The Heat-Wave-Proof Outfits Vogue Editors Wear to the Office in the Summer (2024)

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It’s natural for hemlines to become shorter and shorter as temperatures heat up, but the less-is-more logic doesn’t always work when planning your summer office outfits. Yes, you’ll want to wear something that will keep you cool during a heat wave, but it also needs to come with a polished touch fitting for boardroom or client meetings.

To solve the sartorial conundrum, I’ve asked my colleagues to share all the details of their perfect summer in-the-office outfits. What you’ll discover ahead are a few Vogue-editor-approved essentials along with styling tips to add to your work wardrobe. As you can probably imagine, the Vogue headquarters aren’t your typical buttoned-up office, but there’s still so much to learn and be inspired by this summer.

If you’re feeling stuck in a workwear rut, read on for a few summer office outfits courtesy of Vogue staffers.

Virginia Smith, global head of fashion network

My style is pretty relaxed year-round, but summer is really the time when I want to keep it simple and easy. A flat shoe is key for walking around the city.

Julie Tong, commerce director

If you haven’t gotten in on the suit-vest trend yet, now’s the perfect time. It’s a wardrobe staple that is polished enough for the office but will keep you cool and comfortable in the sweltering heat. I love styling it with my white denim skirt from Raey, which has a slit in the back that makes for a breezy, worthwhile detail. Finishing off the look is a sleek pair of block-heel sandals from minimalist It label St. Agni and my go-to Khaite work tote.

Jill Weiskopf, vice president of communications

My summer office look is very much a product of trying to stay cool outside while protecting myself from the AC inside. This often means loose, tailored black pants, a thin tee or tank (I recently found this gem, which took me back to 1995), and a blazer to throw on once at my desk. Creative, it is not—but it works. I’ve also been wearing my glasses more often and love this Vint & York pair. They are inexpensive enough that I don’t mind when my 11-month-old throws them on the floor repeatedly.

Alexis Bennett, commerce writer

Luckily, the Vogue offices don’t require any strict dress codes, so I love working breezy tank tops into my office wardrobe. I’ll typically pair them with polished pieces like a maxiskirt or tailored trousers. The blazing heat outside often comes with blasting air conditioners inside, so I also like to keep a thin cardigan on hand, like Jacquemus’s cropped style, to keep me from freezing in the office. Finally, a great pair of heels and sparkling gold jewels always pull any outfit together.

Clarissa Schmidt, commerce producer

I’ve finally hopped on the suit-vest train this summer. I was unsure of how to style it at first, but once I tried it on, I fell in love with how practical and versatile the piece was. The sleeveless cut is perfect for battling humidity this summer. Paired with laid-back pants and easy sandals, it’s a winning formula for high summer. I also like to opt for a bit of contrast, so you’ll find me toting this stylishly roomy shoulder bag to and from the office with my favorite Loewe sunnies!

Eliseé Browchuk, experiences production and marketing manager

For dressing cool when it’s overwhelmingly hot, l like to keep things loose. I always opt for a lightweight silk midi-dress paired with a slightly oversized button-down shirt, which comes in handy when the office AC is running on high! I love this fruity camp shirt by Bode, and it plays well with the orange and red tones. To dress the outfit up a bit, I added a simple slip-on heel.

Kylee McGuigan, associate commerce producer

This New York City heat is no joke! Or should I say the humidity. I’d be lying if I said I’m not prone to overheat in the summer, so I’m always looking for breezy, loose-fitting clothes to wear every day—especially to the office. I’m leaning into lots of basics this summer, such as a midi-dress paired with some sandals, for an effortless look. Plus I can’t resist a linen pant and a plain black tank for an elevated casual vibe. These pieces will be on rotation for the rest of the season!

Kiana Murden, beauty commerce writer

Safe to say I live in (and for!) a voluminous midiskirt in the summertime. It’s honestly the perfect way to stay cool without showing too much skin, not to mention the piece can easily transition from office to post-work fun by swapping my favorite flats for a heel. You’ll likely find me pairing a white maxi with a top equally as versatile, like an off-the-shoulder moment or classic white tee.

Lucy Dolan-Zalaznick, senior associate of creative development

You freeze and you fry during a New York City summer, and my strategy is to prepare for the chilliest AC and the most sweltering subway platform. My solution to the ups and downs of summer dressing is a four-part foolproof plan: sunnies so you can actually enjoy the sun before and after work; a button-down as a kind of sweater to make a dress look like a top and a skirt; a breathable, airy underlayer; a versatile bag to schlep it all.

Conçetta Ciarlo, associate manager of events

My summer office style is all about minimizing layers. While Vogue HQ is kept cool, the commute to work can be brutal! I prefer my looks to be low fuss and go for a summer-dressing system: an easy-on vintage dress, cute kitten-heel sandals, and silk scrunchies (I pick ones that match my hair color) at the ready for last-minute updos.

Laia Garcia-Furtado, senior fashion news editor

I recently found a pair of cotton shorts by Hed Mayner on sale and decided that I would make them my summer personality. They are men’s, so they are a bit oversized, and when I wear them, they give the impression of a little flouncy skirt. I’m still trying to figure out the best way to wear them, but I’m imagining an oversized linen button-up shirt; I have my eye on this one from Banana Republic because I love the cropped silhouette. I imagine also the mismatching whites would be kind of cool. I have been wearing these croc-stamped Birkenstocks nonstop as well; the green color really elevates them, and I feel like the back strap makes them more office appropriate than the classic mule style. Topping it all off would be an extra-large scarf tied around my shoulders—I like to troll The RealReal for vintage Hermès scarves, but if I could buy a brand-new one, I’d go for this abstract bunny-print number.