The days are short,
The sun a spark
Hung thin between
The dark and dark.
[Poem “January” by John Updike]
Winter is a mysterious season. It can be as short as 2 months or stretch for half the year, depending on where you live. It tends to have a bad connotation due to its dark, wet, dreary nature but with it comes crisp, clear air and a refreshing, invigorating feeling.
We love it and want you to too. At the very least, we want you to be comfortable and at peace with winter, no matter its length or strength. That is why we have come up with 11 office style tips for winter, to help you stay warm and stylish.
Cold Weather Fashion Tip #1: Layers
In real estate, they say “location, location, location.”
In fashion, we say “layers, layers, layers.”
Layers are beneficial in any season but they are essential in the winter time. They give you control over regulating your own body temperature, allowing you to take off or add on a layer when you feel hot or cold.
Do you remember being told that most of your body heat escapes from your head and/or feet? It was probably the reason your parents told you to wear a hat and proper shoes in the wintertime so as not to catch a cold.
Well, there is a debate on whether that is actually true or just an old wive’s tale. Dr. Ingebretsen, MD, PhD tells WebMD that losing most of your body heat through your head is false and that the actual scientific fact is that a human being will lose body heat through any exposed body part.
He goes on to say that the head is the most common exposed body part as not everyone wears hats but it still doesn’t allow you to lose most of your body heat, as the saying goes.
Regardless of the validity, hats are a great layer in the winter time! A cashmere beanie, a wool wide-brimmed fedora, or a classic wool beret are great options for a chic career woman like yourself.
Cold Weather Fashion Tip #2: Underwear
Now, before you get carried away, we are not condoning long johns (unless you are off on a fabulous ski holiday—cue the picturesque scenes of a Swiss chalet and mountains of fresh powdery snow).
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Think of your underwear as the breakfast of your outfit. It is a base layer. You need it to be comfortable, non-restricting, and virtually invisible because there is nothing worse than a bothersome bra underneath 3 layers of clothes.
We suggest a wireless bra or bralette like this one. Look for something that will give you support and that isn’t skimpy. If you would like something a little sexier, go for lace like this one at Soma!
Leggings or fleece-lined tights are a wonderful base layer for any outfit—jeans, dress, skirts. Be sure you find a pair that do not wriggle down when you move. Brands like Athleta, Fabletics, 32 Degrees, and L.L. Bean have great legging options that will stay in place.
[Speaking of breakfast, do you know why it is the most important meal of the day? Read this blog post to find out — Healthy Meal Prep for a Busy Work Week.]
Cold Weather Fashion Tip #3: Tops
As well as the obvious health benefit of wearing layers, they are also visually pleasing and give more of a put-together look.
When it comes to tops, long sleeves are ideal. Look for unique details on the neckline and sleeves. Choose a blouse with a ruffle mock turtleneck and wear it by itself or under a sweater. The ruffles will add a classy, feminine touch.
For a casual home-office look, we suggest adding a duster cardigan to your jeans and long sleeve t-shirt. For a dressier, business look, add a nice blazer. It will escalate the elegance of your outfit.
“There is something about a well-fitted modern jacket that feels like armor. If it’s cut well, it adds a dose of cool to anything you wear it with and does the heavy lifting when it comes to creating a flattering shape.” — Stacy London
Cold Weather Fashion Tip #4: Bottoms
As we mentioned above, leggings and fleece-lined tights can be worn as a base layer for your jeans, skirts and dresses but they can also be worn on their own. You can (and should) opt for thicker leggings as they will be your only barrier to the elements.
When wearing leggings or tights on their own, be sure to choose a top that reaches your mid thigh. Officewear needs to be feminine, flattering and appropriate.
Cold Weather Fashion Tip #5: Shoes
Shoes are the last important tip when dressing for cold weather. Wear boots of any color, style and height. Tall or ankle boots can be paired with skirts, dresses, jeans, and leggings. Allow chunky socks to bunch out the top for a trendy look.
Keep reading! Here are some related blog posts we think you’ll love:
Fall Fashion: How to Bring Hygge To Your Wardrobe and Workspace
Work from Home Fashion | 8 Pieces for Your Professional Quarantine Wardrobe
Work from Home Tips: 5 Ways to Stay Professional & Productive
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