I’m extremely jealous of those girls who never seem to sweat even in 34 degrees Celsius weather. While they stay completely poised when it’s hot outside, I’m the opposite – a hot mess, literally. So I’m thankful to whoever invented breathable fabrics and sleeveless clothing.
As long as I can make it from my home to the office without pulling out a tissue to mop up sweat, I consider it a great start to my work day. That’s why I’ve made it my public mission to hunt down the lightest summer dresses that are also appropriate for the office. As fun and colourful as these seven dresses may be, you will see that they are also surprisingly work appropriate – meaning most bosses won’t bat an eyelid so you can stay cool and poised at your desk.
Mizu Chambray pleated dress, $149, from In Good Company
The A-line shape may be breezy and the Chambray material definitely keeps your body cool but it also gives structure to the Mizu dress. The clever pleat detail gives the illusion of layering without extra bulk and the tasteful U-neckline keeps whatever that shouldn’t be revealed hidden.
Available at www.ingoodcompany.asia, Level 2 Tangs Orchard and Front Row, Level 2 Raffles Hotel
Printed dress, $155.80, from Iroo
For more conservative offices, black and white is always a good combination. The tiny white flower print adds a point of interest to an all-black dress and the unique cut will hide a multitude of sins – including that heavy lunch.
Available at Iroo outlets at #B1-52 to 55, Ngee Ann City; #B2-97 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands; #01-179 to 182, Vivo City and #01-45/46, Great World City
V-neck shift dress, $260, from Kate Spade Saturday
One classic you can’t go wrong with in the office is the shift dress. But classic doesn’t equal boring – not in a vibrant abstract watercolour print with an interesting shirttail hem.
Available at Kate Spade Saturday outlets at #01-27/28 Westgate and #B1-27 Ion Orchard
Karen Walker Art School Pinafore with pleats, US$350, from SheShops
The last time you wore a pinafore was back in school and couldn’t wait to take the white collared shirt off – layering in this weather, really? But this Karen Walker number is the pinafore all grown up, without the extra heat trapping shirt underneath. With a ‘50s design and a bow to cinch your waist in, this is one sweet office lady look.
Available at shop.sheshops.com
Rayon dress, $49, from Uniqlo
Rayon is lightweight and breathable. The dropwaist is one of the most flattering cuts, be it whatever type of body shape you have. Plus, checks add a touch of polish that’s needed in any corporate setting.
Available at Uniqlo outets. For a list of locations, go to www.uniqlo.com/sg/shop/
Polka-dotted linen dress, $89, from Benares
Polka dots are another work-appropriate print but you will stand out of the Raffles Place crowd with this interesting polka dot-blocking pattern. If you didn’t know yet, linen is lighter than cotton and is great at helping keep you cool.
Available at Benares outlets at #04-04 Ion Orchard and #B1-K1 Raffles City Shopping Centre
Silk floral print shift dress, $1,390 from Stella McCartney
Wearing larger than life patterns may seem like an office no-no but my personal belief is as long as the print is kept to one colour, the look is still fit for work. The florals on this Stella McCartney shift stick to red for an overall becoming look.
Available at Stella McCartney, #02-19 Hilton Hotel