Nothing highlights the absurdities of corporate life quite like getting dressed for summer.

For starters, if you work in a mixed-gender office, your commute likely leaves you sweltering – only to spend the rest of the day quietly freezing in the aggressively air-conditioned tundra of your cubicle. Then there’s the dress code: a vague, outdated brief seemingly designed to suppress personality, disregard common sense, spark confusion, and occasionally trigger a meltdown five minutes before you’re meant to walk out the door. Shoulder-baring singlets? Unprofessional, even if they’re Loewe. But a misshapen polyester button-up? Totally acceptable. Make it make sense.

The good news is that many workplaces now allow more relaxed or flexible dress codes. The days of mandatory, shapeless corporate outfits are mostly gone. But summer still raises the same issue: how do you stay comfortable in the heat without feeling underdressed or unprofessional? To help, we’ve put together a guide. From lightweight suiting to breathable footwear, RUSSH shares key workwear essentials to get you through warm-weather months with ease.

Best summer workwear suiting

CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION Parker Wool Blazer and Luna Wool Skirt

SHONA JOY Jayde Oversized Shirt and Jayde High Waisted Relaxed Pant

CAMILLA & MARC Trevi Shirt and Trevi Pant

P. JOHNSON Lottie Blazer and Evalin Shorts

Best summer workwear dresses

& Other Stories Midi Shirt Dress

COS Sleeveless Bubble-Hem Midi Dress

SCANLAN THEODORE Cotton Sateen Cargo Dress

REBECCA VALANCE Maisie Midi Dress

Best summer workwear bottoms

BEARE PARK Sterling Short

NUDE LUCY Cosette Maxi Skirt

OROTON Kick Flare Cropped Pant

ESSE Sommar Duo Trouser

Best summer workwear shirts and tops

BIANCA SPENDER Black Cotton Yang Top

GUEST IN RESIDENCE Polo Top 

DÔEN June Gathered Gingham Blouse 

ESMAEE Sanctuary Blouse

Best summer workwear shoes

LE MONDE BERYL Ostrich-Effect Mary Jane Ballet Flats

BOTTEGA VENETA Blink Mule

NELSON MADE Cali Heel

TONY BIANCO Loop Choc

Here are the work bags we'll wear forever.