Summer Smart Casual Work Outfits for Men 

Summer is just around the corner which means it’s time to start thinking about swapping key wardrobe items in line with the seasonal changes. For women, this is often a lot easier because they can opt for lighter materials and things like dresses and skirts, but for men, the summer workwear wardrobe choices are somewhat more limited. 

This can leave men feeling stumped when it comes to picking out work appropriate and weather friendly outfits during summer, particularly if they have a strict dress code they need to adhere to. With this in mind, make sure you’re prepared for the summer months and not flailing in the morning to scrape together an outfit with our smart casual summer workwear essentials. 

Trousers 

The first step is to determine what you’re going to be wearing on the bottom. A lot of workplaces won’t necessarily let you wear shorts, even if they’re smart and not made from denim. The trouble is, it can get rather hot in an office, especially in the summer, and it can be unpleasant to work in such humid conditions when you’re wearing tailored trousers. 

Instead, think about swapping your suit trousers for chinos. They look just as smart but aren’t as thick, meaning they’re a much cooler alternative for the office in summer. It’s best to stick to standard colors instead of the brown/cream alternatives if you really want to match the look of a suit, but if this isn’t your intention, try lighter shades as they will reflect the heat and therefore keep you cooler. 

Tops 

Once you have your trousers sorted out, it’s time to think about the top half. It’s likely too hot for you to be wearing a blazer in summer, so instead, make sure you invest in some high quality, lightweight cotton shirts. Some workplaces may allow you to wear short sleeves, but if they don’t, you can still get some lightweight, cool cotton long-sleeve shirts. Try not to buy anything that’s too tight or fitted or else you may find yourself getting hotter as the day goes on – look out for a medium fit. 

Shoes 

In summer, it’s a good idea to swap out your full-length socks for something cooler. Think about replacing over the ankle socks with more lightweight footsie socks. Sports socks tend to be a good option because they’re often made from a thinner material and do a better job of dispersing the heat away from your feet. 

In terms of shoes, look for things like moccasins and boat shoes. They’re much less restrictive than other options like formal shoes, but they still look smart and complement most outfit types. You want to avoid chunky shoes that generate heat, but you also want to avoid sandals as these are not professional and will detract from the overall outfit. 

Stick to neutral shades like brown and cream, and only go for black if it’s the most viable option for the rest of your outfit. 

Accessories 

If there’s one time of the year where accessories shine, it’s summer. This is because you might have your sleeves rolled up or your trousers cuffed a bit higher, exposing more skin and leaving more room for accessories to really come to the forefront. Summer is the prime time to invest in designer jewelry for men; things like watches, bracelets, necklaces, and even anklets. They can instantly add a more summer feeling to your outfit and create a focal point in the absence of a bold blazer or striking jumper. Just make sure to match your metals and leathers!