We’ve all been there: You’ve got a closet full of the latest summer trends, and you ask yourself, “Can I wear this to work?” You wonder if the outfit is too short, too beachy, or goes against traditional office “rules” — no shorts, no flip flops, etc.

You’re not alone. Nearly one-third of office workers (30%) find it more difficult to dress for work in the summer months than in other seasons — and that number increases to half (53%) for Generation Z.

We recently took a closer look at how people are approaching getting dressed for the office this summer and discovered a number of findings, including that classic, off-duty summer staples have become summer workwear for some.

Not Safe for Work or Now Safe for Work?

Our findings show that some are willing to break the previously established fashion “rules” to express their personal style this season:

• Shorts Girl (and Guy) Summer – Though long debated, 34% of consumers have worn or would wear shorts to the office, and that number increases to 41% for millennials. While the majority are likely choosing tailored styles, some millennials are wearing cutoffs (13% of consumers overall have worn or would wear cutoffs to the office, compared to 23% for millennials). Men are also choosing shorts more than women – 40% of men have worn or would wear shorts to the office compared to 28% of women.
• Workout Wear as Workwear – One in four (25%) workers have worn or would wear leggings or sweatpants, and 17% have worn or would wear bike shorts, with about one out of four (26%) millennials wearing them to work.

• Country Club Styles Make Their Way to the Office – We recently shared our top trends for the summer, including a rise in requests for “country club” items. These items are making their way into officewear as well, with 23% of consumers reporting that they have worn or would wear tennis and/or golf clothing to work.

• Beach Days Starting at the Office? – While only 12% of consumers have or would wear their bathing suit to work (under their clothes, of course), that number increases to 19% for millennials. Similarly, one in five (20%) millennials have worn or would wear their beach cover-up to work.
• A Final “Foot Note” – Flip flops are “back” and one in five (20%) workers have worn or would wear them to work. That number increases to more than one in four (28%) for millennials and decreases to only 6% for baby boomers.

Summertime Drives Dress Code Rule Breaking

In the summer, workers are more willing to push the dress code limits in favor of demonstrating their personal style, with Gen Z (52%), millennials (44%) and Gen X (43%) most likely to do so.

Even getting “in trouble” doesn’t change that impulse for some. Nearly one-third of workers (31%) have been reprimanded for an outfit they’ve worn to work that they would wear again, with an even higher number of Gen Z (43%) and Millennials (45%) admitting they would repeat the offending outfit in question. But not everyone’s a rebel: 71% of Gen X and 90% of baby boomers have played it safe and have not received a warning.

Wrapping it All Up (Literally)

It may be hot outside, but it’s freezing in the office. Most people (63%) shared that they feel physically uncomfortable during the summer due to the office AC. The most popular way they cope is, unsurprisingly, by grabbing an extra layer (62% reported wearing a cardigan or sweater) but millennials are often looking for some extra warmth — nearly half of them (49%) choose to wear a coat inside during the summer months.

Stitch Fix is Here to Help

At Stitch Fix, we’re not here to judge — we’re here to help. We’ve found that most “office taboo” items (except maybe swimsuits) are wearable for work with the right styling. Check out some of our tips from Stylist Alicia Lloyd below to ensure your outfit is part of the water cooler conversation this summer … for the right reasons.

Methodology – Online survey fielded to gen pop consumers in May 2025, ages 18-60 years old. Total responses: 1,000