Summer fun! Barbecues! Vacation! Ice cream! Fireworks! The office!
Okay, that last one might not belong with all the others. But while the warm weather months bring plenty of fun, most of us still have to go to work and dress the part at least a few days a week. So you might as well know how to look and feel your best when you’re there!
This time of year, it can seem impossible to reach for pants and not swim trunks, but fear not. I’ve got your men’s summer business casual survival guide.
The secret to a success-ridden, sweat-free summer at work? Breathable fabrics.
Whether you love the innovation of technical fabrics, or you’re Team Natural Fibers, you’ll be sitting pretty —pretty dry, that is —at your desk, thanks to our good friends at Huckberry.
Below, discover our favorite moisture-wicking, quick-dry, airy-light pieces in five work-friendly outfits for the dog days of summer.
A week of men’s summer business casual outfits to wear right now:
BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL DRESS CODE
Suit Jacket | Suit Pants | Linen Shirt | Loafers | Socks | Tie
To those of you who must wear a suit for your job, I tip my (sun) hat to you. I think the secret to not sweating through your shirt before you reach your desk is twofold:
- You must try to wear the lightest fabrics and colors you can find that are still dress code appropriate (if your office will let you get away with linen, you can get this same suit in that ultra-breezy fabric).
- You need to embody sprezzatura, a kind of cool nonchalance. You have to trick yourself into thinking you’re not hot at all—you’re actually very comfortable. I recommend actively finding the shade and walking through it slowly—I swear this is how the Italians survive summer in style.
ELEVATED BUSINESS CASUAL DRESS CODE
Seersucker Blazer | Seersucker Pants | Hemp Short-Sleeve Shirt | Loafers
Big meeting? Client dinner? Dress to impress with this look that’s slightly fancier than normal business attire, but still too relaxed for business professionals.
A seersucker suit borrows from the ‘wear the lightest fabrics’ tip listed above, and you can get away with a short-sleeve button up underneath. Who knew hemp could be business casual?
RELAXED BUSINESS CASUAL DRESS CODE
Polo Shirt | Chinos | Sneakers | No-show socks | Watch
Business as usual? Wear the quintessential, can’t-miss business casual outfit: a polo and chinos.
These styles take the fundamentals of business casual a step further.
The chinos are lightweight—5.5 oz!—and the polo is crafted with naturally thermoregulating, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant merino wool. Did someone say summer business casual?
SMART CASUAL DRESS CODE
Linen-Blend Blazer | Knit Polo | 5-Pocket Pants | Suede Derbies
Broken record tapping in: wear light colors in summer! Why? Light colors reflect the sun; dark colors absorb it. If you feel more comfortable wearing dark colors (they do create an undeniable slimming effect), at least wear a light-colored blazer on top.
Obviously, you can carry the blazer for your commute, and then throw it on when you reach your office where the blasting AC is waiting.
Those light colors do show sweat more, so if you wear a dark polo, that top layer can hide it more effectively.
On the bottom? Huckberry’s iconic 365 Pant, which means they should feel great for all year, including the 93.6 days of summer (or 89 days if you’re in the southern hemisphere).
CASUAL DRESS CODE
Short-Sleeve Shirt | Shorts | Sandals | Backpack
Are you one of the lucky few with a casual dress code – or even more chill – no dress code?
Yes, you are the luckiest duck here, because you can wear a short-sleeve shirt and shorts.
But if you did want to dress a little nicer, this short-sleeve tech shirt is guaranteed to look cooler, and it probably feels cooler too, thanks to a thousand tiny intentional holes. It also wicks moisture, so if you do still manage to sweat, it’s gonna take care of that.
Chino shorts are a fool-proof choice. It’s not a real rule, but your toes should probably(?) not be out in the office, so hide them with the most breathable, non-sandal option—huaraches.
Presented in partnership with Huckberry. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Style Girlfriend!
