A Summer Outfit Idea for the Office

On days with client meetings, I choose to look polished, but not stuffy or corporate. You will never, ever find me in a traditional pantsuit. Instead, in the summer, I might mix fabrics like linen and raw silk, fabrics that work well in the heat in a neutral color palette that I prefer.

Mixing Vintage with New + Mixing Fabrics

Rebel Maeve, a vintage shop out of Southern California, let me pick out one piece and she educated me on the raw silk top I chose. The fabric is slightly nubby with random flecks in natural tones and a rough texture compared to what we typically think of with silk with shine and sheen. I actually thought the top was a linen top in the photo when I selected it! The fabric is great for year round wear, it’s breathable in the summer but also insulating in the winter–a perfect choice for summer paired with linen.

I love mixing special vintage pieces in with my tried-and-true favorites like these white linen pants I bought four years ago from Retail Therapy. In the last couple years, I’ve expanded upon my linen pant collection in different silhouettes and colors from wide leg crops to linen joggers to these interesting genie shaped pants. I’m not usually big into dresses unless it’s shapeless and baggy and/or perhaps a midi or maxi length. Basically, if it’s not a burlap sack, I just want pants, specifically linen pants at work during the summer, keeping me comfortable in an air-conditioned office and comfortable out in the heat walking to a client meeting.

Vintage top c/o Rebel Maeve | pants from Retail Therapy | belt bag by Saint Laurent (30% off) | sandals c/o Blowfish (similar here, on sale)

Photography by Emily Mata