As the frosty winds sweep in, it’s time to redefine your workwear game with styles that exude confidence and warmth. Dressing for success doesn’t mean compromising on comfort, especially during the chilly months. Embrace the power of winter workwear that showcases your professionalism and individuality. With a little help from Armoire, you can bundle up and stand out.
The Winter Workwear Challenge
Dressing for work in the winter can present several challenges. Achieving the right balance of layers for warmth without looking bulky can be tricky. Layering is essential for staying warm outdoors but can become uncomfortable indoors where heating is often on. Transitioning from freezing outdoor temperatures to heated indoor spaces requires adaptable clothing choices. It’s about finding pieces that work both outside and inside without causing discomfort.
Bulky winter workwear can be challenging to store at the office too, and commuting while dressed warmly but needing to appear professional upon arrival adds complexity. Identifying fabrics that provide warmth without adding excessive bulk or compromising professional appearance is crucial.
And then there’s the professional dress code, either explicit or implicit. Work environments vary, from more formal corporate settings to creative and casual workplaces. Finding winter-appropriate attire that aligns with office dress codes while reflecting personal style can be a challenge.
The real kicker for me, pun intended: choosing winter-appropriate footwear that’s both stylish and functional. Keeping feet warm and dry while also maintaining a professional look isn’t always straightforward. Stilettos are out. Ballet flats are out. Bring in the boots.
These challenges require a thoughtful approach to wardrobe selection, incorporating versatile pieces that strike a balance between warmth, professionalism, and personal style. Adaptability and layering play vital roles in navigating these difficulties while ensuring comfort and style throughout the workday.
Winter Workwear Solutions with Armoire
Armoire steps in as your seasonal savior, offering a curated collection of winter workwear essentials tailored for the modern professional. Renting clothes not only saves time but also ensures a fresh, updated winter wardrobe without the hassle of maintenance. Focus on mastering your craft while Armoire takes care of your style needs. See how it works.
Commanding Coats and Blazers
The power blazer remains a cornerstone of winter workwear. This season, opt for structured blazers in rich, deep hues or classic tweeds that speak volumes about your authority in the workplace. Elevate a classic blazer ensemble by pairing it with cozy knit turtlenecks and tailored wool trousers for a sophisticated winter look. Incorporate bold patterns or statement textures for a touch of individuality without compromising professionalism.
Weekend Transition: Swap the trousers for stylish woolen skirts, add knee-high boots, and layer with a luxe cashmere scarf for a chic and comfortable weekend ensemble.
Transcend Handloom Blazers
Speaking of statement-making blazers, allow me to introduce you to Trascend! Seattle-based designer Transcend is synonymous with art, culture, and sustainability. The brand is on a mission to make artisanal and heritage textiles accessible to women in North America while creating an ethical supply chain and amplifying artisan voices.
For their latest drop at Armoire, Transcend introduced handloom Ikat blazers in three gorgeous colors and weave patterns. The blazers are made using 100% cotton, handloom Ikat that was woven by skilled artisans in India. The beautiful fabrics were transformed into blazers by another (all-female) artisan community called the Saheli Women located in rural India.
The women of Saheli work in an atelier that feels like a home where they are free to cook, bring their children, brew chai, chat, and celebrate life and Indian holidays together. In a country with a history of a deeply rooted caste system, Saheli offers women a platform for fair and at-will employment opportunities.
Even with limited resources, Saheli women are committed to sustainable and ethical practices such as zero fabric waste, and using upcycled, organic, and GOTS-certified biodegradable fabrics. They pride themselves on sourcing fabrics only from ethically producing manufacturers in India. Saheli promotes handloom, woven, vegetable-dyed fabrics, ahimsa (peace) silk, GOTS-certified ink, and artisanal embroidery skills to preserve age-old craftsmanship.
Refined Elegance with Layered Button-Downs
The versatility of a button-down shirt knows no bounds, especially during winter. Opt for tasteful detailing like ruffled collars, textured fabrics, or elegant embroidery to add depth to your minimalist style. Pair these button-downs with sleek pencil skirts or tailored slacks to create a polished and put-together look for important meetings or presentations.
Weekend Transition: For weekend vibes, pair the button-down with relaxed-fit jeans, ankle boots, and accessorize with a statement belt or a cozy oversized cardigan for a cozy yet stylish off-duty look.
Winter Statement Makers: Wide-Leg Trousers
Channel your inner style maven with wide-leg trousers that offer both comfort and a bold fashion statement. Embrace winter-friendly shades like deep jewel tones or earthy hues in luxurious fabrics. Pair these statement trousers with fitted turtlenecks or cashmere sweaters for a harmonious balance between sophistication and warmth.
Weekend Transition: Transition from office elegance to weekend charm effortlessly by pairing these trousers with a chunky knit sweater and knee-high boots, topped with a tailored coat for a chic and cozy weekend stroll.
Effortless Elegance in a Jumpsuit
Streamline your winter wardrobe with the Little Black Jumpsuit – a go-to piece for those rushed mornings. This sleek and versatile ensemble offers instant sophistication with minimal effort. Style it up with bold accessories and layer with structured blazers or longline coats for a refined winter office look.
Weekend Transition: Layer the jumpsuit with a chunky knit cardigan or a faux fur jacket, adding a touch of personality with statement scarves and winter boots for a cozy and stylish outing.
Take Five: 5 Winter Workwear Formulas
Outfit 1: Classic and Cozy
- Wool Blend Coat: Opt for a knee-length or longer wool coat in a neutral color like black, camel, or navy.
- Tailored Trousers: Choose well-fitted trousers in wool or a heavier fabric to keep warm.
- Cashmere Sweater or Turtleneck: Select a quality cashmere sweater or turtleneck for warmth and sophistication.
- Leather Boots: Knee-high or ankle boots in leather or suede add elegance.
- Structured Tote Bag: A classic tote or structured handbag completes the look while carrying all your essentials.
Outfit 2: Chic Layers
- Blazer or Tweed Jacket: Layer a fitted blazer or a textured tweed jacket over a blouse or sweater.
- Pencil Skirt or Tailored Dress: Pair with a knee-length pencil skirt or a well-tailored dress in a heavier fabric.
- Opaque Tights: Opt for opaque tights in dark tones for added warmth.
- Heeled Ankle Boots: Choose stylish yet comfortable ankle boots to complement the ensemble.
- Statement Necklace or Scarf: Add a touch of personality with a statement necklace or a chic scarf.
Outfit 3: Sophisticated Dresses
- Wrap Dress: A classic wrap dress in a heavier fabric provides elegance and warmth.
- Longline Cardigan or Coatigan: Layer with a longline cardigan or coatigan for extra coziness.
- Knee-high Boots: Style with knee-high boots for a sleek, polished look.
- Belt or Waist Cincher: Accentuate the waist with a belt or waist cincher to define the silhouette.
- Structured Handbag: Choose a structured handbag or tote for a professional finish.
Outfit 4: Modern Professional
- Turtleneck Midi Dress: Opt for a turtleneck midi dress in a thicker knit fabric.
- Belted Wool Coat: Layer with a belted wool coat for added warmth and style.
- Patterned Tights: Experiment with patterned or textured tights to elevate the look.
- Lace-up Booties: Chic lace-up booties or loafers add a contemporary touch.
- Chunky Scarf: Wrap up with a chunky scarf for both style and warmth.
Outfit 5: Statement Separates
- Wide-Leg Trousers: Embrace wide-leg trousers in a bold color or pattern.
- Fitted Turtleneck: Pair with a fitted turtleneck or blouse in a complementary color.
- Longline Blazer: Top it off with a longline blazer or structured coat for a polished finish.
- Pointed-toe Pumps: Complete the look with classic pointed-toe pumps for a professional edge.
- Minimalist Accessories: Opt for minimalist accessories to let the outfit speak for itself.
ICYMI: Winter Workwear Staples
In case you missed it, we’ve been writing quite a bit about trends and staples this season. You may want to catch up on some of these articles for inspiration. Each of these winter fashion trends combine style and functionality, allowing for versatility in creating chic and cozy looks throughout the season.
- Cozy Cashmere: Cashmere has become a staple in winter wardrobes for its luxurious feel and exceptional warmth. This season, cozy cashmere takes center stage in various forms.
- Fair Isle Sweater: The Fair Isle sweater, known for its traditional Scottish pattern featuring colorful geometric designs, is as popular as ever. Contemporary twists on the classic Fair Isle pattern feature vibrant colors and updated silhouettes.
- Midi Skirt: The midi skirt continues to reign as a versatile and chic wardrobe essential, even in the winter. Style midi skirts with chunky sweaters, fitted turtlenecks, or a tailored blazer for a sophisticated winter ensemble. Pair with knee-high boots.
- Shift Dress: The shift dress offers a timeless silhouette that transitions seamlessly into winter. Layer with turtlenecks or fitted long-sleeve tops underneath for added warmth, and style with opaque tights and knee-high or ankle boots to create a polished and weather-appropriate outfit.
Whether it’s the softness of cashmere, the charm of Fair Isle patterns, the elegance of midi skirts, or the timeless appeal of shift dresses, these trends offer a range of options to stay fashionable while keeping warm during the colder months.
Remember to accessorize appropriately with scarves, gloves, and hats if your climate demands it. These outfit ideas offer a blend of warmth, professionalism, and style, allowing professional women to stay fashionable and comfortable during the winter season.
Winter workwear doesn’t have to be mundane. Embrace the season with confidence, and let your style speak volumes while keeping you snug and stylish throughout your professional endeavors.