Summer officewear can sometime lean a bit casual, but there's no reason to not stay refined with The Tie Bar's offerings.

June 3, 2025

The Do’s and Don’ts of Summer Officewear

Master the art of summer office style with lightweight linen suits, knit polos, and sharp seasonal accessories that work as hard as you do.

Ah, summer at the office. That tricky season when the thermostat climbs, the AC blasts, and the eternal question looms: How do you look sharp without melting into a human puddle by noon? The good news? You don’t have to sweat it (literally or stylistically). With a few strategic upgrades, your summer office wardrobe can strike the perfect balance between polished and practical.

Here’s your cheat sheet

SUMMER OFFICEWEAR

Do: Invest in Linen Suiting Separates

There’s a reason linen has been the go-to fabric of Mediterranean jet-setters for centuries. Lightweight, breathable, and inherently relaxed, linen suiting separates are the ultimate summer power move. But this isn’t your uncle’s rumpled beach wedding suit — today’s linen tailoring is sleek, refined, and fully office-ready.

Opt for separates in soft oatmeal or chocolate, and don’t be afraid to mix and match. A linen blazer over chinos or a short-sleeve button-down with linen trousers sends the message: I’m here to work, but I know where the rooftop bar is.

Linen suits and separates — like a jacket or pant — can make sure you stay sharp while staying cool.

Don’t: Go Full Vacation Mode

We get it. Hawaiian shirts and drawstring shorts have their moment — just not in the boardroom. Reserve the floral prints for weekends, and if you’re craving color, bring it in subtly (more on that below).

Do: Embrace the Knit Polo

A knit polo is the unsung hero of summer officewear. Polished enough to slide under a blazer, cool enough to wear solo, it walks the line between casual and refined with ease.

A classic knit polo can be a perfect compliment to the rest of your office attire.

Look for a textured knit or contrast tipping to add visual interest, and consider rich tones like cerulean or spruce green. Bonus: it’s one of the few pieces that looks just as good at happy hour as it does at Monday’s 10 a.m. check-in.

Don’t: Ignore the Details

When the layers come off, the accessories shine. Lightweight neckwear — think Italian silk ties or a sharp pocket square — can elevate even the simplest shirt-trouser combo.

The Tie Bar’s new collection of Italian-made ties and pocket squares delivers all the summer flair you need, minus the sweat. And for a little extra personality? Colorful socks are your secret weapon. A flash of dots, stripes, or florals at the ankle is the kind of detail people notice (in a good way).

Our lightweight, seersucker ties and pocket squares, made in Italy, are ideal for warm weather.

Do: Keep a Handkerchief on Hand

We’re calling it: the humble handkerchief is overdue for a comeback. Not just for dabbing the occasional brow or wiping your glasses, a crisp cotton handkerchief adds a subtle touch of old-school elegance to your summer kit. Stock up with a 3-pack set and keep one in your pocket — your future self (and possibly your lunch companion) will thank you.

A handkerchief in your pocket is a surefire way to always be prepared in the office.

Final Word

Summer officewear doesn’t have to be a compromise between comfort and style. With a few smart swaps — linen suiting, knit polos, Italian silk accessories, and the right finishing touches — you can stay cool, look sharp, and maybe even enjoy the season from your desk.

After all, the only thing worse than overdressing in June? Underestimating your style game.

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