Keep it MBAchic: Meghan Markle inspired summer workwear

You asked, and we delivered: Meghan Markle-inspired summer workwear. Meghan Markle has truly come into her own as a style icon, and this week, we are looking to her for office fashion inspiration. We’ve gathered eight of her most stylish moments and found items for all budgets — whether you’re interning the summer, or stepping up your wardrobe for the next role or promotion, we’ve got you covered. Thanks to recent MBA grad @boohbear15 for sending this question in! If you’ve got questions of your own, send them our way, or tag us in your own workwear looks for a feature or a collab. Let’s get into the looks – again, I’d highly recommend bookmarking this page for future reference, or at least throughout the warmer months.

Meghan Markle-inspired summer workwear for all budgets

Things we love about these “Meghan Markle-inspired summer workwear” include the long lines and versatility of each piece. Investing in just a couple of them opens up a ton of possibility for mixing and matching at the office. Let us know your favorites!

White sheath with a classic trench

This white sheath and tan trench is perfect for transitioning to summer weather (and dealing with A/C inside). Find the Ann Taylor dress here at 40% off and the Via Spiga trench at Nordstrom Rack – it’s well under $100, comes in black and the cinched waist is perfect for wearing open or closed.

Blue a-line work dress

I love how this short-sleeve, belted vneck dress by Ann Taylor is comfortable while still being polished for the office. I’d pair with a classic pump and a sturdy leather bag, with some strappy heels inside to shift this over to happy hour when the day is through.

Create your own dress suit by mixing neutrals

This dress suit by Brandon Maxwell is a refreshing combo and easily recreated by a pairing from Ann Taylor (not sponsored but would totally be down for it! Ann Taylor, hmu). We found this embroidered doubleweave sheath dress with the one-button herringbone blazer and think they come together nicely. Would also pair these with a nice neutral heel – she likes the Aquazzura Matilde as we’ve seen them often but if you’re not looking to spend $700, these by Journee at DSW are a good dupe.

The standard formula: jacket + skirt + blouse + pumps

You can’t go wrong with this combo of a lightweight Karl Lagerfeld trench with a draped collar and ruffled white H&M blouse tucked into a Bailey 44 trumpet skirt (available from Rent the Runway). As long as the skirt isn’t too body-con (size up, if you need), it definitely works for the office. Adding these to your wardrobe give you solid, versatile pieces to mix and match with what you’ve already got (also try using @yourfinery to style you based on what you already own).

Statuesque with a peplum top over wide leg trousers

It depends on your office dress code, whether you leave this look sleeveless, or if you pair it with a cropped, fitted jacket or cardigan, but love this combination. The Danae peplum top by Susana Monaco with its drapey, asymmetrical detail is so chic, and when paired with these Nanette Lepore wide-leg trousers, makes you look ten feet tall. Bonus: the entire combination is rentable, so, even if you want to test the combo without the commitment, we got you.

A cropped black suit can be worn 10,000 different ways

What’s so great about a cropped suit like this is that you can wear it 10,000 ways and it always flatters. We found two afforable options from ASOS and Eloquii (blazer, pants). These can be dressed down for work by pairing with a collared shirt (white-button down, anyone?), or dressed up for an event by pairing with a silky sleeveless top or cami. Love the three different shoe options presented here, too.

A sleeveless trench is effortlessly cool in the warmer months

This Calvin Klein belted, sleeveless trench coat dress swaps out darker buttons and detailed shoulders for a patterned collar. It’s on a massive sale at Macy’s, and I’d pair with a nude pump or even a peep-toe bootie in a neutral color and material. Even if this doesn’t fit in with your office dress code, I’d grab it because of the price and timeless style.

Polished & chic, for when you want to bring summer indoors

This is a whole summer vibe, right here. Maybe I’ve got the three-day weekend still on the brain but I’m definitely into working this look into your summer Friday wardrobe. Love the classic striped blouse cuffed at the elbow and tucked into a white, wide-leg trouser, but also love the elongating combo of the white, wide-leg pant (also comes in navy, which would work nicely as well) with a tie-waist tunic blouse in the same print.

Meghan Markle-inspired summer workwear
Which style icons would you like to see translated to office workwear? Let’s collab!

Tag us in your #OOTD shots (tag #keepitMBAchic & @MBAchicblog on Instagram), or send them to us as attachments in the IG DMs. If you’re a fashion blogger, consider writing your own Keep it MBAchic piece! Any questions, shoot over a note, and be sure to visit our Pinterest page for daily inspo.

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