Elevate Your Summer Work Wardrobe With These Designer Sale Finds—All Under $300
Discover a variety of office-friendly pieces at Saks Fifth Avenue, Shopbop, and The Outnet.
Day after day, I’ve found myself hopelessly rummaging through my closet for presentable summer work outfits. Although I have plenty of warm weather pieces—like lightweight crop tops, thigh-high mini skirts, and vacation-worthy beach dresses—these items simply aren't refined enough to fit into a standard corporate dress code. Needless to say, I’m in desperate need of a major workwear refresh.
So, I’ve turned to my favorite retailers for some assistance, and it just so happens that several of them are hosting major designer sale events. At this very moment, Shopbop is offering up to 70 percent off designer items, The Outnet is allowing its shoppers to score up to 85 percent off high-end selections, and Saks Fifth Avenue just announced up to 60 percent off select styles from now until July 18th. In other words, you can discover a range of polished finds that will effortlessly round out your office-friendly outfits.
With thousands of items to choose from, I’ve gone ahead and saved you some time by curating a list of 30 picks that have made it to my workwear wishlist. Ahead you’ll find perfectly pleated dresses, floor-sweeping trousers, glossy loafers, and more. You’ll also notice that not a single designer item on this list is over $300.
Shop the Saks Fifth Avenue Designer Sale
A straightforward white dress is a versatile piece that can be styled many ways, and for that reason, you should have at least one in your workwear wardrobe. For an elevated office look, dress yours up with kitten heels, and if you’re in a casual mood, slide into a pair of work sneakers instead.
I’ve been looking for a new pair of tailored trousers for quite some time now. My trousers of choice need to have a high-rise fit, functional pockets, and neatly cropped hemlines, and Michael Kors’ camel-colored pants check all of those boxes. Plus, these bottoms are priced under $100, which is a deal that I can’t pass up.
Searching for uncomplicated work shoes that will match any corporate outfit? Look no further than a pair of black strappy sandals. These kitten heels boast a slip-on style with no fastening involved, so they’re beyond easy to wear.
Whenever I’m getting dressed for the office, I tend to gravitate toward pieces that aren’t revealing. However, during the summertime, covering up can be a bit of a challenge. Theory’s mock turtleneck top offers a workaround with a high neckline and a sleeveless construction.
Xirena’s midi-dress is crafted from 100 percent cotton, so it will keep you nice and cool during sizzling summer days. This breathable piece also features a billowing shape which is guaranteed to provide ample airflow.
If you’re a busy bee, your calendar is likely packed with plenty of post-work happy hours and dinners. For these moments, leave your hefty laptop bag at your desk, and carry a smaller tote that can stash all of your essentials. I would recommend Kate Spade’s Sam Icon tote, which is large enough for your phone, wallet, keys, and cosmetics.
For those days that are simply too hot to wear a long-sleeve button-down shirt, opt for a short-sleeve version instead. Michael Kors’ poplin top livens things up with a chest patch pocket and subtle silvertone hardware.
These days, I can’t seem to escape the sight of drop-waist silhouettes. I desperately want to take this style for a spin, so I’ll be doing just that with Undra Celeste’s knit midi skirt. This trendy piece also has an elasticated waistband, so I can modify the fit if need be.
Whether you’re running from one meeting to the next or rushing to join your colleagues at a work lunch, you’ll need a pair of cozy shoes that you can move around in with ease. Sam Edelman’s Ilsie sandals prioritize comfort with a supple leather upper, a cushioned rubber sole, and a supportive ankle-wrap design.
No workwear wardrobe is complete without a sharp blazer. If Only Studio’s double-breasted blazer is cut from a sumptuous satin fabric that will add a formal flair to any look. Style this piece with the label's coordinating satin belted pants.
Elie Tahari's Catherine pants illustrate the phrase, “it’s all in the details.” Look closely and you’ll notice that these elegant white bottoms are decorated with muted stripes that add a subtle hint of dimension.
Shop the Shopbop Designer Sale
Kika Vargas’ Carrie skirt has dramatically dropped in price by almost $400. Aside from its extraordinary markdown, this stunning piece is also worthy of attention for its tiered seams, playful ruffled edges, and charming light blue hue.
Isabel Marant’s Maisan top is not your ordinary white T-shirt. Made with padded cap sleeves, ruched side detailing, and an asymmetrical boat neck shape, this eye-catching piece stands apart from the rest.
While piecing together your work outfits, remember that there’s no such thing as having too many tailored trousers. Although you likely own a few already, consider Veronica Beard’s puddle pants if you’re looking to give your trousers collection a stylish boost.
It might be sweltering hot outside, but freezing indoor temperatures tell a different story. Stay warm with Simkhai’s knit polo top, sewn with a soft blend of cotton and cashmere. You’ll want to keep this piece around as we begin to transition into fall.
Mesh flats are having a major moment among the fashion crowd, and perhaps it’s because these barely-there shoes provide a practical hack for surviving the summer heat. Try out the trend with Phillip Lim’s Mary Janes.
You won’t get bored with Nackiye’s Mintan shirt because this top offers two styling options. Cinch the matching belt around your waist for a sculpted look or remove it for a more spacious feel. Whichever style you decide to choose, make this striped top the centerpiece of your outfit by wearing it with a pair of solid bottoms.
I’ve never worn a pair of pants with a double layered waistband, but these white jeans from Simkhai just convinced me to do so. Although these bottoms aren’t typical office pants, I could see myself elevating these jeans with a fancy blouse and a pair of slingback heels.
Are you in need of an easy summer work outfit? Try tucking a white tank top into a pair of Bermuda shorts and layer your look with a breezy button-down shirt. As far as shoes go, streamlined slide sandals will get the job done.
I want my workwear wardrobe to exude a refined vibe, so I didn't hesitate to add Maria Luca’s leather loafers to my shopping cart. These luxe shoes flaunt a smooth calfskin exterior, a shimmering chain trim, and a brilliant ivory shade.
Providing that your office errs on the casual side, give yourself permission to slip into these tailored shorts by Veronica Beard. Balance out your look with a structured tee and a matching blazer (or scroll through our roundup of shorts outfits for more styling inspiration).
Shop the Outnet Designer Sale
Iris & Ink’s Dalia dress is worth the investment because it can be worn beyond the office. Pull on this pleated piece for a picnic in the park, an upscale garden party or even an al fresco dinner by the shore. Basically, you can wear this dress all summer long.
Want to know a secret to looking instantly elevated? Throw on a lustrous satin top and amp up the elegance with a matching slip skirt and a pair of pretty ballet flats.
For those of you who don’t love the idea of wearing sky-high stilettos—but you’d still like a bit of height—allow me to introduce you to Stuart Weitzman’s suede sandals. These open-toe shoes have a low block heel, so you’ll feel as though you’re practically wearing flats.
Black trousers rank high on my list of capsule wardrobe must-haves because I can easily cycle them through my rotation of summer work outfits. Not to mention, these basic bottoms have a transeasonal appeal, meaning they’ll stick around for the long haul.
A perfect work tote needs to be able to hold all your office essentials (like your laptop, water bottle, and notebook). With a width of 20 inches, Michael Kors’ logo-embossed leather tote can carry all of that and more.
Warm weather calls for all-white outfits. Bring your monochromatic look to life with Jil Sander’s straight-leg pants and a tailored vest of the same shade. If you’re really sticking to the theme, add a pair of white summer shoes to the mix.
Chunky sandals are rising in popularity this season, so why not give them a shot with Iris & Ink platform shoes? These sturdy sandals feature a braided jute sole which puts a beachy twist on the trend.
I have several white dresses for casual summertime occasions, but none of them are fitting for the office. That said, Melissa Odabash’s midi dress will be my next purchase. I’m swiftly falling for the tiered silhouette and the lace trim details along the sleeves and hem.
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Lauren is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes trend reports, shopping pieces, and celebrity news stories. Prior to Marie Claire, Lauren worked for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE as a freelance editor with a specific focus on seasonal styles and coveted products. She also worked for Town & Country, where she developed a robust portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in journalism. While attending Penn, Lauren contributed to the university's fashion magazine, The Walk, while also interning for Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.
When she’s not exploring the world of fashion, you can find Lauren sharpening her skills as DJ, discovering new restaurants in New York City (she’s a foodie), and spending quality time with friends and family. Follow her along at @laurenktappan.
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