It’s giving summer, alright. The temperatures in town are hiking up but the calendar says business as usual. Every morning, we find ourselves in the same dilemma—what do we put on for work today? A sleek blazer that screams boardroom ready? Chic, but stiffling. A cute flowy mini to combat the heat? Comfortable, but not exactly work appropriate. And so the cycle continues. It’s a familiar question, one that we ask ourselves quite often—how do you dress for work in Singapore, where sun-soaked days and high humidity are the norm, without compromising on style or professionalism?
This transitional season is a tricky time, sartorially speaking, especially while navigating between air-conditioned boardrooms and sweltering commutes that feel like a sauna. But don’t sweat it; we have a solution—a wardrobe built on breathable fabrics, effortless tailoring, and silhouettes that move with rather than against the weather. For instance, ditch your formal pants in favour of midi skirts that move with ease, or go with a crisp linen pantsuit for a two-piece wonder. In the tropics, the office-bound can in fact have a lot of fun experimenting with fabrics and cuts. Work fits don’t have to be boring; the comeback of capris is proof of that.
After all, if there’s one thing you can control in this capricious climate, it would be your wardrobe. This summer, go beyond slathering on copious amounts of sunscreen and follow Vogue Singapore’s guide to surviving the 9 to 5 in style.
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Linen suits
For those seeking an alternative to traditional pantsuits, linen pantsuits are the perfect option. This lightweight, breathable fabric is both chic and practical, making it an ideal fit for the office.
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Linen suits: Brunello Cucinelli Linen-Blend Blazer, $5,250
Available at Mytheresa.
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Linen suits: Brunello Cucinelli High-Rise Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Pants, $2,720
Available at Mytheresa.
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Linen suits: Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Supple Large Leather Shoulder Bag, $4,282
Available at Net-a-porter.
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Linen suits: Manolo Blahnik Carolyne 50 Suede Slingback Pumps, $1,277
Available at Net-a-porter.
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Linen suits: Tory Burch Miller Logo Plaque Earrings, $202
Available at Cettire.
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Any weather midi skirts
While we love a risqué mini skirt moment in this humid weather, there’s no denying that it could be a serious dress code violation. A midi skirt, on the other hand, offers the same comfort without getting a side eye from HR. Lend structure to your midi skirts by styling them with a tailored vest or a structured blazer. To jazz things up, elevate the look with a scarf.
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Any weather midi skirts: Faithfull Corbiere Linen Top, $180
Available at Mytheresa.
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Any weather midi skirts: Jil Sander Asymmetric Linen Midi Skirt, $1,880
Available at Mytheresa.
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Any weather midi skirts: Dune Loupe Wide-Fit Smart Slider Leather Sandals, $164
Available at Selfridges.
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Any weather midi skirts: The Row Edith Bag, $3,067
Available at Farfetch.
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Any weather midi skirts: Valentino Garavani Satin-Twill Cherry-Print Silk Scarf, $300
Available at Selfridges.
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Summer dresses
Nothing beats a breezy dress; often a one-and-done work fit for these sweltering months. From elegant midi styles to relaxed shirt dresses, opt for lightweight materials like cotton, tulle and crepe.
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Summer dresses: Victoria Beckham Short-Sleeved Flared-Skirt Cotton Poplin Midi dress, $1,065
Available at Selfridges.
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Summer dresses: Saint Laurent Leather belt, $580
Available at MyTheresa.
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Summer dresses: Valentino Garavani VLogo Signature 20 Leather Loafers, $1,375
Available at Net-a-porter.
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Sleek jumpsuits
Blending style with function, the jumpsuit is the ultimate one-piece wonder. Whether tailored or relaxed, it’s a go-to for both casual and elevated looks. Its breathable fabrication and smart cuts make it perfect for staying cool and comfortable as the season takes its turn on the axis.
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Sleek jumpsuits: Ferragamo Belted Crinkled-Shell Jumpsuit, $2,722
Available at Net-a-porter.
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Sleek jumpsuits: Prada Crochet Raffia-Effect Tote Bag, $3,250
Available at Mytheresa.
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Sleek jumpsuits: Givenchy 4G Plaque Raffia Sandals, $675
Available at Cettire.
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Sleek jumpsuits: Khaite Zucchini Earrings, $1,098
Available at Farfetch.
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Capri corpcore
In case you didn’t know, capris are all the rage this summer. Incorporate this playful, Y2K-coded style into your next corporate outfit. With their cropped length and tailored fit, they’re ideal for beating the heat without compromising on professionalism. Style them with a classic shirt for a look that’s equal parts crisp and cool. Keep the look on trend with the Loewe’s flamenco bag and chunky silver earrings from Bottega Venetta.
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Go corporate core with capris: The Row Victoria Oversized Cotton-Poplin Shirt, $1,809
Available at Net-a-porter.
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Capri corpcore: Jacquemus Croisière Capri Pants, $755
Available at Mytheresa.
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Capri corpcore: Aeyde Melody Leather Sandals, $210
Available at Selfridges.
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Capri corpcore: Loewe Flamenco Large Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag, $6,378
Available at Net-a-porter.
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Capri corpcore: Bottege Venetta Silver Earrings, $874
Available at Net-a-porter.
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Shirt-pant winner
A timeless office staple, the shirt-and-trousers combo is perfect for the warm weather thanks to its lightweight fabrics and relaxed tailoring. Opt for breathable cotton or linens that offer comfort and room to move.
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Shirt-pant winner: Polo Ralph Lauren Striped Shirt, $319
Available at Farfetch.
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Shirt-pant winner: Brunello Cucinelli High-Rise Wide-Leg Pants, $2,990
Available at Mytheresa.
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Shirt-pant winner: Toteme Thin Trouser Belt, $448
Available at Farfetch.
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Shirt-pant winner: Reiss Justine Heeled Leather Mules, $240
Available at Selfridges.
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Shirt-pant winner: Longchamp Le Pliage Original L Tote bag, $245
Available at Longchamp.
