We spend most of our days (and let’s be honest here, even nights) at the office, so it only makes sense to adapt our surroundings to a more personal and curated reflection of our off-duty style. And since we’re pretty sure that a beautiful backdrop and office wardrobe to match will only enhance our work environment, we rounded up the top 10 items to stylishly upgrade your 9-to-5 look this summer.

Summer office wardrobe upgrade #1: iPad cover

The closest equivalent to a clutch, the iPad is your stylish carryall that gets toted along to board meetings and lunch dates, and sits pretty on your desk for the hours in between. And if it happens to match your studded red-soled shoes, well, that’s just an eye-pleasing bonus.
SUMMER 2013 MUST-TRY: Christian Louboutin studded leather iPad case ($795), at net-a-porter.com.

Summer office wardrobe upgrade: The go-to blazer

Every summer wardrobe relies on the requisite blazer to transform a cute summer dress or even a casual white T-shirt to a sleek and office-ready look. This Tommy Hilfiger denim number reverses into a white blazer, pairing nicely with a chic maxi or LBD.
SUMMER 2013 MUST-TRY: Tommy Hilfiger Chambray blazer ($168), at Tommy specialty stores and tommy.com.

Summer office wardrobe upgrade: The watch

A very grown-up investment piece, a classic watch will help keep you on track for your daily appointments and reflects a style that’s as unique and colouful as you are.
SUMMER 2013 MUST-TRY: Armani Exchange Pop Orange White Strap Watch ($121.14), at bloomingdales.com

Summer office wardrobe update: The notepad

Whether it retains your innermost creative (and brilliant!) ramblings or the phone number of the sushi restaurant down the street, a notepad houses those important thoughts you’ll need to call upon on a moment’s notice—especially for lunchtime orders.
SUMMER 2013 MUST-TRY: Striped pocket book by Punch Studio ($4), at chapters.indigo.ca

Summer office wardrobe upgrade: The scarf

The scarf is your stylish buffer against frigid office air conditioning, and adds a pop of colour to a plain white tee or all-denim ensemble. Try a checkered pattern or floral print—this season’s hottest looks.
SUMMER 2013 MUST-TRY: Kate Spade Simply Cinema jumbo floral scarf ($128), at katespade.com.

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5 more ways to upgrade your summer office wardrobe on the next page…

Summer office wardrobe upgrade: The desk lamp

Because everything is better when it comes in a bow, this pretty, illuminating statement piece can be affixed to your cubicle wall or sit brightly on your desk during those late nights at the office.
SUMMER 2013 MUST-TRY: Bow light by Artecnica ($172), at ahalife.com.

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Summer office wardrobe upgrade: The ambiance setter

A delicate and crisp scent wafting up from your desktop provides a soothing and pleasant backdrop, especially when working under maddeningly tight deadlines. We’ll take the contrast any day.
SUMMER 2013 MUST-TRY: Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Diffuser ($85), at holtrenfrew.com.

Summer office wardrobe upgrade: The coffee mug

When it comes to your morning coffee—or tea—let’s face it: the presentation of the mug is as important as its contents. There’s something uplifting and comforting about this iconic mug bearing the signature HBC stripes—and we need something uplifting and comforting during 9 a.m. meetings.
SUMMER 2013 MUST-TRY: Hudson’s Bay Company collection Multi Stripe Mug ($7), at The Bay.

Summer office wardrobe upgrade: The kitten heel

The perfect office heel should transition easily from your day look to any event après-hours, and this classic cream and black Miu Miu pump pairs beautifully with your little white dress and a colourful statement necklace. And you already know how we feel about bows.
SUMMER 2013 MUST-TRY: Miu Miu patent leather kitten-heel pumps ($590), mytheresa.com.

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Summer office wardrobe update: The laptop bag

Inject your vibrant personality into your office bag and opt for a laptop, lunch and everything else carryall in cobalt—one of the hottest shades on the Fall 2013 runways. Your nine-to-five life just got infinitely brighter!

SUMMER 2013 MUST-TRY: MICHAEL Michael Kors Medium Jet Set Multifunction Saffiano Travel Tote ($325.11), at neimanmarcus.com.

Read more:
Appropriate summer outfits for work: Office dressing
10 rose gold watches for every price point
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12 summer maxi dresses under $200