The heatwave is all fun and games until you have to go to the office or – even worse – attempt a commute on a sweltering bus or train. While we’ve been extolling the joy of dressing up for the good weather in maximal prints and OTT accessories, dressing for work when the weather is boiling is a far tougher nut to crack. 

“My go-to for workwear during the hot weather is a T-shirt dress by COS,” says Digital Editor Siomha Connolly, “it’s the perfect solution when you don’t want to think about what to wear.” Equally, Style Editor Aislinn Coffey suggests making linen your workwear staple with brands like Whistles, M&S and Mango ranking high for mid-range and high street pricing. Coffey’s advice? “Don’t fuss about creasing,” she says. 

Choose bare legs with tailored shorts (tailoring is key so you look office-appropriate, rather than off to the pool). Brands like Soeur (find it at Costume), Vince and Acne are excellent go-tos for city and Bermuda styles that ooze polish. Pair yours with a tank top (have you heard? It’s a heatwave essential), and layer over a crisp, mannish shirt to keep things demure and add an edge of cool. 

Main image: Massimo Dutti. 

Pleated midi T-shirt dress, €89, at COS.

Polka dot asymmetric midi-skirt, Vince, €345, at Brown Thomas. 

Waylon belted striped linen shirt dress, Lafayette 148, €1,420; www.net-a-porter.com. 

Leather flat sandals with buckle, €99.95, at Massimo Dutti. 

Pure Irish linen belted short jacket, Autograph, €110, at M&S.

Oxford shirt, €19.99, at H&M.

Ribbed tank top, €19; www.arket.com. 

Flat leather slider sandals, €49.95, at Zara. 

Mid-rise cotton Bermuda shorts, Vince, €159; www.mytheresa.com.