5 Summer Desk-To-Date Outfits

Easy ways to transition from your office to happy hour this summer.

By Lindsey Schickner — Written on Jul 25, 2013

Summer work attire is all about loose layers. Transition from office air conditioning to the outdoor humidity with a simple sweater strip-tease and you're ready for happy hour!

Swap your blazer for bare shoulders or lose that cardigan for the breezy camisole underneath, and you'll go from sophisticated to sexy as soon as the clock stricks 6 pm (or whenever your work day is done).

No need to cram a date dress into your purse. Here are five outfit options that go from work to play in summer's hottest temps.

1. Rebecca Taylor Aurora Floral-Print Silk Shift Dress & Bop Basics The Fiance Blazer

At the office, layer this whimsical floral dress with a structured black blazer for a more polished appearance, but go sans-blazer for drinks with your crush later on.

2. Kate Spade New York 'domino' embroidered shift dress & J.Crew Jackie cardigan

This colorful Kate Spade shift dress is perfect for summer. Tone down the vibrant hues with a classic black cardigan for the office, but ditch the cardi for the bright and ladylike look post-work.

3. J. Crew No. 2 pencil skirt in polka-dot jacquard (mauve blush ivory), J.Crew 1035 jacket in superfine cotton in beechwood, & Urban Outfitter's Kimchi Blue Silky Mesh Dot Cami

The mauve blush ivory shade of this polka-dot pencil skirt is all summer. Complete the polished look with a cream colored blazer for the office, and dress it down with a sheer cami after hours.

4.DVF Clean Pinca Cigarette Pant, Topshop 'Pasha' Camisole, & Joie Belden Blouse

These sleek cigarette pants are the epitome of power dressing. Pair them with a flirty pink tank and delicate eyelet top for a light and summery contrast. Post-work, wear the pink tank by itself, or keep the eyelet blouse for its dainty-chic appeal.