As winter approaches, the days get darker, the temperature plummets, and many of us feel a bit less motivated and cheery. But, it’s not just our moods that the season change affects: it’s our wardrobes as well. When the colder weather sets in, it can be tempting to wrap up in your favourite jumper until the season has passed but, when you work in an office, this isn’t always possible.
Working out how to keep cosy and look professional is an annual struggle for office workers in winter, so we will be sharing our top fashion tips to help you look and feel great through the colder months.
Pick suitable shoes
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© Charles Clinkard
In stricter office environments, you'll often see women wearing heels for an ultra-professional look. However, when the weather gets colder and the pavements are slippery and wet, you'll want to switch these for a more suitable pair.
You can never go wrong with court shoes in the workplace, and a shiny patent pair like these Gabor Belfast Bow court shoes from Charles Clinkard will work incredibly well. As well as having a thick block heel for extra support, the easy-wipe nature of patent leather makes them a low-maintenance choice for the winter. The closed-toe design will also ensure your feet are warm when you’re on your commute.
If you walk to work, it might make more sense to wear a cosy and sturdy pair of boots for the journey, then change into your heels when you get to work to avoid slips, trips, and falls.
Layer up
It can be particularly difficult to know how to dress when it feels arctic outside and warmer inside the office, but wearing layers can keep you from getting too cold or too hot. While thermals might not look particularly stylish or professional if they can be seen, they’re great at keeping you warm during your commute and in the office. If you’re expected to wear a smart suit, a thermal vest or top can keep your torso nice and toasty. Just make sure you go with a light coloured one that isn’t visible underneath your work shirts.
If your office dress code is corporate, wearing a round-neck jumper over your shirt will keep you warm and looking smart. We recommend going with versatile colours like grey or black to ensure you can wear these with much of your existing workwear. However, if your office dress code is fairly lax, now is the time to stock up on chunky Aran and cable knits in an array of colours.
Choose thicker materials
© Banana Republic
Now that summer (and the hot, stuffy office that came with it) has been and gone, you can think about trading in your lightweight suits for woollen ones. Women’s suits come in a range of materials, including wool blends that are both chic and cosy.
When choosing the perfect winter suit, you’ll want to look for one that is versatile and of high-quality ones, like these ones from Banana Republic, so you can feel great as well as look it. They also have the benefit of being machine washable, so you don’t have to rack up a hefty dry-cleaning bill each week. If you’re planning on wearing a skirt suit, we recommend pairing it with woollen or fleece-lined tights to keep your legs warm all day long.
Get a versatile coat
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© Zara
One of our favourite things about winter is having the opportunity to buy ourselves a new on-trend coat. This year has seen the return of the 70s with belted trenches and oversized coats, as well as a mix of patterns and textures hitting the catwalks.
So, while turning up to your office in a big puffer coat might not be appropriate, you can never go wrong with a trench coat, especially one with a detachable hood like this one from Zara. As well as being undeniably stylish, the neutral sand colour makes it timeless and versatile, so it can be brought out all-year-round when the weather is looking a bit dull If you’re looking for something a little cosier, teddy and faux fur coats are taking over the high street, and they're great for taking you from the office to a bar.
Have back-ups in the office
Even after you’ve taken all of the above measures, winter might still get to you. Keeping a spare shawl, blazer, or cardigan at work can help you to dress appropriately for the weather on any given day — plus, it’ll be a relief if you forget to put on an extra jumper in the morning rush. When choosing your back-ups, make sure they’re neutral colours that will go with the majority of your work wardrobe. A bright yellow cardigan is sure to clash with any suit you own, so picking black, grey, or beige will work better.
Staying fashionable in the office when it’s cold outside can be difficult, particularly if your dress code is professional. But, with these top five tips, you’re sure to look and feel great throughout the chillier seasons.
Here at Calibre, we're specialists in office desks and office furniture sets so we can help ensure your office looks as good as you do this winter. Get in touch to find out more.