10th of May, 2022
It’s that time of year again. Days are becoming shorter, the sun is setting sooner and the temperatures are starting to dip. When getting dressed now, we have to be far more purposeful in how we rug up so we can stylishly shield ourselves from the cold. For many, this time of year can be a stepchange from that carefree and easygoing vibe we love about the summer months. For others, winter is when the art of layering reinvigorates a styling spark.
We think wintry temperatures are a truly exciting time in fashion – out come the elegant coats, leather boots, lofty knits and ingenious ways of styling yourself head-to-toe.
You spend a good part of your week at the office or your place of work, so we’re here to inspire your winter business attire with the classic outfit combinations that always work. It’s all about the key pieces to include in your winter office wardrobe, the classic, failproof capsule wardrobe items you’ll never tire of.
You may already own a blazer, a long sleeve dress, a long coat or leather boots; however, we want to make sure your pieces work smarter, not harder. That’s why fabrics and silhouettes are key.
Choosing natural fibres like wool, cotton, viscose, that are woven and constructed into thick, lofty and durable fabrics are thermoregulating and long lasting. Of course, durable leather – a true fashion chameleon – is one of the hero fabrics of the cooler seasons; read our guide on how to style a leather jacket. These are the fabrics to look for in your winter work outfits and winter dressing in general.
When it comes to silhouette selection, it’s about thinking ahead, how they’ll layer with other pieces and be versatile enough for casual outfit options. An oversized coat means lofty knits can comfortably layer under; a knee high leather boot will sit under midi dresses and over slim fit denim; a fine gauge roll neck knit will tuck into high waist denim or add extra warmth under a long sleeve dress. Read on, for our tips for building the perfect winter office wardrobe.
Casual Winter Work Outfit
A good portion of us have a workplace dress code that is more relaxed than the traditional corporate office. Wearing clean denim is fully acceptable and you have more freedom and opportunity to represent the breadth of your hard-earned wardrobe in the workplace. We think this is a win-win.
You may be transitioning slowly from the work-from-home desk back into the co-working space and be looking for fresh outfit inspiration. Good news – you can wear comfortable fabrics and look the part. Haven't invested in your new season staple black pant? We love the look of a high waisted, wide leg cut for its elegant, leg lengthening properties. And of course, its comfort. Leather loafers adorned with gold chains are one of the smartest shoe investments – not only for their look, but their versatility and longevity. French tuck in a cream, cable knit jumper and layer over an oversized woollen houndstooth coat. This outfit has all the staple winter classics rolled into one look and made it unequivocally smart, yet casual workwear.
Winter Work Jacket
The ultimate winter work jacket aka the blazer. We think there’s no other jacket that’s more tied to corporate connotations than this piece. Double breasted, single breasted, cropped, oversized, louche, linen to leather – there are endless iterations of the blazer and you’d be forgiven for having more than one hanging in your wardrobe right now.
But when it comes to when the temperature drops, do you own a winter work blazer? The difference to every other blazer is all in the fabric. Lean into thicker, heavier fabrics, like cotton or wool in woven tweed to textured buclé or leather that will trap the heat in whilst maintaining a smart structured look. Check, houndstooth, pinstripe to herringbone patterns carry with them a heritage spin that will always remain classic and never go out of style.
Winter Work Pants
While there’s so much focus on knitwear, blazers, scarves to jackets in winter workwear, winter work pants are just as crucial. A lot of us might think that figure hugging denim or black suit pants are the best way to trap in the body warmth, but for a fashion-forward alternative, we think there’s another solution. Enter the straight leg and the kick flare suit pants. With so much personality to give to your working wardrobe, these styles bring in a little bit more structure without the rigidity. One of the best parts? Sitting all day in these styles is comfortable too. Both style effortlessly with a fine gauge fitted turtleneck to a tucked in, voluminous printed blouse. It is the season of layering, so reach for your winter work blazer, a herringbone wool coat or if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, the wool wrap has made a comeback. Belt at the waist or wrap around the neck for endless styling options. Finally, slip on a pair of pointed or round toe ankle boots or leather brogues.
Winter Work Coat
One of the most essential investment items of a winter work wardrobe? It has to be the coat.
From the trench coat, teddy coat, military coat, shearling or longline, there are a myriad of options on the market and it can become hard to navigate. First thing’s first – look for good quality fabrics – wool, cotton, viscose and leather that will last season after season. Because, we shouldn’t have to buy a new staple coat every year. Secondly, are you more inclined to wear neutrals or colour? If your whole wardrobe consists of black, grey and white, there is nothing wrong than opting for a colour pop, think deep burgundy red, navy, camel or green. If you’re a traditional black wearer but want a piece that’s more directional, a black faux shearling coat will be incredibly warm whilst remaining smart enough for the office yet relaxed enough to pair with denim on days off. If you love a heritage look and don’t want a block colour, you will be more inclined to own a herringbone, houndstooth or checked overcoat. These are heritage patterns that never tire.
But how to wear them for work? Don’t send all your lightweight midi or mini dresses straight to the back of the wardrobe just yet. Knee high boots worn underneath a knitted or flowing dress with tights looks undeniably chic and considered for the office. A structured military design coat or a trench coat tied at the waist will pull the look together. Ready to take your faux shearling coat out for a spin? What lies beneath is equally as important to make sure the ensemble is sophisticated. An all black look here will be undeniable chic. Wide leg tailored pants, play off the relaxed coat silhouette with the more formal bottom half, while sleek black ankle boots or pointed patent pumps finish things off with extra polish.
Winter Formal Dresses
The problem with occasionwear is that a particular section in the wardrobe hardly gets to see the light of day (or the night lights) based on its occasion only purpose. But if it is not quite a sequin mini dress, we think there are plenty of ways to ‘style down’ a more event-ready dress for the office. If you are about to make a purchase and need some guidance on where you look for the best bang for your buck, neutral or deeper hues like navy, cream, camel, black or burgundy are our first tip. Those classic subdued wintry hues will always appear polished for after dusk or day events, worn with strappy heels and glittery or gold jewels. Wearing them into the office is also quite simple with some smart accessorising. Wide leather waist belts or knee high leather boots styled underneath allow for almost full coverage with comfort. Other than the hue, you can make some smart selections when shopping – opt for longer lengths – just above the knee or midi length, so the silhouette will translate into the office. Wearing a sleeveless style? Why not wear a figure-accentuating roll neck knit underneath with a blazer to finish. As for fabrication choice, diamante or sequined finishes are best left for after dusk looks, while silk, satin, georgette and even lace can be suited for the office with clever styling.
The beauty of polished separates in the same hue is that you can create the illusion of a dress. Tuck a voluminous blouse or structured top into a high waisted A-line skirt of the same shade, finish with a wide leather boot. Chunky leather loafers keep the ensemble daytime appropriate.
Winter Office Knitwear
With ribbed knit fabrication (dresses, skirts and tops) becoming ubiquitous in everyday style and a must-have for the stylish wardrobe, it is fair to say that knitwear is suited for almost every occasion and location – weekday professionals included. You don’t always have to reach for the structured shirt and blazer, here are some elegant ways to wear your warmest knits for winter office wear.
Invest in the finest blends – cashmere, mohair, cotton and wool – jersey fleece can stay at home as your go-to loungewear. A long-line V-neck sweater is a flattering and timeless addition to your weekdays. Worn over relaxed or fitted skirts – satin slips, pleated to more fitted pencil silhouettes, use a waist belt to create shape, scrunch up the sleeves and finish with a heeled boot or brogue to make sure the look remains elevated.
Not quite a scarf, or not quite a cape, the woollen wrap has seen a style resurgence in recent years for the multitude of ways to wear it. Drape the wrap over both shoulders and nonchalantly swathe one side over the opposite shoulder for a dramatic, elegant effect. If you like things to stay more in place instead, use a leather belt over the waist to secure the wrap. One of the best things about the wrap is that there is no layer beneath that is too lofty so choose your favourite roll neck or cable knit for the softest and warmest ensembles.
Tips: Accessories to Buy for Winter Work Outfits
It’s fair to say a good portion of your wardrobe can be worn into he office or workplace with considered styling. They call them the ‘finishing touches’; however, accessories can be the centrepiece of any outfit. Make sure you invest in the timeless durable designs that bring a look together.
Leather will be your saving grace in winter. If cared for properly, it can last a lifetime and will always offer a sophisticated finish. We suggest you opt for knee-high boots with a comfortable heel, to be worn under midi skirts, maxi dresses and over denim. Next on the list are a pair of leather brogues, the classic, preppy footwear look smart with denim to dresses. Make sure you invest in a plain waist belt – as wide or thin as you like. Waist belts might not be used to keep your pants in place as much anymore, but they certainly do create nice shape and add extra elegance to ensembles. Lastly, warm woollen scarves (we like ours oversized) in neutral tones offer endless options for so many looks – read our article for styling inspiration.