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Viral TikTok sparks fierce discussion among women about what to wear to the office this summer - so FEMAIL asks stylists and designers to share their expert advice

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Spring is upon us, and people are already freaking out about what they should wear to work this summer.

On TikTok, women are shopping for the season ahead - but they're not quite sure what to buy, especially if they're back in the office after being home for a few years during COVID. 

After all, it can be difficult to figure out an outfit that's light enough for a sweaty commute, warm enough for a chilly office, and cute enough for happy hour.  

Since it's not always acceptable to wear athleisure in a corporate setting, FEMAIL spoke to designers and stylists to find out how to guarantee you look good - and weather appropriate.

Brooklyn-based TikTok creator Molly Green sparked a conversation around summer work outfits when she asked her followers, 'SOS what are we wearing this summer to the office?'

Brooklyn-based TikTok creator Molly Green sparked a conversation around summer work outfits when she asked her followers, 'SOS what are we wearing this summer to the office?'

Molly's followers quickly weighed in with their go-to office outfits, from nap dresses to linen blend pants that work on the subway

Molly's followers quickly weighed in with their go-to office outfits, from nap dresses to linen blend pants that work on the subway 

Brooklyn-based TikTok content creator Molly Green sparked a conversation around summer work outfits when she shared a video asking her followers, 'SOS what are we wearing this summer to the office?'

'I struggled with this so much last summer because I live in New York,' Molly said, explaining the subway felt like a sauna so she felt like anything she wore would leave her 'covered in sweat' by the time she reached her office.

'I told myself I would prepare before the summer came, so this is me preparing.' 

She said she wouldn't wear shorts to the office, so she needed to know what was appropriate - and airy enough for a sweltering NYC commute. 

Molly's followers quickly weighed in with their go-to office outfits. 

Popular solutions included linen blend pants from Everlane, Quince, or Madewell because '100 percent linen will wrinkle like crazy,' Hill House nap dresses, and cotton maxi and midi dresses. 

Other people said they brought a bag with a change of clothes after commuting in a workout set.  

Most woman prepared for frigid temperatures once inside, with one writing, 'I always have a cardigan [because] the air conditioning,' and another saying they wore 'the same thing as winter because it's freezing in the office.' 

Brea McCormick, a Los Angeles-based stylist at boho chic women's clothing line Sophie & Hailee (brand pictured above), suggested 'anything flowy and roomy'

Brea McCormick, a Los Angeles-based stylist at boho chic women's clothing line Sophie & Hailee (brand pictured above), suggested 'anything flowy and roomy'

Molly isn't the only person starting to think about summer outfits early in the spring to prepare accordingly.

What are people wearing this summer? According to Afterpay, these sales are up...

White sneakers up 11 per cent

Two-piece outfits up by 273 per cent

Vest tops up by 141 per cent

Denim skirts up by 119 per cent

Frayed skirts up 115 per cent 

Silver flats up 90 per cent 

Sheer dresses up 25 per cent 

Button downs up 18 per cent 

Afterpay, which allows shoppers to buy items and pay over time, told FEMAIL they've found people are buying their summertime outfits now. 

Sales of white sneakers is up 11 per cent, two-piece outfits is up by 273 per cent, vest tops are up by 141 per cent, and denim skirts are up by 119 per cent. 

Shoppers are also buying up silver flats, frayed dresses, sheer dresses, and preppy button-downs. 

Brea McCormick, a Los Angeles-based stylist at boho chic women's clothing line Sophie & Hailee, told DailyMail.com 'anything flowy and roomy' worked for office dressing this summer, including sheer sleeveless tops, jumpsuits, and wide leg trousers. 

For women who are worried about getting cold, Brea suggested bringing a lightweight denim jacket or blazer, which are her favorites when you 'need a light layer for those air-conditioned offices.'

If you want to incorporate summer trends, she proposed looking inside your own closet before embarking on a shopping expedition. 

'Are you trying to make a maxi skirt more western and boho? Try accessorizing with wide brim hats and cowboy boots,' Brea counseled. 

Personal stylist Jordanna Sharp, based in New York City and pictured above, shares on-trend office-appropriate ensembles on her Instagram with her 79,000 followers

Personal stylist Jordanna Sharp, based in New York City and pictured above, shares on-trend office-appropriate ensembles on her Instagram with her 79,000 followers

To be on-trend this summer, Jordanna suggested 'a vest and wide leg pant look, which feels tailored and put together'

To be on-trend this summer, Jordanna suggested 'a vest and wide leg pant look, which feels tailored and put together'

Jordanna suggests skirts for her clients, telling them to opt for 'longer slip skirts and knit skirts that feel breathable,' which 'pair perfectly with a simple tank or button-down'

Jordanna suggests skirts for her clients, telling them to opt for 'longer slip skirts and knit skirts that feel breathable,' which 'pair perfectly with a simple tank or button-down'

Jordanna's go-to summertime designers are Australian brand Dissh for timeless maxi skirts, as well as the European brand Almada for quality cardigans

Jordanna's go-to summertime designers are Australian brand Dissh for timeless maxi skirts, as well as the European brand Almada for quality cardigans

The best brands for summer work clothes 

Everlane

Quince

Madewell 

Hill House 

Aritzia 

Skims

The Frankie Shop

Jenni Kayne

Zara

Sezane

J. Crew

Vince 

Personal stylist Jordanna Sharp, based in New York City, shares on-trend, office-appropriate ensembles on her Instagram with her 79,000 followers. 

Jordanna told FEMAIL that she suggested skirts for her clients, telling them to opt for 'longer slip skirts and knit skirts that feel breathable,' which 'pair perfectly with a simple tank or button-down.'

'I would pair a maxi slip skirt with a knit tank - this always adds an interesting element of texture, and feels dressier than a basic tank for work,' Jordanna said, along with recommending adding a belt and a good ballet flat. The stylist suggested ensuring the accessories are color coordinated 'so that the look feels intentional and effortless,' referencing the viral sandwich method dressing hack. 

To be on-trend this summer, she also suggested 'a vest and wide leg pant look, which feels tailored and put together.' 

When it comes to outerwear, Jordanna advised wearing a thin knit cardigan or cropped jacket, which layer well with a longer skirt. 

It might be tempting to reach for a pair of linen pants to stay cool, but since they wrinkle worse than skirts, she suggested a cotton/linen blend or a slip skirt. 

The chic New Yorker's go-to summertime brands are Australian brand Dissh for timeless maxi skirts, and European brand Almada for high-quality cardigans. 

Wardrobe stylist Taline Guzelian, 24, based in Boston, Massachusetts, runs the Styling By Tal Instagram account, where she gives her almost 50,000 followers virtual outfit ideas

Wardrobe stylist Taline Guzelian, 24, based in Boston, Massachusetts, runs the Styling By Tal Instagram account, where she gives her almost 50,000 followers virtual outfit ideas

For workwear, Taline suggests Aritzia, Skims, The Frankie Shop, Spanx, Source Unknown, Jenni Kayne, Zara and Mango, which 'all have great staples that are chic and timeless'

For workwear, Taline suggests Aritzia, Skims, The Frankie Shop, Spanx, Source Unknown, Jenni Kayne, Zara and Mango, which 'all have great staples that are chic and timeless'

Taline proposed 'a drop-waist midi dress which is so chic and sophisticated,' styled with ballet flats and a vintage tote'

Taline proposed 'a drop-waist midi dress which is so chic and sophisticated,' styled with ballet flats and a vintage tote'

Wardrobe stylist Taline Guzelian, 24, based in Boston, Massachusetts, runs the Styling By Tal Instagram account, where she gives her almost 50,000 followers virtual outfit ideas. 

Taline proposed 'a drop-waist midi dress which is so chic and sophisticated,' styled with ballet flats and a vintage tote.

She is also a fan of a white button-down styled with wide leg ecru denim, loafers, and a designer bag from The Row, 'for the girls who feel comfortable in an oversized outfit at work but still like to be put-together.'

The stylist recommended keeping an oversized blazer, a structured cardigan that flares out, or a cute knit cardigan for the office, and wearing ecru jeans and a matching sleeveless knit top during the commute for less wrinkling. 

For workwear, Taline appreciates Aritzia, Skims, The Frankie Shop, Spanx, Source Unknown, Jenni Kayne, Zara and Mango, which 'all have great staples that are chic and timeless.' 

Beach-inspired brand MIKOH's co-founder and designer, Oleema Miller, is an expert when it comes to dressing for the summertime and told FEMAIL 'it's all about comfort being key yet still looking polished.' 

Her favorites are a beautiful tailored dress and a comfortable pair of flat sandals, which 'will easily take you from work to dinner and have you looking pulled together all day.' 

She always carries light cashmere crew neck or cardigan, which she said is 'super lightweight, looks chic thrown over your shoulders, and is the perfect piece to keep you warm in a chilly office.'

For those who have a long commute ahead of them, Oleema suggested 'a tailored pair of denim, a crisp button-up white shirt, and a simple mule.' 

Pair it with a chunky vintage earring, a silk mini bag, and fun sunglasses to liven it up.

'I think introducing one to two fun items to a somewhat simple outfit automatically takes you from basic to perfection,' Oleema said. 

Wardrobe stylist Bethany Holmes, above, wears The The Effortless Pant from Artizia, which she called 'a must for any women's wardrobe'

Wardrobe stylist Bethany Holmes, above, wears The The Effortless Pant from Artizia, which she called 'a must for any women's wardrobe'

Naama Doktofsky, the New York-based designer at the updated classics womenswear brand Cartolina and a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, is also a supporter of the summer skirt - her go-to is a cotton midi with a knit sweater with details. 

For a more corporate environment, Naama suggested a classic tweed dress. 

'You have to think about comfort and wrinkles of the fabrics - stretch ponte pant and a cashmere sweater is not fussy yet professional,' Naama told FEMAIL.

While you might want to opt for more vibrant summer colors, 'black and navy are season-less and a good idea when you commute… in case you spill your coffee.' 

Wardrobe stylist Bethany Holmes works to 'empower women to own their style and confidence, one outfit at a time,' and is a fan of Reiss, Sezane, Artizia, Vince and J. Crew for summer work outfits.

'For an effortless summer office look, choose breathable cotton or linen fabrics in lighter color palettes,' Bethany advised.

'Pair lightweight, breathable blouses with tailored trousers or midi skirts, and opt for modest-cut dresses. 

'Steer away from spaghetti straps, bodycon dresses, crop tops or mini skirts and dresses.

'For a longer commute, more relaxed fitting outfits like wide leg trousers or an airy skirt paired with a fashionable sneaker that you can wear all day or change into a heel once you are at the office.' 

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