How to dress for air-conditioned office

Summer is a time for pretty dresses, short sleeves and sandals – except, that is, if your office is air conditioned.

Sometimes entering work can feel like you’re going straight from summer to winter, and the temperature only feels colder after hours of sitting at a desk. So how can you look summery while still staying warm while you’re at the office? Luckily, there are a few easy ways to beat the air conditioning:

Layer up

This tried-and-true tactic works in any situation where you think the temps may suddenly go from warm to cool, like shifting your look from daytime to evening or while traveling. So, of course, it’s the perfect way to tackle a cold office. You can still wear your favorite summer sheath dresses and skirt suits – just top them with a simple cardigan or blazer while you’re at work. You can choose something colorful to layer on top of your outfit to keep the look seasonal, or you can make life a bit easier by stowing a neutral black or nude cardigan in your desk drawer.

Woman in white blazer over multi-colored sheath dress

Wear pants

Though pants may seem stifling on hot summer days, there are a few styles you can wear this season to stay cool outside, warm in the office, professional and stylish. For example, look for palazzo pants. They’re loose with thin fabric, but they’ll still provide enough coverage to keep you from freezing at your desk all day. Cropped or ankle pants are other good options – wear them with pumps and a flowing blouse.
Woman in red blouse, black and white trousers and sandals

Try a maxi

Maxi dresses and skirts have the best of both worlds: They’re summery and stylish, but they also cover up your legs like a pair of pants would. Though maxi styles may not be appropriate for formal office dress codes, if you work in a more casual setting, they’re the perfect seasonal work outfit.

Woman in black and white maxi dress and black thongs

Choose close-toed shoes

Did you know that women lose most of their body heat from their toes and fingers? That’s why putting on a pair of socks can make you instantly feel cozy after getting out of the pool or coming in from the cold. So, instead of open-toed heels or sandals, opt for close-toed shoes while you’re at work. That extra cover will make more of a difference than you might think. You can even keep a pair of thick socks in a drawer to wear while you’re sitting at your desk. Change out of them before heading to a meeting or out to lunch, and no one will know!

Slingbacks in aqua or black

Wrap up in a scarf

We use scarves to beat the cold during the fall and winter, so why not wear them in the office during the summer, too? If you don’t feel like carrying a scarf with you to work every day, keep a pashmina or another scarf made of thick, soft fabric draped over your desk chair. That way you can just pull it around your shoulders when you’re feeling chilly.

Woman in white and gray frayed scarf over gray top