What to Wear to Work When It's 90 Degrees

I don’t know about you, but having to get dressed and go to work in the steaming hot heat and humidity just puts me in a foul mood. Seriously, being trapped in the city and having to sweat through my nice(ish) work clothes on the subway instead of cooling off at the beach with dips in the ocean seems like a cruel, cruel joke. But since most of us have to just suck it up and sweat to death before freezing to death in the ice cold over-AC’d office, dressing for heat waves is an art that must be mastered. So what do you wear to work when it’s 90 degrees outside? The trick to surviving a heat wave when you have to go to the office is wearing the lightest weight fabrics possible (think: linen, jersey, cotton, chiffon), avoiding anything that clings or adds heat (satin, silk, spandex, wool…), bringing the right top layers to brave the office chill (a cool cardi, poncho or wrap, or crisp blazer), and drinking a big fat iced beverage on the way to work to help you avoid sweating to death. I also recommend waiting to do your makeup and finishing touches on your hair until you arrive. Oh, and don’t forget the deo for your b.o..

When it comes to figuring out what to wear to work when it’s 90 degrees, I say stick to this simple formula: lightweight dress + sandals + blazer or cardigan (for the office AC). I also love a breezy skirt and tank combo. Don’t even attempt pants. Avoid anything complicated or layered. Opt for lighter colors that won’t show any sweat, especially if you ride the subway or have to walk more than five minutes in the heat. Want more ideas? I’ve gathered my favorite outfit inspiration to help you dress during a heat wave.

Here’s what to wear to work when it’s 90 degrees outside.