Summer office wear from Topshop, River Island and Mango

Trousers, £42, River Island (0344 576 6444, riverisland.com); shirt, £19.99, newlook.com (0344 499 6690)

Summer dressing can be tricky, especially when it comes to dressing for the office.

However, workwear needn’t make you break out in a sweat (only if the air con has broken, again).

Keep the palette light and fresh in pastel tones with an insert of citrus for that instant feel good boost, whilst keeping the other half structured.

A loose fitted pair of wide leg trousers with a striped off shoulder shirt- chic, professional and will not have your boss running for the fire exit.

Ruffles are great for this but make sure they are in a crisp fabric, nothing too sheer or flimsy.

And never underestimate the power of a neckerchief- look no further than British style icon, Alexa Chung. If it is good enough for Alexa, it is certainly good enough for us. 

Shirt, £34.99, H&M (0344 736 9000, hm.com); skirt, £25, Topshop (0344 499 6690, topshop.com)

Top, £12.99, New Look; “pleather” skirt, £28, Oasis (oasis-stores.com); silk scarf, £69, David Watson (davidwatson.uk)

Styling by Paula O’Connor 

Photographs by Neil Marriott

Stylist’s assistant: Sian O’Donnell

Photographer’s assistant: James Sharpe

Hair and make-up: Patrizia Lio at S Management using By Terry and H2D styling tools for hair