we’re lucky to have nice weather, so a dress is easy to just throw it on and go. And I love the cold shoulder details and the floral print—so great for summer. Plus, it's versatile. I could wear it to a wedding, to cocktails, to a meeting. And you can always throw on a denim jacket for a change of pace. The neutral sandal, too, is essential. A nice everyday neutral sandal goes with any color dress. It's one of those basics that everyone should have in their closet."

Lauren McGoodwin, Founder + CEO of Career Contessa

Yep, our Lauren. Running a career-focused company means that Lauren's got to walk-the-walk—especially at events and meetings with potential partners or collaborators. A blazer is a must. She's also a huge proponent of work uniforms. With a long commute, a busy team, and commitments that vary daily, Lauren's all about anything effortless that's also well-styled. Think unexpected classics.

Why Trunk Club Chose It: "A blazer with jeans is such a chic combination, and a white denim skirt looks just as fresh when the temps are too high for pants. Polish off the look with a silk blouse, beautiful jewelry, and a sleek pair of flats."

Why Lauren Likes It: "I’m a blazer and jeans kind of gal—actually, honestly, I’m not really, but I pretend to be for events. When L.A. summer hits, though, even though I'm in jeans most of the year, I just can't. This skirt is a great compromise and the white denim gives everything a great summery vibe. I also asked for flats because heels in the summer are rough, and I like to take walking meetings or calls outside when I can. Honestly, I'd wear this all summer but also into fall. I know everyone says, 'No white after Labor Day' but in L.A. that's usually the start of 100 degree days, so I think that's a rule worth breaking."

Christina Topacio, Founder of Jig + Saw

Christina runs one of a resource center for female entrepreneurs and creatives based in Los Angeles. On any given day you'll find her rubbing elbows with some of the most talented women in the city, throwing events, or just answering a billion emails. Regardless, she's mastered the art of getting sh*t done without breaking a sweat. Running your own space means it's Casual Friday every day but also that you're never sure where the day will take you. Christina needs outfits that as comfortable as they are unique because this lady is on the move.

Why Trunk Club Chose It: "Casual and comfortable can still be cool! This gingham, off-the-shoulder top combines two of the season’s most popular trends, and pairs perfectly with distressed white denim. It’s a fun look that vibes with Christina’s outgoing personality."

Why She Likes It:  "Our coworking community is very 'dress how you want to dress'—you know, that typical millennial office environment. So the off the shoulder gingham is perfect because it's feminine and so me but still looks polished enough for meetings or giving tours to new members. And then the white jean is seasonal but comes with the perfect higher waist so it still feels put together. The clogs—I love the clogs. They're comfortable enough to wear everywhere." 

Jenna greene, Social Impact Strategist, CK&D Cause Marketing

We had the pleasure of interviewing Jenna back in the early days of Career Contessa about her work in marketing. In her field, building strong client relationships is essential, so she's constantly moving from meeting to meeting, often across town and back. With clients, you go where they are. That means dealing with wildly varied temperatures during the summer months—beating sun on strolls from parking garages, frigid boardrooms with the AC blasting, warm and crowded lobbies. The best solution? An outfit that gives her room to breathe (and slide in and out of cabs). 

Why Trunk Club Chose It: "Jenna loves to wear black. Introducing white and this lemon yellow makes the color palette more summery, while staying true to her style. It’s graphic, but fun, especially with playful touches like the paper-airplane print on the scarf."

Why Jenna Likes It: "I tend to wear a lot of black and keep things simple. But for summer, having a pop of color is kind of fun. The long blazer gives the outfit a little bit more of a sophisticated, professional look. It's great because it's hard to find summer blazers. This would be perfect for a day of meetings (client meetings, new business meetings, partnership collaboration meetings) outside of the office. [It makes it] easy to be on the move but still have a professional looking vibe."