13 Chic Winter Work Outfits That Mean Business
How your email finds me: looking chic as hell.
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Regardless of the season or temp, dressing for the office is always a game of chance. Will it be a sauna or will it be freezing cold? Will you spend the day running the professional version of a triathlon or sit comfortably at your desk in your most uncomfortable stilettos? Exactly how casual will this Friday be? And then on top of all that... It's winter. Possibly blizzarding. With all that uncertainty—not to mention the actual company dress code—putting together a chic winter work outfit that'll keep you warm (and yourself inspired) is a job itself.
As a fashion editor who has spent many mornings in an outfit-related existential crisis, I’m perfectly poised to help you through it. Years of dressing for some of the chicest offices in the country have taught me a few tricks about professional style. Yes, working as a fashion editor does allow me to push the boundaries a little (ok, a lot—I once wore black lipstick and a Justin Bieber tee to the office), but I’ve still got plenty of tricks up my sleeve, re: business casual winter attire. (Here's one: Get yourself a good pair of fleece-lined tights. Thank me later.)
Whether your office is filled with fashion girlies who love a good Tabi boot or corporate girlies who are picky about their tailored trousers, you'll find winter-friendly office outfit inspo below.
I'm thrilled to report that you actually can wear animal print to the office—if, and only if, you do it right. (Read: in a sophisticated neutral color, with a black power blazer.) The key is to keep the color palette pretty paired down. Go with a neutral animal print and round out the look with other neutral wardrobe staples, like a tailored coat and wide-leg denim.
Alllll my fashion industry friends have been wearing this surprisingly chic color combo this winter. Consider it field-tested and editor-approved.
Often times, the difference between wearing something and styling it, comes down to a simple belt and a cute pair of hoops. Throw some accessories on with your favorite monochromatic look to break up the color story and add dimension.
Consider this a warning: don't sleep on the neck tie. Wrapped around your collar—or even your waist, TBH—it's an immediate boss moment.
Even the most passive-aggressive "per my last email" will roll right off your shoulders when they're covered in a little matching tweed set.
Ninety-nine percent of the time, the secret to a chic work 'fit is literally just a well-starched button-down. She's a working girl's best friend that truly does it all.
A good work dress need only have two things: an unapologetic print and a killer silhouette. This spotted midi just happens to have both. Pair it with some fleece-lined tights, and you're good to go.
Once sweater season hits, it can feel impossible to wear anything other than—well, sweaters. But after a couple weeks, even your most beloved knit can start to feel uninspired. Give yours new life by wrapping it around your shoulders, scarf style (or just get this pre-attached ASTR the Label one).
Tomorrow morning, pop a crisp white blouse under the little strapless dress you usually save for events. It'll open your eyes to a whole new world of business casual possibilities.
On days when you can barely drag yourself out of bed, grab for a printed slip skirt and a bright cardigan. When your outfit works this hard, you don't actually have to.
Layer on varying cream-colored basics for a professional-chic look that says: "Yeah, I'm up for a promotion."
Bring a little runway to the hallway with high-glam textures, like patent leather and faux snakeskin. They're unexpected, yet totally dress code-friendly.
A black turtleneck and slicked-back pony are the foundation of the "successful businesswoman" uniform. Play with prints on the bottom to serve high-fashion on a Tuesday.
Kelsey (she/her) is a freelance digital fashion editor and writer with a knack for turning top-performing content into top-selling content. She has extensive experience in editorial and e-commerce strategy, having worked in both divisions during her years at Seventeen and Bustle. With more than a decade of experience in digital media, she also offers creative and social media consulting, as well as copywriting services. She enjoys cheeseburgers, traveling, and vintage hauls. Follow her on Instagram at @klstieg.
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