Scrolling through TikTok on the hunt for some simple summer work outfits, I heard a sound byte that shook me to my core: "I'm Gen Z.""

As Pandora's fashion Tiktok tends to do, watching one video opened a portal to dozens, if not hundreds, more work costume ideas for "corporate girls", which at least did not feel corporate realistic. My feed was awash with straight face recommendations for a micro mini skirt under an oversized blazer, a tailored vest with nothing layered underneath, and to be mean-clear, these outfits were cute. At the same time, they did not seem suitable for subway commuters or standing in front of colleagues during the presentation. They felt more prepared for an Instagram announcement about landing a new job than actually working. On the desk. With colleagues around you.

I wasn't the only one recording the odd shift in "workwear" — a smidge of tailoring and a blazer thrown on top automatically make workwear - in her weekly newsletter "Self Checkout," Nikki Ogunnaike, Marie Claire's editor-in-chief, was "nervous" about the advice being peddled on tiktok. "I think it's a good idea," he said. "I'm not saying that when you listen to TikTok, you get sent to HR...But I am saying that it will freeze you [.And honestly, just plain uncomfortable."So, our fashion editors spent most of their recent biweekly meetings unraveling how some "corporate girly" outfits are impractical in real corporate life.

We should all feel free to bring our entire selves to work, and personal style is included. But some of the most popular videos (with millions of views) are not so useful beyond the most relaxed work dress code. For what it's worth, the comments section is also with reality. So, to guide fellow fashion lovers towards an easy summer work outfit, I polled Marie Claire's editors on the pieces they really wear to the office this summer.

"I don't love the idea of something super structured that sticks to me during the summer, but one-piece clothes like a midi-style shirt dress fit the job It's all down to length:"The midi-length hem might come with a short hemline. Avoid the glare that will make you look up or down very easy to accessorize. Adding a crossbody bag and kitten heels, it's a match made in elder millennial work outfit heaven."

Our editor-in-chief was one of the first to issue a warning about questionable work clothes advice this summer. She curated a range of fun (but still functional) summer costume formulas in her newsletter, starting with self-checkout, warm weather suits. "If your office is more conservative, a suit jacket is enough. If it's more creative, you can enjoy what you see as "tailoring," such as vests, long shorts, cotton poplin or linen button-downs," she recommends.

Emma Childs adheres to the motto of simple summer workwear: "Be simple, be stupid.""

" In other words, I rely on simple pieces that provide reliably honed results but require little or no styling effort. On a day over 80 degrees, I can't afford to spend the extra energy to fuss over what I'm wearing, so when I get to the office and write 2,000 words, the power of the brain "My favorite very simple formula recently paired with my best slip dress, a lightweight black linen blazer, is baby blue and purple." Double layer J.At the front of the Clou Midi accessory, a black kitten heel and a simple silver pendant necklace top it all. What I like most about this combination is the balance between polish and ease of use. Matching blazers and high heels look polished and professional (Hi, HR.I want to slip a tuk-tuk dress on the way home."

"Streamlined" Lauren Tappan is the first word editor to use to describe her summer work wardrobe, consisting of tailored separate, neutral basics, and simple accessories. "Most of all, in the clothes I wear in the office, coverage is absolutely important. Crop tops, sheer fabrics, and tiny weeny shorts are all no-gos in my style screenplay (I prefer to book those pieces for the weekend),"

she knows well that extra coverage can feel constrained in the sweltering heights of summer. "We were able to find workarounds such as breathable linen pants, loose mock-neck tops and refreshing cotton dresses," he says. And if the weather is not too hot, push a white button-down shirt into your jeans and layer the look with a sharp blazer," says Tappan. "As for accessories, I can always count on kitten heels and gold jewelry to complete my summer work outfit."

"Regardless of the season, I can always count on my proven office uniform: wide-legged trousers, ribbed tanks, button-down shirts," says Knappenberger "It's quick to put together and sophisticated enough for the office, yet very comfortable appearance." For the warmer months, I swap with refreshing fabrics like linen and cotton so I stay cool during my commute, but I still find her look on the "almost blasting Office" trend almost all summer accessories, or the chunky hoop earrings and white sneakers she usually wears. This is a classic wardrobe that will suit your wardrobe.

"This outfit (vest, pleated skirt, knee-high boots) is perfect for summer in the office because it mixes classic office staples with my out-of-office options," says Marzovilla. Her shoes may have worked the hardest: "I can easily replace my boots for a pair of sandals, this is perfect for a drink outing after work, but flat boots make it feel more suitable during the day." You can also layer the tee easily under the vest for more coverage. In addition, the pleated skirt does not cling to my body, so it is a great warm weather option.

In a perfect world, the idea of a summer original white skirt costume might be enough for a day in the office. But I'm not too used to putting my shoulders out and running cold almost all the time anyway. Here's my solution: I still use a maxi skirt as my base, but add a lightweight, slightly oversized button-down shirt over the top with a French tack. (Yes, I'm a millennial and this is forever your favorite styling hack.

On a sunny day, quick hairstyles like these two parts, half-up, half-down, and a pair of Mary Jane's really helped me commute and during a thunderstorm in New York City where the weather was, I also grabbed a lightweight twill jacket to dry my clothes and keep myself happy. It will be a good idea. All of these pieces are cut in a loose, easy silhouette that won't cling to my skin - and more importantly, they don't show more than I feel like I should when I'm in a meeting or a big interview.