Summer blouses and tops for working from home

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One of the joys of working from home is being able to be comfortable. However, you still want to look professional for work as well as a bit stylish. In the spring and summer months, when it is warm outside you also want to feel cool. Here are some ideas for summer blouses and tops for working from home.

Here I suggest looks for a traditional corporate work from home role, where you may have work telecons. However, you can alter your look based on your industry. For example, if you are in law or finance, you may need to air on the more formal side. If you are a graphic designer or artist you may have more freedom with prints and a casual vibe. You will also need to consider who you may be meeting with and the nature of the meeting.

Best fabrics for summer for WFH blouses

For warm weather, stick with a lightweight fabric that is comfortable but still maintains some structure to the garment. Blends of rayon, viscose, and/or polyester are my favorites. Good quality cottons are also okay.

Blouse styles to avoid

You want to have a distinct difference in your brain about what constitutes work wear from personal wear. For example, I love a strapless black blouse for drinks with the girls or date night. It puts me in a relaxed mood. My brain puts this outfit in the “personal activity, relax” category as opposed to a collared shirt which it puts in the “time to work, focus” category. Here are some styles I would avoid at work mostly because they are not modest enough.

1. Strapless – Generally for most corporate jobs you want to be more modest. However, you could through a cardigan on top for a perfectly acceptable look. Watch to make sure you don’t have too much skin or cleavage exposed.
2. Spaghetti staps – This could be ok with a cardigan on top
3. Tank tops – By itself, not modest enough, but top with a cardigan for a perfectly acceptable work look
4. Loud prints – I love nice prints, but I tend to save the overly bright, loud ones for the dance club
5. Graphic tees with slogans – Save these for a concert or weekend wear
6. Off the shoulder blouses – Save them for cocktail hour
7. Wrinkled or stained blouses and tops – iron them or get rid of them if they are stained
8. Pajamas or hoodies – Even though it is tempting, if you work by yourself and won’t be on a call, change into some type of work outfit to put your brain in a ‘work state of mind’. Be comfy, but do change!

Save the above looks for special nights on the town, weekend wear, coffee with the girls, date night with your husband. For work stick to the looks below.

Blouse styles for working from home

A V neck blouse

This is one of the most flattering necklines for most women. On casual days with familiar colleagues you could wear a loose v neck t-shirt as well. Play with colors, florals, modest prints. I have owned the one above for years and it is such a versatile print.

A cowlneck blouse

This is also flowy and flattering. I like to wear the one shown with a light cardigan. Cowl necks are feminine yet professional.

A summer cardigan

I consider this a ‘must have’ staple item for any work from home closet. In the spring and summer you can find really lightweight cardigans that you can use on top of the blouses to add a bit of modesty and elegance. However, make sure you are not too warm as beads of sweat are not a flattering work look:). Look for a light rayon viscose blend. See example above to see how to pair it with a cowl neck top. Example below is a duster that is lightweight an can easily pair with a round top.

A round neck top

This is a great option. You may want to have several ‘shell’ pieces in neutral colors like white, black, tan and pair them with cardigans. Even floral or prints are great.

A square neck blouse

I do have a few of these, though I don’t find them as flattering as a V neck.

Collared short sleeve shirts

These are great for work because they are naturally more formal because of the collar. I love a short sleeve collared shirt because it combines being cool, comfortable, somewhat casual and formal in the same shirt. Notice the fit on the woman below. It is not too tight for work but isn’t baggy either.

Remember to think about your hair, make-up and jewelry as they add to your overall look. I love the warmth of summer. Who says you can only be stylish and comfy on vacation. Up your work look with some elegant, stylish, yet comfortable blouses. Reap the benefits of working from home!