When it’s this hot outside, pants stop being an option in your work wardrobe. Instead, we’re turning to lightweight, easy dresses, and the less sleeve the better. The time is now to load up your closet with these dresses that are a one-and-done outfit. In a city like Washington, bare arms may not be welcome in every office, but these dresses’ higher necklines and longer hemlines lean towards the work-appropriate end of the spectrum. Stay away from spaghetti straps that flash too much skin or boxy shift dresses that, while professional, are boring, and instead look for fun color blocking patterns, florals, and geometric styles. Shop the looks below, and stay cool out there.
The classic shift silhouette gets a playful upgrade with this tropical print. Y.A.S Tropical Shift Dress, $135 at ASOS.
Color blocking will flatter any figure in this chic shift. Three Dots Color Block Shift, $148.50 at Bloomingdale’s.
This simple A-line chevron is belted for a polished look. Great Wavelengths Dress in Black, $54.99 at ModCloth.
Your day will be easy breezy in this palm-frond-printed frock. Frond Cutout Dress, $49.50 at Loft.
The asymmetric hemline and zippered front dress up this simple navy fit-and-flair. Zippered Crepe Dress, $79.95 at Anthropologie.
This crisp and light shirtdress will keep you cool in steamy Metro stations and as you pound the pavement in the District. Clipdot Pleated Shirtdress, $129 at Ann Taylor.
There’s nothing like a bright pop of color to wake up your work wardrobe, and this persimmon dress fits the bill. Factory Paneled Flare Dress, $98 at J. Crew Factory.
This lightweight woven dress can be dressed up for a day in the office with heeled sandals and chunky accessories. Floral Print Midi Dress, $22.90 at Forever21.
With it’s neatly tailored and fitted shape, this floral-print dress bridges feminine and professional. Tahari Floral Print Scuba Sheath Dress, $128 at Nordstrom.
This bright, floral-print dress can do double-duty: wear it to work, then throw it in your carry on for a weekend wedding. Sleeveless Watercolor Floral Dress, $170 at White House Black Market.
This red-hot dress keeps it fresh with a high-low hemline. Linen Trapeze Dress, $110 at Banana Republic (same dress on Poshmark for $42).
This geometric jersey dress will work at the office and transition perfectly for after hours cocktails. Fitted Dress, $24.95 at H&M (sold out–similar here).
Pair a structured fit with a bold color for an anything-but-boring work look. Adrianna Papell Floral Border Print Scuba Sheath Dress, $79 at Nordstrom.
Flowy and light, we can’t imagine anything better to keep you cool than this take on a shirtdress. Sleeveless Shirtdress in Grid Print, $110 at Madewell.
The peplum makes this teal, conservative dress just a bit more playful. Pencil Dress with Peplum and High Neck, $81 at ASOS.
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Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
