What to wear to work in the summer

There are many great things that happen in the summer, but deciding what to wear to the office isn't one of them.

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It might be sweltering on the tube and your bus might feel as tropical as a Caribbean island, but you still need to maintain a level of professionalism when it comes to dressing. It's a nightmare; if the universe was fairer, your boss would heartily encourage you to come in wearing your favourite summer dress and that slogan T-shirt that says "Up all night." And yet, we must follow a certain protocol so we don't end up in HR's office.

Deciding what to wear really depends on where you work. If you're based in a bank, sadly nothing much will change for you - maybe you'll be granted that scared wish of swapping tights for bare legs, maybe. If you work in the media or design, then you'll be alright with a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. If you work in fashion, congratulations you can wear whatever you feel like, spare a bikini - but you'll probably get away with even that if you say it's from Celine.

Although any sort of style rule makes this writer want to drink nail polish remover, there are a few pointers which make summer office dressing easier. Anything above the knee is probably a no-go (except if you work in fashion or the media); consider what your boss wears and take cues from them; and finally, Zara is your best friend when it comes to this business of looking stylish and office appropriate. Shirt dresses are great, anything too floaty or boho-inspired probably isn't. You can wear shorts, they just need to be tailored, not bum cheek revealing and worn with a shirt, not a vest or anything with spaghetti straps. Avoid flip-flops (a dictum that should be rigorously followed in all situations that aren't beach-based).

It's not that hard really. If you're stuck just google pictures of J Crew's Jenna Lyons, who manages to nail smart casual whatever season it is.

Or just click through the gallery below for all the style inspiration you'll ever need:

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