Dressing for the office has always made me feel a little oppressed. Before taking my first job after college, I had this notion that I couldn’t wear bright colors, loud patterns, or fun shoes to work ever again. It’s taken awhile to refine my 8-5 style, but I’m feeling on point lately and I’m loving dressing for work again!

Check out my office style MUST HAVES for summer!

A Printed Blazer

Blazer: Lauren Conrad for Khols|Dress: Loft |Shoes: Madden Girl |Photo cred: Caitlin McCullough

Blazers and sports coats were my dread before I really learned how to put my office outfits together while still incorporating my personal style. I was a little hesitant when I bought something this loud, but I can’t tell you how many outfits I have worn this with. I also recommend to switching from stiff silk or polyester sports coats to lighter and more casual cotton blazers like this one. They are so comfortably flexible and just look much more fresh.

A printed blazer just takes an average outfit to the next level.

The blazer pictured above is Lauren Conrad from Khol’s, but she no longer carries this particular blazer in the collection. If you are really wanting a similar look to this photo, check out this floral print blazer from ROASO ($28.90).

The Wrap Dress

Dress: Ross | Handbag: Louis Vuitton | Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson |Photo cred: Caitlin McCullough

Wrap dresses are (in my opinion) the most versatile dress. It also doesn’t hurt that they are flattering to almost every body shape. If you have meetings and need to dress them up, they look amazing with a simple sports coat, but they also look office appropriate on their own.

The dress above is my favorite material for a wrap dress. The top is a mixture of spandex and polyester and the bottom is more like chiffon, so it fits PERFECTLY and is just breathable enough for the South Carolina heat.                                                                   (Bonus: I found this dress at Ross for $11!)

A Well-Tailored Jean Jacket

Jacket: Old Navy | Dress: Belk | Shoes: Madden Girl

Now I know this piece in particular may or may not fly in your office, but if you can get away with it, you can really bump casual Friday up to the next level. It’s so important though that your jean jacket hits you in the right place. I’m extremely short-waisted, so a jean jacket that goes all the way down to my hips is only going to accentuate how short my torso really is. That’s why I went for this mid-waist jean jacket. It dresses this outfit down just enough while still making me look polished and professional.

These three items are really the staples of my summer office style. I know this article is short, but I will be doing a full recap of my summer style at the end of this month, so keep an eye out in August for ALL my favorites.

I would love to hear from you! What are your favorite staples that make dressing for the office fun again? Comment below, or send me an email on my contact page. Until next time, lovelies! Sweet Dreams and Happy Travels!