Fashion
Erik Yehezkel on the Strategic Growth of the anOnlyChild Label
In the competitive landscape of contemporary fashion, success is often defined by a brand’s ability to tell a story that extends far beyond the garments themselves. For Miami-born entrepreneur Erik Yehezkel, this narrative approach is second nature. With a background rooted in the demanding fields of commercial real estate and luxury hospitality, Yehezkel transitioned into the fashion sphere with a unique perspective on consumer behavior, curation, and brand architecture. Alongside co-founder and designer Maxwell Osborne, they launched anOnlyChild, a luxury label designed around quiet confidence, sustainability, and the evocative power of individuality.
Officially debuting in 2021, anOnlyChild has carved out a distinct space in the market. The brand is built on a foundation of utilizing deadstock and repurposed fabrics to create rich, textured silhouettes that carry a sense of relaxed sophistication. It is an exploration of circular fashion that refuses to compromise on luxury, transforming fabric remnants into exquisite runway pieces.
We caught up with Erik Yehezkel to discuss the strategic evolution of the anOnlyChild label, the transition from real estate to runway, and the disciplined business philosophy that drives the brand forward.
Q: You have a background in commercial real estate and luxury hospitality in Miami. How did those fast-paced industries prepare you for the fashion world?
A: My background in commercial real estate and hospitality taught me to focus on the “why” behind human behavior. Why we choose to spend time in certain spaces, why we patronize specific establishments, and ultimately, why we wear what we wear. Hospitality is entirely about curation and creating an emotional response. When you walk into a well-designed hotel, every detail, from the lighting to the scent, is intentional. Fashion operates the same way. Navigating those industries in Miami gave me the structured discipline and the appreciation for narrative depth that I now apply to building our brand’s universe.
Q: What was the catalyst for transitioning from property development to co-founding a luxury fashion label?
A: The transition was driven by the realization that the art of curation remains identical regardless of the medium. Whether you are developing a physical property or designing a collection, you are constructing a world for people to inhabit. I wanted to build a brand that consumers could carry with them long after they left a physical space. The opportunity to merge the narrative depth of hospitality with the structured discipline of design was a challenge I couldn’t resist.
Q: How did you and you Maxwell Osborne first connect, and how do your respective strengths complement each other?
A: Maxwell and I connected through mutual creative circles. He told me about the brand he was building, and we quickly realized that we shared a vision of creating something that felt deeply personal and possessed an independent spirit. Maxwell has an incredible design instinct and a rich history in fashion, notably with Public School, which allows him to look at fabric and see possibilities others miss. My strengths lie in business strategy, operations, and brand architecture. We balance each other. He focuses on the creative output, while I ensure we have the disciplined structure and growth model to support that vision.
Q: The brand is named “anOnlyChild.” What does that name mean to you psychologically, and how does it translate into the brand’s identity?
A: The name carries a lot of psychological weight. An only child often has to rely on their own imagination, finding ways to make something out of nothing and giving life to solitude. Strategically, that translates into an independent, singular spirit. It defines our aesthetic and our approach to design. Our customer is someone who possesses a quiet confidence, stands alone in their style, and doesn’t rely on the validation of fleeting trends to feel complete.
Q: Launching a luxury brand during the pandemic presented unique hurdles. What was that early period like, and how did it shape your business model?
A: It was a highly unusual period to launch, but it actually forced us to look inward and adapt. Because textile mills were closed and supply chains were disrupted, we had to make do with what we had. That constraint became our greatest strength. It solidified our commitment to using deadstock and repurposed materials. Strategically, it taught us to be incredibly agile and confirmed that we didn’t need to follow the traditional, bloated fashion calendar to build a meaningful connection with our audience.
Q: Sustainability is at your core, specifically the use of deadstock and repurposed fabrics. How do you manage the logistical challenges of sourcing these materials for a luxury audience?
A: Sourcing deadstock at a luxury level requires an immense amount of discipline and patience. Unlike traditional brands that can order thousands of yards of the exact same fabric, we have to go out and hunt for remnants. Each collection is limited by the physical material we can find. It turns our production process into a puzzle, but it also ensures that every single garment is inherently limited and unique. We have to be meticulous with our quality control so that these repurposed materials feel elevated, cohesive, and undeniably premium.
Q: You’ve mentioned drawing inspiration from lifestyle architects like Ralph Lauren and hoteliers like Ian Schrager. How does the art of curation translate from hospitality to apparel?
A: Both Ralph Lauren and Ian Schrager understood how to build a total universe. When you buy into their work, you aren’t just buying a product or a room night; you are buying into a specific way of seeing the world. In fashion, curation is about editing down the noise. We want anOnlyChild to represent a curated lifestyle. The way we present our collections, the spaces we choose for our events, and the textures of our fabrics are all carefully selected to evoke a specific, nostalgic atmosphere.
Q: How do your Miami roots and upbringing influence your approach to style and the strategic direction of the brand?
A: Miami is a city of diverse cultures and a distinct appreciation for leisure and luxury. Growing up there, I was constantly surrounded by people who used style as a form of self-expression. It taught me that luxury doesn’t have to be rigid or stuffy; it can be relaxed, fluid, and comfortable. Strategically, it influences our focus on ease and versatility. We want our pieces to feel at home, whether you are in New York, Miami, or traveling abroad.
Q: How would you describe the “quiet confidence” of the anOnlyChild aesthetic, and how do you communicate that to consumers?
A: Quiet confidence is about understatement. It is the opposite of loud, heavily branded fashion. Our pieces feature minimal graphics, focusing instead on rich textures, unique silhouettes, and the drape of the fabric. We communicate this through subtle storytelling. We don’t over-explain the garments; we let the craftsmanship, the silk shirting, and the cascading ruffles speak for themselves. The goal is for the outfit to change the wearer’s posture, giving them a sense of ease and strength.
Q: What are the key pillars of the disciplined growth model you’ve implemented to avoid the trap of chasing transient trends?
A: Our growth model relies on scarcity, narrative consistency, and financial discipline. We do not chase high-volume, low-margin sales. Instead, we focus on small, thoughtful drops and capsule collections that respect our materials. By keeping production limited, we maintain high demand and ensure our inventory remains clean. We also prioritize building deep relationships with our retail partners and directly with our community, ensuring that our growth is organic rather than artificial.
Q: What has been the most challenging aspect of scaling a brand that relies so heavily on circular fashion principles?
A: The primary challenge is scalability itself. Traditional fashion business models are built on predictability and mass production. When your design process depends on finding discarded, high-quality deadstock, predictability goes out the window. If we find a beautiful roll of silk, we might only be able to make twenty shirts from it. Scaling under these conditions requires us to treat each piece as a limited edition, educating our consumers and retail partners on why a specific item cannot be restocked once it sells out.
Q: Your runway presentations, including NYFW and LAFW, have garnered major attention. How do these physical showcases drive the brand’s strategic growth?
A: Physical showcases are crucial for a brand like ours because we are so focused on touch, texture, and atmosphere. Our LAFW presentation, “It’s Getting Late B-sides,” brought our community together in a curated space and showcased the movement of our fabrics in real time. It builds brand equity and helps establish the narrative context of the collection. These events aren’t just about showing clothes; they are about inviting people into our world and creating a memorable experience.
Q: How do you approach wholesale partnerships and selective retail expansion, such as working with boutiques like elysewalker?
A: We are extremely selective about where anOnlyChild is sold. We look for retail partners who understand our story, value sustainability, and cater to customers who appreciate craftsmanship. Working with partners like elysewalker is ideal because they curate their spaces with the same care that we design our collections. It ensures our brand is presented in an environment that reinforces its luxury positioning and allows us to reach consumers who appreciate the nuances of our garments.
Q: You’ve spoken about building a “total universe.” In what ways do you envision anOnlyChild expanding beyond apparel into a broader lifestyle brand?
A: Apparel is just the entry point. Because of my hospitality background, I naturally think about physical spaces, home design, and experiential concepts. In the future, I see us expanding into home goods, curated travel accessories, and perhaps even collaborative hospitality spaces. The goal is to build a cohesive lifestyle aesthetic that our customer can integrate into every aspect of their daily life, always maintaining that same independent, thoughtful spirit.
Q: Where do you see anOnlyChild in ten years, and how do you ensure the core philosophy of independent spirit remains intact?
A: In ten years, I want anOnlyChild to be recognized not just for the clothing we produce, but for a specific way of looking at the world. We want to be a global lifestyle brand, but one that has scaled mindfully. To keep our core philosophy intact, we will continue to prioritize our independent spirit and our commitment to circular design principles. No matter how large we grow, the focus will always remain on thoughtful creation, unique materials, and the celebration of the beauty of solitude and individuality.
anOnlyChild has proven that sustainability and high fashion do not have to be mutually exclusive. By treating the brand as a holistic lifestyle universe rather than just an apparel label, the team at anOnlyChild has implemented a disciplined framework that honors both the environment and the consumer’s desire for genuine individuality. Yehezkel’s transition from the physical curation of real estate to the tactile curation of fashion highlights a modern approach to entrepreneurship, where narrative and execution carry equal weight.
As the label continues to expand its retail footprint and explore new creative avenues, its commitment to the independent spirit of the “only child” remains its guiding light. In an industry often rushed by the demands of mass consumerism, Yehezkel’s focus on quiet confidence, limited production, and experiential storytelling offers a compelling blueprint for the future of luxury fashion.
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I’ve always been a fan of Nordstrom’s cashmere scarves — they’re thin, wear really well, and come in such pretty colors. At the moment this pretty scarf in light blue ombré is marked down to $85; after the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale it’ll go back up to $129.
It also comes in a pink ombré!
(Not in the sale, but similar: this modal scarf also has a pretty blue ombré option!)
Sales of note for 7/19:
- Nordstrom – The Anniversary Sale has started! Here’s our big roundup of the best workwear, as well as everything we’ve selected thus far.
- Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale, 60% off sale and 40% off everything — readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it’s a great separate)
- Banana Republic – Summer sale up to 60% off sale styles + extra 20% off
- The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
- J.Crew – 50% off select cashmere
- J.Crew Factory – 60% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
- Lululemon – Summer sale!
- Me & Em – Sale! Up to 60% off (new lines just added)
- M.M.LaFleur – 25% off jardigans (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
- Nordstrom Rack – Clear the rack, extra 25% off clearance! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
- Talbots – Red Door Sale! Prices start at $15
- Theory – End of season sale is on!
Blemishes show up at the worst time. Like just before a big meeting, a first date, or a photo shoot. One minute your skin looks fine, and then there is a red bump staring back at you.
- Learn what really causes blemishes and why breakouts keep returning.
- Discover the research behind gentle botanicals for acne-prone skin.
- Build a simple daily skincare routine that supports a healthier skin barrier.
The frustrating part is that much of the advice you read online either does not work or makes things worse. Scrubbing harder, layering on stronger chemicals, or drying out your face with toothpaste…these do not address or fix the underlying problem.
So, let’s talk about what blemishes really are and why they keep coming back. I’ll also share a gentler, all-natural approach that more women are using to get real results.
What counts as a blemish
A blemish is any visible flaw in the skin. That includes whiteheads, blackheads, papules (small red bumps), pustules (the white-tipped ones), cystic acne, dark spots, scars, and even patches of redness.
Common triggers across all types of blemishes include excess oil, clogged pores, bacteria, hormone shifts, and inflammation. Knowing which one is driving your breakouts gives you a leg-up in treating them.
Why blemishes keep coming back
If you feel like you clear one breakout just for another to appear, you are not imagining it. Your skincare habits, hormones, and diet can make the blemish cycle hard to break.
Skincare habits
Most skincare routines focus on killing surface bacteria with harsh actives like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These can work short-term, but they can also damage your skin barrier in the process. The same is true for harsh exfoliants.
Skin is more sensitive when the moisture barrier is damaged. That means more inflammation and, ultimately, more breakouts.
Other breakout-inducing habits are less obvious. Touching or picking at your face often, not washing off makeup or sunscreen at night, or sleeping on a dirty pillowcase can easily keep the cycle going.
Hormones
A 2022 study concluded that hormones testosterone, androstendione, and cortisol levels correlate with the severity of acne. Hormonal changes related to cycles, stress, birth control, and even sleep deprivation can spike sebum production, which clogs pores and creates new blemishes.
Diet
Different studies have linked sugary, processed foods and dairy to worsening acne. The findings across studies, however, are not consistent. Your skin’s response to different dietary habits may differ from someone else’s—but if you eat a lot of refined sugars and/or dairy, it’s worth reducing your intake to see if it helps.
The science on botanical oils
If strong retinoids, prescription antibiotics, spot drying treatments, and harsh face washes aren’t working for you, there is another, gentler route to try: botanicals. Research indicates some botanical oils have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and skin-healing properties. That trio can be a powerful weapon against acne.
Calendula or marigold
In clinical trials and lab research, calendula has promoted wound repair, fought infection, modulated immune responses, and combatted bacteria. The plant’s skin-healing power comes from a rich collection of bioactive compounds, including steroids, terpenoids, triterpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, and essential oils.
Rosehip
There is clinical evidence supporting rosehip’s ability to improve scarring, pigmentation, and skin barrier function. Note that rosehip oil has a (low) comedogenic rating of 1 or 2 out of 5.
Sea Buckthorn
A literature review of 40 peer-reviewed studies found that sea buckthorn oil demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. It’s thought to be particularly effective at supporting skin barrier repair.
Thistle oil
The research on thistle oil for acne is light, but there is an established connection. Thistle oil is rich in linoleic acid, which does have documented benefits for acne-prone skin. People who have recurring breakouts tend to have lower linoleic acid in their sebum. Adding this fatty acid to the skin topically can restore the skin’s balance. Borage, hemp seed, and rosehip oil are also significant sources of linoleic acid.
How to shop gentle blemish-fighting skincare
If you want to try the all-natural approach to acne control, focus on the ingredients list. Look for cold-pressed botanicals with real antibacterial and anti-inflammatory evidence behind them. Cold pressing is important because heat and chemical extraction methods can degrade fatty acids, antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and overall bioactivity. Said another way, cold pressing helps preserve the botanicals’ maximum effectiveness.
Pro tip: Cold-pressed oils aren’t heat stabilized. Check harvest or expiration dates and store them away from light and heat.
Calendula (marigold), thistle, rosehip, and sea buckthorn are the four most studied for acne-prone skin. Vitamin E and beta-carotene help repair the skin barrier so blemishes heal faster and leave fewer marks behind.
Short ingredient lists tend to be the safest bet. The fewer reactive compounds you put on your face, the lower the chance of triggering more inflammation.
What to avoid
Avoid products with synthetic fragrance, alcohol, sulfates, parabens, or essential oils with no proven topical benefit. Peppermint and citrus oils, for example, can irritate sensitive skin.
One brand to consider is Norse Organics, a Scandinavian skincare line that focuses on cold-pressed Arctic botanicals. Their balms pair marigold, thistle, and sea buckthorn with vitamin E and beta-carotene in formulas that are barrier-friendly and free from harsh actives. The line checks the boxes for how to get rid of blemishes without stripping your skin in the process.
Daily routine for blemishes
A simple daily routine is usually best for sensitive, blemish-prone skin:
- Morning. Rinse your face with lukewarm water. Apply a botanical day balm with anti-inflammatory ingredients. Finish with a mineral SPF.
- Evening. Cleanse gently with a fragrance-free cleanser to remove makeup and the day’s grime. Apply a night balm focused on calming inflammation and supporting overnight skin repair.
- Two or three times weekly. Use a gentle physical exfoliant such as rice or apricot powder, to clear dead skin cells that clog pores.
Lifestyle habits that may help
Skincare may only be part of what’s contributing to your breakouts. Other lifestyle habits that may help include:
- Drink enough water. Hydrated skin functions better and heals faster.
- Sleep at least 7 hours. Your skin repairs itself when you sleep. Also, sleep deprivation can lead to excess cortisol production, which can trigger breakouts.
- Eat antioxidant-rich foods. Berries, leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and citrus may support clearer skin from the inside.
- Manage stress. Easier said than done, but start small — say, with 10 minutes of daily walking, breathing, or stretching.
- Wash the stuff that touches your face. Wash your pillowcase twice a week, your phone screen daily, and your hands before touching your face. These small habits can make a difference.
Read next: Gut instincts: How to unlock radiant skin from the inside out
When to see a professional
Many women can see fewer breakouts with a consistent at-home routine, but there are times when you need expert help. If you have deep cystic acne, painful nodules, or scarring that doesn’t fade, book a dermatologist appointment. Hormonal acne in adults sometimes needs internal treatment alongside topical care, and a doctor can run the right tests.
You can also pair professional help with a gentle botanical routine at home.
The Budget Fashionista takeaways
Clearer skin may not require a chemistry lab on your bathroom counter. Your skin may respond better to a consistent program, gentle products, and a healthy lifestyle.
If the harsh actives aren’t effective, try using natural ingredients to calm inflammation and support your skin’s natural repair process. It may take some time, but there’s a chance you’ll see real improvement within a couple months. Clearer skin may be closer than you think.
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Whether your office is business casual or you’re commuting in 95° heat, the best summer work pants for hot weather are breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and polished enough to wear with what I’ll call a “structured piece” — a blazer, a lady jacket, or even a more tailored blouse. But… this can be difficult to find! So today, we’re rounding up the best summer work pants for women.
Let’s discuss…
Ladies, do you prefer to wear pants year-round — and if so, what fabrics and styles do you prefer in summer? Any classic pants you buy year after year in new colors?
Some of our main fashion articles that might be of interest include our Ultimate Guide to Business Casual, Wardrobe Essentials for Work, and The Corporette Guide to Comfortable Heels — all constantly updated! If you’re just starting out or on a budget, check out our Affordable Office Clothes roundup — and if you’re plus-sized, check out our Plus-Size Picks for Work.
We’ve also talked about other summer topics, such as how makeup in the summer changes, how to look professional when it’s hot out, and how to stay cool on your commute on really hot days. (We’ve also talked about whether pantyhose in summer is actually a thing or not…)
In terms of dress pants for women, we’ve rounded up the best work pants for women in general, talked about the perfect pants fit for women, how to wash your pants, and where to find pants with pockets.
{related: guide for summer associates}
General Tips on Summer Work Pants for Women
Some general tips at the outset for stylish summer dress pants for work:
- Watch the pockets — even even regular five-pocket styles can be too casual for most offices (but know your office!), so be especially wary of cargo pockets
- look for details like pintucked creases down the front — the pintucked creases have a way of keeping the look sharp and structured even as the pants loosen up through the day
- check out our tips on how to avoid sheer pants if you’re leaning towards wearing white pants for summer
- if you hate ironing, always hang your pants upside down using a pants hanger — the weight of the waistband will drag them down! (This is also a great tip for washable pants for work outfits!)
What we’ve noticed in 2026: performance fabrics continue to replace traditional suiting wool for summer offices. Lightweight stretch fabrics that travel well and resist wrinkles are popular at a number of our favorite workwear stores, including M.M.LaFleur and Banana Republic Factory. Linen and cotton pants are still popular, but washable technical fabrics have come a long way. Another trend we’ve noticed: cotton gauze is everywhere. Not all of it is appropriate for work, though — whether it looks polished enough for the office depends largely on the cut and styling.
Our Latest Favorite Summer Work Pants
Lightweight Summer Pant Suits
Types of Summer Dress Pants for Women
Summer Dress Pants in Stretch Cotton
For a more conservative business casual office, stretch cotton is probably the first line of defense. These are widely available in ankle pants; you can also find some stretch cotton trouser options.
For a more conservative business casual office, I would look for full-length cotton pants without lining. These are increasingly difficult to find, though!
In 2026, you can find cute summer work pants in stretch cotton at Brooks Brothers, Frank & Eileen, Spanx, Vince, and Ann Taylor.
Summer Dress Pants in Cotton Piqué or Other Cotton Fabrics
Textured cotton piqué pants can be lighter than regular cotton while holding their shape a bit better. They also tend to wrinkle a bit less than linen trousers. Every few years, brands introduce other interesting cotton fabrics for summer — such as dobby, poplin, or double cloth — that are worth considering if you’re looking for breathable work pants.
Cotton gauze (also called double cloth or triple cloth) is having a moment, but not all of it is office-appropriate. If you’re looking for workwear, I’d be more inclined to shop workwear brands like Boden or Me+Em than brands that lean heavily into casual weekend clothes.
In 2026, good options for summer work pants in cotton pique include Loft and Krazy Larry.
Summer Dress Pants in Seersucker
Seersucker options can be great (particularly in certain parts of the country, like DC, where they have Seersucker Thursday!) — and they often offer matching blazers for women.
Stylish Summer Work Pants in Drapey Fabrics
Know your office well, but note that there are now a ton of relaxed pants in crepe and other flowy materials — perfect for hot days. The trick is finding ones that have a breathable blend instead of 100% polyester… Blends with TENCEL and bamboo both tend to be good options to look for.
Good options in 2026 for drapey summer work pants include Everlane, Quince, Favorite Daughter, Spanx, and Ministry of Supply.
Stylish Summer Dress Pants: Linen
Linen is the obvious choice for hot summer days — but it’s so hard to find a great pair for work. Still: here are just some days where you need to be in a suit or something else Very Professional, hot weather be damned — a summer associate lawn party, an old courthouse, some other sweltering summer event — and linen is the obvious choice here.
Note that a cotton linen blend will wrinkle less; also note that the closer to 100% linen an option is, there may be opacity problems (yay) and shape-retention problems (i.e. serious stretching out).
(Another warning: you may think that palazzo linen pants are a classic for summer… but I don’t wear mine anymore since my then-pre-schooler asked why mommy was wearing pajamas. So… maybe keep those for the beach.)
Good options in 2026 for linen dress pants include Banana Republic Factory, Boden, Nic & Zoe, and NYDJ*.
Summer Work Pants in Seasonless Fabrics or Tropical Wool
These aren’t going to be your lightest options, but if you can find them they’re going to hold up better, be wearable for more seasons, and probably have matching blazers and other pieces.
As of 2026, some of our favorite seasonless suiting includes Ann Taylor and J.Crew on the affordable side, and Theory, Brooks Brothers, M.M.LaFleur and Argent on the more expensive side. For plus sizes, check Lands’ End, and J.Crew — Talbots also used to carry several options. For all suiting options for women, check out our roundup of the best women’s suits of 2026!
Athleisure Pants That Can Work for the Office
Readers in the past have noted that they love golf pants, and there are a ton of athleisure pants that are very acceptable for a lot of offices.
Know your office, of course, but in 2026 some of the reader favorites for lightweight athleisure pants include Athleta’s Brooklyn & Endless pants, Adidas Golf pants, and these Lululemon pants.
Great Summer Work Pants for Business Casual and Conservative Offices
Banana Republic Factory AirStretch
Banana Republic Factory often has pants in their AirStretch line. The brand describes them as “light as air and engineered with performance technology, this ultra flexible fabric is consciously crafted from 86% recycled polyester, 14% spandex.” Nice!
The pictured, tapered pants are available in three colors sizes XXS-XXL — they were $75 but are marked down today.
Nic & Zoe Wonderstretch
These are the priciest of the bunch, at $128–$138, but readers love these for a great reason — their pull-on waistband makes them extraordinarily comfortable! They’re also machine washable.
(Elizabeth thought these pants were a very similar dupe if you’re hunting for more colors or prints!)
Ministry of Supply Velocity Pants
Reviewers love these machine washable and “naturally wrinkle resistant” pants for hot weather. They also offer a comfort waistband with encased elastic in the back for a clean look in front, slanted full-hand front pockets back patch pockets, and pintuck stitching on the front and back leg.
The pictured pants are available in three colors in sizes XXS-XXL for $185; there’s also a tapered version in this fabric. You may also want to check out their crepe fabric and “kinetic twill;” both are also great for breathability.
M.M.LaFleur OrigamiTech
M.M.LaFleur has some pants in an “airy” fabric, but their OrigamiTech is one of their bestsellers and is lightweight, easy to fold, machine washable, and wrinkle resistant. There are matching blazers and dresses, as well.
The pictured Colby pants are $235 and available in 8 colors, sizes 00-20.
Readers, how about you — which are your favorite lightweight summer pants for women?
Frequently Asked Questions about Wearing Pants to Work in Hot Weather
Can you wear cotton gauze or triple-cloth pants to work?
Usually only in casual or very casual “business casual” offices. I love cotton gauze (also called double cloth or triple cloth) for lightweight summer pants, blouses, and dresses, but I do think it skews much more casual than traditional business casual. So: know your office! A good rule of thumb, as mentioned above: if you can pair it with something structured like a blazer or fitted blouse and it still looks intentional, it’s probably fine for work. If it suddenly starts looking like pajamas, it’s probably too casual for most offices.
What are the least wrinkly fabrics for summer work pants?
Linen is, unfortunately, usually the most wrinkle-prone fabric, with lightweight cotton close behind. Textured cottons like piqué and seersucker tend to hold their shape a bit better, as do cotton blends with a touch of elastane or spandex. Performance fabrics — the kinds used by athleisure brands, as well as newer workwear brands like Ministry of Supply and M.M.LaFleur — are generally your best bet if wrinkle resistance is a priority. Just remember that while the fabric may be office-appropriate, the cut or styling may not be.
Are linen pants appropriate for the office?
I think linen pants are perfectly appropriate for many offices, but I’d pay attention to what’s on your calendar. I probably wouldn’t choose them for a board presentation, an important client pitch, or a formal interview. On the other hand, if you’re dressing during a heat wave or heading to an outdoor networking event, linen may be the most polished choice that’s also practical.
Other Great Summer Work Clothes for Women
Wondering what else to wear to work in the summer? Here are some of our latest favorites. You may also want to check out our roundup of the easiest office up-dos!
Opaque White T-Shirts
Hunting for opaque white T-shirts for work? As of 2026, we’d suggest checking the double-layer lines from Boden, Express, Old Navy, and Hobbs, as well as great sources for basic Pima cotton such as Uniqlo, COS, L.L.Bean, Everlane, Banana Republic, and Talbots. (This $268 tee also gets great reviews for opacity, as do these two more affordable options — and Elizabeth swears by this tee under $30!)
Lightweight Blazers
White Blazers
White Pants for Work
Work Dresses with Pockets
More Great Work Pants for Women
The Best Work Pants for Women Overall
As of 2026, we think the best work pants for women include longtime favorites such as Nic + Zoe, Theory, NYDJ, J.Crew, and M.M.LaFleur — as well as trendy brands like Spanx, and Favorite Daughter. For budget-friendly styles, check Quince, Old Navy, and Amazon seller Tapata.
Women’s Dress Pants by Fit: Plus, Petite, Curvy, Tall, and Plus-Size Petites
The Best Plus-Size Pants for the Office
The Best Work Pants for Curvy Girls
Hunting for work pants if you’re curvy? As of 2026, you can find them at Ann Taylor (regular and petite sizes 00-18), Banana Republic Factory (00-20, 00P-18P, 00T-20T), Loft (regular, petite, and tall sizes 00-18), and White House Black Market (00-18, regular, short, and long). Talbots also offers some options in sizes regular, petite, plus, and plus-size petites, as does Lane Bryant. (Banana Republic seems to have temporarily stopped making them, unfortunately.)
The Most Comfortable Dress Pants
The Best Pants in Tall Sizes
There are a lot more options for tall work pants for women compared to what used to be out there! Some reader-favorite stores and brands include Banana Republic Factory, J.Crew Factory, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Boden, J.Crew, Spanx, Gap, Aritzia, and Reiss. Quince also has 32″ lengths for many of their styles. Also check specialty stores like Long Tall Sally, Amalli Talli, I Love Tall, and American Tall.
The Best Petite Work Pants
There are a ton of petite work pants right now. Some reader-favorite stores and brands include Ann Taylor, Liverpool, Banana Republic Factory (00P-18P), J.Crew Factory (00P-12P), White House Black Market, Betabrand, Aritzia, Banana Republic, Boden, J.Crew (00P-12P), Spanx, Loft, and Reiss; Nordstrom is always a great place to check, especially for pants from Nic & Zoe, NYDJ, Liverpool, and Eileen Fisher. Quince also has both 30″ and 32″ lengths. Boss still has some smaller petite sizes available, and Hobbs has a few petite pants (but a pretty robust petite section otherwise). On the more casual side, Anthropologie’s popular pants often come in petites, and so do reader favorites from Athleta and Lululemon.
The Best Plus-Size Petite Work Pants
This is where you can find plus-size petites…
Machine Washable Dress Pants
Stock photo via Pexels / Elina Volkova.
Outfit Details: Wiggy Kit Dress, Janessa Leone Hat, Loewe Sunglasses, Miu Miu Flats (similar here and here), Wiggy Kit Dress, Retrosuperfuture Sunglasses, Similar Tote Here
One of my favorite parts of traveling is discovering new restaurants. Not just for the food, but for the way the room comes together through color, table settings, and the menus. Before we head to a reservation, I almost always look up the restaurant first, partly to get excited, but also so I have a sense of the vibe I want to dress for.
For me, the perfect lunch look is a colorful daytime dress, dressed up ever so slightly with a bag that has some ruffles or raffia texture. A stripe that plays off the room, embroidery, sunglasses that add to the look instead of hiding behind them. Small choices, but they make lunch feel like the kind of thing you got dressed for.
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
I’d love to tell you this is the last shirtdress that is going to catch my eye this summer, but that would probably be a lie. This perfectly elegant dress from Tuckernuck comes in five other colorways, but this light blue is just a stunner. If you need a topper for a chilly office, I would add a navy blazer or a navy sweater tied over your shoulders.
Add some fun shoes and you have an outfit for any summer office occasion.
The dress is $298 at Tuckernuck and comes in sizes XXS-XXXL.
A couple of more affordable options are available at Nordstrom from Mango (lucky sizes, $59.99 on sale) and Caslon (XXS-XXL, $109).
Sales of note for 7/19:
- Nordstrom – The Anniversary Sale has started! Here’s our big roundup of the best workwear, as well as everything we’ve selected thus far.
- Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale, 60% off sale and 40% off everything — readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it’s a great separate)
- Banana Republic – Summer sale up to 60% off sale styles + extra 20% off
- The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
- J.Crew – 50% off select cashmere
- J.Crew Factory – 60% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
- Lululemon – Summer sale!
- Me & Em – Sale! Up to 60% off (new lines just added)
- M.M.LaFleur – 25% off jardigans (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
- Nordstrom Rack – Clear the rack, extra 25% off clearance! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
- Talbots – Red Door Sale! Prices start at $15
- Theory – End of season sale is on!
Fashion
Beyonce Stuns in Custom Laquan Smith Cropped Trench Coat and Lace Catsuit at FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Alongside Jay-Z and Shakira
Beyoncé brought elevated glamour to game day, posing with Jay-Z and Shakira at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on July 19.
The superstar wore a custom Laquan Smith cream double-breasted jacket, cinched at the waist with a matching belt, layered over a sheer white lace catsuit inspired by the label’s Fall/Winter 2026 collection. The ensemble balanced structured tailoring with romantic, delicate detailing for a look that felt both polished and playful.
She accessorized with $430 Prada round sunglasses and $1,085 Amina Muaddi Anok pumps in white, along with a matching top-handle bag, keeping the palette cohesive from head to toe.
Beyoncé’s glam team included stylist Ty Hunter, hairstylist Neal Farinah, and makeup artist Kevin James for Kole_mua.
Hot! or Hmm…?
*Shakira is wearing Marine Serre
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Yes, I went back in to take a look at shoes and bags in the NAS so you don’t have to… I may have gotten carried away! I think there’s a lot to like if you’re on the hunt for new shoes, or need a new pair of something from before (for example, knee high boots are back in a big way this year, with lots of sleek low/flat options in the sale).
One note: I haven’t done a roundup of beauty in the sale, but this year they’re doing one-day only beauty deals… so today you can get 30% off select haircare. This was new to me so I did some investigating — are these just featured deals? Additional percentages off something in the sale? Or day-only additions to the sale? I looked up one of the products that would clearly be included in today’s hair deals (JVN) and can confidently say: they were on the site full price, not marked down or marked as being part of the sale, at ALL yesterday… so these truly are one-day only deals as far as I can tell. (There is a lot of Drybar in the sale today, though, so I regret not looking that up yesterday to compare and contrast.) Today I’m going to take advantage of the deals to try some Rizos curl stuff, I’m also seeing a lot of JVN, R+Co, Living Proof, and Verb in today’s sale.
The Best Bags in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
General Notes on Bags
Great Work Backpacks
Nice Work Totes
The Best Handbags in the Sale
Not pictured, but: I love these minimal COS bags, and if you need a stadium-friendly clear purse, this one looks great for $30.
The Best Shoes to Get in the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
General Notes on Shoes in the 2026 NAS
- Waterproof options from Blondo, Aquatalia, and La Canadienne
- Budget deals from Naturalizer (including this reader favorite low pump) and Lifestride
- Splurge on finds from Stuart Weitzman, Veronica Beard, and Vince
- Comfort brands in the sale: Vionic, Sofft, Børn, Naturalizer, Paul Green, and Munro (as well as Stuart Weitzman, one of our favorites in our recently updated roundup of the best brands for comfortable heels)
- Trend report: Knee high boots are back! Loafers are still in. Slingbacks are plentiful in the sale, also. There are less lug soles than a few years ago but still a number (know your office).
Sleek Flats for Work
Heels
Tall Boots
Great Booties
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I’ve recently rediscovered this incredibly hydrating lipstick from Lancôme in my travel bag, and I’m loving it. It goes on like a thick gloss, but isn’t sticky at all — but the color payoff is all lipstick. I find that I don’t need a mirror to apply it, but it helps!
The lipstick is $32 at Sephora and other stores. Lip Idôle Squalane-12 Butterglow™ Hydrating Lip Balm
Sales of note for 7/19:
- Nordstrom – The Anniversary Sale has started! Here’s our big roundup of the best workwear, as well as everything we’ve selected thus far.
- Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale, 60% off sale and 40% off everything — readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it’s a great separate)
- Banana Republic – Summer sale up to 60% off sale styles + extra 20% off
- The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
- J.Crew – 50% off select cashmere
- J.Crew Factory – 60% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
- Lululemon – Summer sale!
- Me & Em – Sale! Up to 60% off (new lines just added)
- M.M.LaFleur – 25% off jardigans (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
- Nordstrom Rack – Clear the rack, extra 25% off clearance! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
- Talbots – Red Door Sale! Prices start at $15
- Theory – End of season sale is on!
Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Widow Sues His Mom for $1.2 Million
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