Do you find yourself in a frenzy every time the colder months come around? And do you often play it safe with the classic black woolly jumper?
If so, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve rounded up the best fail-proof outfits for every office dress code to help you get out of your style rut. These chic ideas will ensure you’re warm and on-trend throughout the winter period.
It’s time to pack up your classics and make space for some new statement pieces in your wardrobe!
Corporate
Working in a corporate setting may feel quite restricting when it comes to your office attire, but it doesn’t have to be that way! You can still keep a polished business look by following the tips below.
For Women
When the weather gets colder, we automatically reach for the darkest clothing we can find, but it doesn’t need to be that way – even if you do work in a corporate setting.
Instead, add some colour and variety into your wardrobe by opting for warm fabrics and tailored trousers.
Points to remember:
- Match your bag with your jacket or shoes
- Wear sheer or black opaque tights
- Choose ankle boots, loafers or heeled court shoes
- Don’t over accessorise
- Wear neutral makeup, but don’t be scared of a statement lip colour
For Men
Winter clothing for men can get boring, especially when you’re expected to wear a two-piece suit throughout every season - but don’t fret! These stylish suggestions will spruce up your daily office wear.
Points to remember:
- Pair your suit with polished Oxford shoes or brogues
- Wear a matching watch to finish off your look
- Layer your regular suit with a stylish overcoat and scarf
- Keep your hair and beard well-groomed
- Make sure your clothes are free of creases
Business Casual
In a business casual environment, you have the freedom to switch up your work attire and inject a bit of your personality. Pairing cosy knits with leather-look trousers is acceptable, as are trainers for those days that you just can’t bear to wear formal shoes anymore.
The key is to ensure that you’re comfortable, stylish and professional throughout the entire day.
For Women
Dressing for cold weather can be tricky, especially when you have to commute to work – you know the drill: going from blitzing wind and onto a jam-packed and sweaty train. So, to ensure you’re ready for whatever the day throws your way, be sure to layer your clothes by following these go-to outfit ideas.
Points to remember:
- Any type of footwear is acceptable; just make sure they’re clean and polished
- While accessories are allowed, keep these to a minimum – you don’t want them to overpower your office-friendly outfit
- Invest in versatile statement pieces like trousers or an A-line skirt
- Don’t be afraid to add bold colours to your daily outfits
For Men
With a laxer dress code, you can ditch the formal wear and opt for a smart pair of jeans or chinos. Just make sure you leave your light denim and ripped jeans for your weekend antics!
Points to remember:
- Layer a wool jumper over a shirt for a more casual look
- Opt for trainers, brogues or Chelsea boots
- Choose accessories like watches, ring and bracelets to add a unique spin on your outfit
- Mix in different colours and styles for a more stylish effect
Creative
Although creative environments give you the flexibility to wear whatever you want, they are often the hardest to dress for. There’s a thin line between what is acceptable and what is pushing it a little too far. At the end of the day, you still want to look professional and be taken seriously in any office environment.
So, if you’re ever in doubt, it’s probably best to leave it for the weekend – like those joggers that you were contemplating on wearing when you just couldn’t bear to get out of bed this morning!
For Women
Keep your office look on-trend with these winter favourites and invest in some fail-proof pieces. A cute poncho, an oversized jumper and a floral dress are must-haves for the winter season!
Points to remember:
- An oversized cardigan is ideal for any office outfit and is perfect for keeping at work for those chilly moments
- Jeans in any colour are acceptable – just make sure they are free of any tie-dye, holes or large rips
- Sheer and see-through items are a big no-no
- Pair smart pieces with super casual items for an ultra-cool look, like a blazer and trainers
For Men
Dressing for cold weather and work can be somewhat of a nightmare for men – but fear not: these trendy outfit ideas are suitable for any office environment. Lumberjack shirts, dark jeans and leather jackets are all staple pieces that work for the office, too.
Points to remember:
- If you’re going to wear trainers, make sure they are monotone and clean
- Keep your shirt buttoned to the top for a smart effect
- Add a bit of style to your shoe game by selecting suede Chelsea boots
- Wear auburn coloured trousers or jumpers for added fashion points
Top Tips
- Don’t push boundaries: Even if HR hasn’t implemented a formal dress code, it’s important to keep your office outfit professional. This means that you should avoid any provocative or scruffy clothing.
- Choose the right fit: Gained a few pounds recently? Don’t try to squeeze into your favourite pair of jeans. Similarly, if you’ve lost some weight, invest in a few new pieces to keep you going throughout the winter – you don’t want to lose credibility by swimming in your office wear!
- Complement your look with the right hairstyle: You might have nailed your outfit, but having the hairstyle to match is just as important – this goes for both men and women.
- Make an effort: It’s easy to stop making an effort once you get comfortable in any position. That said, if you have a passion for fashion, don’t let your style slip. Instead, wake up a little earlier to make sure that your outfit looks stylish and professional.
- Choose your outfit the night before: You’ve probably heard this many a time before but preparing your work outfit the night before is a game-changer! You won’t have to rummage through your wardrobe in the early hours to find something that’s clean and ironed. Instead, check the weather the night before and lay out an outfit for the following day.
As you can see, dressing for the cooler months doesn’t have to be boring. You can have some real fun styling your winter wardrobe by investing in some basics that you can mix and match throughout the season. Just remember to only ever wear something that you feel comfortable in!
Do you struggle with your winter work outfits? Let us know what your go-to pieces are by leaving a comment below.
Image credits:
- Corporate womenswear collage (left to right): whitedresses.top via Pinterest, fashiondioxide.com via Pinterest, outfitscial.com via Pinterest, WZWBlogger via Pinterest
- Corporate menswear collage (left to right): British GQ via Pinterest, O Cara Fashion | Fabiano Gomes via Pinterest, manfashionstrrend.club via Pinterest, Real Men Real Style via Pinterest
- Business casual womenswear collage (left to right): instagram.com via Pinterest, Stylish Women Outfits via Pinterest, Cryolin N Johnson via Pinterest, Kammy Almeida via Pinterest
- Business casual menswear collage (left to right): Winter Outfits via Pinterest, London Style via Pinterest, GQ Magazine via Pinterest, hisifashions.info via Pinterest
- Creative womenswear collage (left to right): garden-variety.net via Pinterest, Lifestyle Sspace via Pinterest, seshell.com via Pinterest, 99bestoutfits.com via Pinterest
- Creative menswear collage (left to right): LLEGANCE via Pinterest, getreallikes.com via Pinterest, Fashion Looks via Pinterest, Mens Fashion Online 2019 via Pinterest