Winter office outfits for men and women

Wondering what you should wear to the office in winter? Which outfits look stylish but will keep you warm too? In our article, we'll give you ideas for stylish office outfits that not only look great but will keep you warm too. With our useful styling tips for both men and women, you'll look chic at the office throughout the cold season.

Winter office outfits: general tips

The perfect winter office outfit not only has to look professional, but it should keep you warm too. Slippery pavements and cold temperatures can also be a challenge. That's why it's particularly important to put together winter workwear outfits thoughtfully and carefully pick fabrics, colours and cuts:

• Materials: good quality and well-made materials (e.g. cashmere, wool, silk or corduroy)

• Cut: classic and timeless cuts

• Colours: neutral, muted tones such as black, dark blue, grey, beige or dark green

• Patterns: classic patterns such as houndstooth, tweed or small checks

Follow these winter office outfit tips to make sure you are well prepared for the challenges of winter weather:

Tip 1: closed shoes for warm feet

To keep your feet dry and warm during the cooler months, opt for closed shoes with a decent tread. Men can wear smart lace-up shoes, leather boots or even warm winter boots to the office. Women have even more options such as ankle boots, Chelsea boots, long-shaft boots or leather booties with a low, wide heel. Loafers with a thicker sole are also a practical solution and give you more grip on slippery surfaces.

Tip 2: a warm and stylish winter jacket

A warm winter jacket is a key piece of clothing in any winter work wardrobe. It will keep you warm on your way to work, during outdoor activities, and will protect you from the harsh elements. A classic woollen coat always looks stylish and is practical too. In addition to this, woollen coats are available in different lengths to suit your personal needs. Alternatively, you could opt for a down or quilted jacket. These sporty options can be paired perfectly with your office look.

Tip 3: winter accessories for an elegant look

Winter accessories such as scarves, hats and gloves will complement your office outfit perfectly. Quality materials such as cashmere or wool not only look elegant but will also keep you wonderfully warm. Muted colours such as black, cream, brown, grey, dark blue, dark red or dark green are great options. These colours create a balanced overall look and will give your winter office outfit an elegant finish.

Tip 4: a robust and practical handbag

A winter handbag should be able to withstand the harsh winter weather. Ideally, your winter office handbag should be made of a water and dirt-repellent material. For example, a faux leather bag that can be cleaned easily with a damp cloth is a good choice.

Winter work looks: tops

Women have a lot of choices when it comes to choosing suitable tops for the office in winter. The great thing about a top is that it can be paired in several different ways to create a variety of looks. Opt for materials that are both warm and breathable, as they are particularly comfortable to wear. Here are some great options for the office:

• Blouses with a high neck and long sleeves area classic choice that are stylish and warm.

• Polo-neck jumpers are perfect for cold days. They keep your neck warm and add an elegant touch to any outfit.

• Fine-knit jumpers are versatile and you can wear them on their own or over a blouse.

• A long-blouse is ideal for business-casual outfits in winter and it looks great paired with a knitted jumper.

Tip: details can transform your outfit from drab to fab! Try adding a bow, ruffles, balloon sleeves or a contrasting colour to make your outfit pop.

Winter work outfits: trousers

In winter, you can either wear trousers or skirts. Which option is better for you will depend on your personal style and your office dress code. When it comes to trousers, there are several stylish options to choose from:

• Suit trousers: straight-cut suit trousers are a classic choice that always look professional and elegant.

• Marlene trousers with a high waist and wide leg: these trousers are comfortable to wear and have a modern, flattering cut and are ideal for elegant office outfits in winter.

• Paperbag trousers with a high waist: this type of trouser is particularly flattering and gives your outfit a modern twist.

• Culottes are perfect for creating a trendy winter office look, especially if you combine them with a pair of ankle boots.

• Jeans in dark colours such as black or navy: a casual yet office-appropriate option that is versatile and ideal for less formal settings.

Business outfits for winter: skirts

When you choose a skirt, it is important to pay attention to both the length and the material. A woollen skirt is a timeless classic that looks smart but will also keep you warm. Classic patterns, such as houndstooth, are also popular choices and are perfect for the office. We have put together some outfit ideas that are particularly suitable as winter workwear:

• A mid-length pencil skirt with a high waist is a classic with a figure-hugging cut that always looks professional. It can also be paired with a lot of different tops.

• A mid-length A-line skirt will give you a feminine-looking figure and allows you to move about comfortably. This makes it an ideal choice for your winter work wardrobe.

Winter work looks: dresses & jumpsuits

You can also wear knitted or woollen dresses and jumpsuits to the office in winter. Opt for long-sleeved styles made from high-quality, warm materials for comfort. Wide-leg jumpsuits look particularly elegant and look great with a pair of long-shaft boots or ankle boots.

Winter work outfits: light jackets & jumpers

A good jacket is a key element to keeping you warm in winter. Whether you prefer a chic blazer, a cropped tweed jacket, a woollen or cashmere cardigan, you are sure to find a jacket to suit your style. Layering your clothes is particularly practical in winter, as you can easily remove a layer of clothing if you get too warm.

Here are some popular combinations for your winter office outfits:

• A pencil skirt with a cropped jacket and boots

• A polo-neck jumper with a pair of Marlene trousers and ankle boots

• A long-sleeved blouse with black jeans and ankle boots

• A blouse with an A-line skirt and leather boots

• A blouse with a blazer, suit trousers and loafers

• A knitted jumper with a pair of smart trousers and Chelsea boots

• A knitted dress with a cardigan and ankle boots

Business outfits for winter: tops

• Shirts with long sleeves made from warm fabrics, such as a wool blend, are great for winter. These typical winter fabrics offer a good balance between breathability and insulation.

• A fine-knit jumper with a round-neck or V-neck made from fine merino wool or cashmere is an elegant choice and it is perfect for wearing over a shirt. This combination will keep you particularly warm and will give your look a classic touch.

• A Troyer jumper is a type of jumper with a short zip-up collar. This is a modern alternative to a classic jumper to keep you cosy on cold days.

• A polo-neck jumper is a true classic and all-round talent in your wardrobe. You can wear it on its own or under a jacket (e.g. a blazer). This will give your office outfit a touch of elegance and will keep your neck warm too.

Winter work outfits: trousers

If you work in a more formal environment, suit trousers made from a wool blend are the perfect choice. Trousers made from virgin wool or blended fabrics are also breathable and ensure that you stay comfortable even on long working days or if the temperature in the office changes. Suit trousers made from a wool blend also have the advantage that they crease less. This means that your trousers will look neat all day long.

If your work environment is more casual, you can also wear jeans in winter. Black and navy jeans look particularly smart, and denim is very resistant to wind, rain and dirt. This means that a pair of jeans is a very practical choice for winter weather.

Business outfits for winter: jackets

During winter, there are several types of jackets you can use to jazz up your winter office look:

• A waistcoat is a versatile piece of clothing that you can wear over a long-sleeved T-shirt, jumper or button-up shirt. This extra layer won’t only keep you warm, but it will also add an elegant accent to your outfit.

• A suit jacket made from materials such as tweed or wool is ideal for the winter months and you can pair it with a lot of different tops. If you want to look stylish even during winter, then this is a great item of clothing to have in your wardrobe.

• A cashmere cardigan will give your workwear outfit a smart casual look.

• A quilted waistcoat with a thin liningwill give you an extra portion of warmth when it is cold outside, and you can easily wear it under a woollen coat.

Conclusion: stylish and warm winter office outfits for men and women

By choosing the right items of clothing, you can create winter office outfits that are both warm and comfortable without having to compromise on style. There are a lot of stylish combinations for men and women that you can adapt to any dress code. Opt for warm winter fabrics, neutral colours and timeless cuts. Follow these tips and your office outfits will look amazing all winter long.

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The image sources in this text are in chronological order

Cover photo: C&A
1. Image in text: Victoria Fox – stock.adobe.com
All other images in text: C&A