My ode to the shift dress - the heroine of the summer work wardrobe

Today's Afternoon Debate has a fashion theme. I could label it as 'personal branding' to give it a more professional edge, but the truth is this post is a personal indulgence. It's all about shopping. Yes, today's dilemma is what do you wear to work now the weather is hotting up and a suit feels too stuffy?

In my new self-employed life, I primarily work from home. Most of my communication is via email or telephone. If I wanted to, I could do this wearing my PJs and slippers and just put on my most professional voice (I never do anything so slobby as this though, of course). I no longer have the need for an extensive work wardrobe. And I miss this. Although there is a certain pleasure in not having to worry about what I wear to work each day (no more ironing shirts for me!), it's also an aspect of office life I sometimes mourn. Which is why I'm writing a blog on the subject. It feels like a wonderful indulgence, a release of my shopping frustrations and an excuse to do some internet window shopping.

It's that time of year when clothes are on our mind. A few sunny days into the summer and you find yourself lusting after new lighter and brighter summer clothes.  It's wardrobe transition time (or an excuse to shop). But when it comes to work, how much can you change what you wear? How can you maintain professional and credible image when all I want to wear is floaty florals, loose linen and flip flops?

But fear not, I have one answer right here. I put forward the shift dress as the ultimate solution to the summer work wear conundrum. Still smart and tailored, giving a professional image whilst being a bit cooler and opening up a world of possibilities in terms of exciting colours and fabulous prints.

Office clothing is often far too dull; a depressing combination of black and grey with a flash of white here and there. Everyone blends into one. But if you do want to stand out from the crowd, don't be scared to introduce some bright colours into the mix - see this dress from French Connection (also great if you like to keep your upper arms covered) or this bright blue shift from Next.

Or you may prefer to make your summer fashion statement with a bold pattern - this gingham print dress from Oasis has a pretty summery feel and this Jaegar shift would take you seamlessly from a day at work to a glass of Pimms in the evening.

But my favourite of the season has to be this beautiful dress from Jesire. The vintage feel and summery, lemon shade has got work summer party written all over it!

Happy shopping!