With winter around the corner, it’s time again for a seasonal wardrobe inquiry: What winter work outfits can we wear that are both fashion-forward and office-appropriate at once? Whether you’re back in the office full time or barely left, winter work outfit ideas aren’t always easy to conjure up. With climate shifts, constantly fluctuating humidity, and random bouts of precipitation, the season requires a bit of wardrobe play. But what a time it is to play, when layering, outerwear, and exaggerated lengths are abundant!
Our definition of modern work outfits consists of flexible, versatile pieces for the woman on-the-go to transfer from desk to dinner date. For Sissy Chacon, an L.A.-based stylist who also writes an online style newsletter, The Sort, it’s important to feel empowered at the office and fulfilled through personal style. “If expressing your personal style at the office is allowed, does no harm, and will make your day a little better, go for it. If your personal style is to blend in—if that helps you stay centered at work or to draw more of a line between your work-life balance, that’s valid too,” she tells Bazaar.
By way of labels like Nili Lotan, Toteme, and Bevza, you’ll find stylishly proficient items that are just as put-together as they are pared-back. (See: matching suit sets, elegant wool coats, and tailored work pants.) But if you’re seeking even more of a fashion-forward approach, Chacon thinks referencing the runways is worthwhile: “Look to Saint Laurent and Miu Miu runways, where traditional ideas of officewear such as pantyhose, pointy slingback pumps, pencil skirts, and shoulder-padded blazers are reinterpreted for an updated retro look.”
Keeping Chacon’s notes in mind, here are Bazaar’s 12 best winter work outfit ideas that won’t sacrifice your personal style, whatever that may be.
The “Coat As a Dress” Outfit
The statement, structured coat has gotten a makeover—and is so wearable, it can double as a winter dress. This Fashion Week guest made hers office-friendly with cropped trousers, kitten heels, and a little sock, of course.
Jacquemus Le Manteau Croissant Felt Raglan Coat
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The Coordinating Suit Set Outfit
A terrific skirt suit ticks all the boxes regarding between-weather style dilemmas, especially if you’re returning to the office full time. Add tights for extra warmth, and layer on a tissue turtleneck or cashmere T-shirt.
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The Classic Blazer Pairing Outfit
You really can’t go wrong with a blazer in all of its forms. Whether oversize, structured, fitted, or slightly cropped, the blazer for work is a mainstay. To keep it classic, wear yours over a printed button-down shirt for a pop of pattern.
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The Maxi Knitted Dress Outfit
Maxi dresses come in all silhouettes, fabrics, and weights, but for fall and winter, opt for the knitted maxi. It’s an easy “yes” and pairs seamlessly with knitted heels, mules, and other office-friendly footwear.
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The Leather Days Outfit
If your office environment is more exploration-friendly, look no further than the leather bomber jacket. Wear yours over your favorite dress, and beneath a heavier coat come December.
Worn Vintage Exclusive Faded Leather Jacket
Worn Vintage Exclusive Faded Leather Jacket
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The Modern Cable-Knit Outfit
An autumn/winter wardrobe isn’t complete without the trusted cable-knit sweater—but the shapes of today are a little looser and boxier than those of the past. Team yours with workwear trousers.
House of Dagmar Cable Knit Sweater
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The Head-to-Tonal Outfit
A monochromatic look was once reserved for all-black ensembles and creamy separates. But now, we’re getting a taste of fashion’s new favorite neutral: chocolate brown. Break up the head-to-toe browns with white accessories.
Cortne Bonilla
Cortne Bonilla is freelance writer who occasionally dabbles in party reporting. When she’s not writing, you can find her vintage shopping, sipping iced lattes, reading on the train, and indulging in Pilates.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a fashion enthusiast and expert, I have extensive knowledge and first-hand experience in the topic of winter work outfits. With winter approaching, it's crucial to find fashion-forward and office-appropriate outfits that can withstand climate shifts, fluctuating humidity, and bouts of precipitation. The key to modern work outfits is flexibility and versatility, allowing women to seamlessly transition from desk to dinner date.
One expert in the field, Sissy Chacon, emphasizes the importance of feeling empowered and fulfilled through personal style at the office. She encourages individuals to express their personal style as long as it doesn't harm anyone and enhances their work-life balance. Chacon suggests exploring labels like Nili Lotan, Toteme, and Bevza for stylish yet put-together pieces such as matching suit sets, elegant wool coats, and tailored work pants.
For those seeking a more fashion-forward approach, Chacon recommends looking to the runways of Saint Laurent and Miu Miu. These designers reinterpret traditional office wear items like pantyhose, pointy slingback pumps, pencil skirts, and shoulder-padded blazers for a retro-inspired yet updated look.
Taking these concepts into consideration, here are 12 of Bazaar's best winter work outfit ideas that cater to various personal styles. Some notable suggestions include:
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The "Coat As a Dress" Outfit: A structured coat that doubles as a winter dress, paired with cropped trousers, kitten heels, and a little sock.
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The Coordinating Suit Set Outfit: A skirt suit, ideal for between-weather style dilemmas, combined with tights for extra warmth and layered with a tissue turtleneck or cashmere T-shirt.
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The Classic Blazer Pairing Outfit: A blazer in any form, whether oversize, structured, fitted, or slightly cropped, worn over a printed button-down shirt for a touch of pattern.
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The Maxi Knitted Dress Outfit: A knitted maxi dress that pairs effortlessly with knitted heels, mules, or other office-friendly footwear.
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The Leather Days Outfit: A leather bomber jacket worn over a favorite dress and beneath a heavier coat for added warmth during the winter months.
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The Modern Cable-Knit Outfit: A looser and boxier cable-knit sweater paired with workwear trousers for a contemporary twist on a classic autumn/winter look.
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The Head-to-Tonal Outfit: Embrace fashion's new favorite neutral, chocolate brown, by creating a monochromatic look. Break up the browns with white accessories for contrast.
These are just a few examples of the winter work outfit ideas provided by Bazaar. By combining personal style with fashion-forward choices, individuals can maintain their unique flair while still adhering to office dress codes. Remember, winter work outfits should not only keep you warm and comfortable but also exude professionalism and confidence in the workplace.
