16 WINTER WORKWEAR OUTFIT IDEAS

12.06.21

After sharing some recent workwear looks on the Style Journal, a few folks wrote to say that they appreciated seeing office-appropriate ideas that are actually warm. I hear you! When I worked in an office (albeit awhile back now), I found it so tricky to dress both professionally and appropriately for cold weather.

A couple of winters back I published the post, 5 Winter Work Outfits, and since then I’ve come up with quite a few more ideas. So here’s a roundup of work outfits for anyone who’ll be heading into the office this winter. I’ve sprinkled my notes throughout and grouped the looks by common themes so you might be able to identify similar options within your own closet.

This roundup offers a range of ideas depending on the climate you’re in but I’d go so far as to say that under a simple black coat (make it a puffer for convenience), with some winter accessories, these could all be wearable on a commute to work.

I hope this post gives you lots of inspiration on how to dress for work and stay warm!


This post is not produced in partnership with any brands linked but does contain affiliate links. If you see something you like and decide to shop through the links included, I may earn commission on a sale at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always my own and I only share items I love and think you might too. Thanks for supporting Style Bee!


COMMON THEME

BLACK TROUSER & BELT


Style Bee - Business Casual

Here’s how I’d style an oversized cardigan for the office. A crisp white fitted top and a belted trouser add structure to balance the softness of the knit. A pair of suede boots in a light tone keeps the textures and palette interesting, however, a simple, sleek black Chelsea boot or glove boot would also be a great option.


SOURCES:

CASHMERE COCOON CARDIGAN: Jenni Kayne | gifted | TTS | I sized sown from S to XS as the fit is very oversize. | Use LEE15 for 15% Off any time!

WHITE BODYSUIT: Everlane | gifted years ago | TTS | These are a personal favourite staple.

BLACK LEATHER BELT: Madewell | TTS but consider sizing down for use with high rise denim.

PUT-TOGETHER PLEAT PANT: Everlane | low stock | Similar option here and here or here and here (if you’re not a belt person.)

CORTICELLA SUEDE BOOT: Maguire | Canadian brand!



This look is a timeless office option. A fitted turtleneck is warm and comfortable, while a relaxed blazer adds structure and pairs well with the clean lines of a straight leg pant (which layer over knee socks brilliantly). I really like a suede glove boot in winter and find they always add a luxurious feel to a look.


LAZER BLAZER: Reformation | This one is old, linked to a similar one with a waitlist and this one is a classic (on sale!).

PIMA MIRCO RIB TURTLENECK: Everlane | True to size. | The colour I’m wearing is sold out but I just ordered this one. | These are a personal favourite staple.

PERFECT LEATHER BELT: Madewell | Runs large, I sized down. | This is a really great staple accessory.

JANE STRAIGHT LEG PANT: Sold out | similar here and here.

SUEDE GLOVE BOOT: old | Linked to a similar option from the same brand and these are a similar style for less.

SARAH BAG: A.P.C. (Linked to last seen in stock) | Similar option for less here.



This is one of my favourite looks I’ve ever styled and I think it’s a great option for work. It’s minimal and cosy but still stylish and sophisticated. If a lug sole boot feels too casual for your workplace, I’d go with this boot option instead.


OVERSIZED ALPACA CREWNECK: EVERLANE | True to size. Full review here. I This is a personal favourite knit!

WHEAT TURTLENECK: The Curated | gifted | Wearing a Size S and it’s relaxed.

PERFECT LEATHER BELT: Madewell | Runs large, I sized down. | This is a really great staple accessory.

PUT-TOGETHER PLEAT PANT: Everlane | low stock | Similar option here and here or here and here (if you’re not a belt person.)

CORTICELLA SUEDE BOOT: Maguire | Canadian brand!

BLACK HALF MOON BAG: old | Linked to one I would consider if I was shopping now.


COMMON THEME

SWEATER DRESS



This is a fail safe office outfit. Chic, warm, comfortable and truly timeless. I like to wear a long-sleeve t-shirt under my sweater dresses for extra warmth (and to get more wears between dry cleaning) and opaque tights are my preference for a professional setting. A smooth leather boot contrasts with the texture of a sweater dress and a great coat with a simple tote finish this look off perfectly!


LONDON COAT DARK PLAID: The Curated | gifted | True to size, relaxed fit. | Waitlist open for sold out sizes.

BLACK TURTLENECK SWEATER DRESS: old | Linked to a very similar option in wool and recycled-cashmere (on sale!).

BLACK OPAQUE TIGHTS: Swedish Stockings | gifted years ago | These are a staple in the winter for me.

TAUPE MINI TOTE: old | Linked to a similar option and I love this bag too.

BLACK LEATHER KNEE HIGH BOOTS: old | Linked to a very similar option (that also comes in brown). | Similar for less here but stock is limited.

NOEMI EARRINGS: Cadette | Love this Canadian jewelry brand!



Same outfit formula as the look above, just with a light grey sweater dress and a camel coat instead! I’d add a quilted liner to add some insulation if needed.


CASHMERE CAMEL COAT: THE CURATED | Fits true to size. | In-depth review here. | Similar option for less here.

TURTLENECK SWEATER DRESS – Linked to a similar option.

BLACK OPAQUE TIGHTS: Swedish Stockings | gifted years ago | These are a staple in the winter for me.

BLACK LEATHER KNEE HIGH BOOTS: old | Linked to a very similar option (that also comes in brown). | Similar for less here but stock is limited.

SARAH BAG: A.P.C. (Linked to last seen in stock) | Similar option for less here.



A long cardigan is quickly rendered office-ready when worn belted over a legging and bodysuit combination. In this instance I love the combination of black and navy and how the white bodysuit and pearl earrings add a touch of light and freshness to the look.


NEVA LONG CARDIGAN: ABLE | gifted spring 2021 | True to size but I sized up for more room through the hip. See the full review here. | Midnight is almost sold out but there are other colours available. Use LEEV20 for 20% Off anytime!

WHITE BODYSUIT: Everlane | True to size | I love these bodysuits. They’re the perfect streamlined base for under knitwear.

PERFORM LEGGING: Everlane | gifted in early 2020 | True to size | My favourite leggings. Super streamlined, gentle compression and 100% opacity.

BLACK LEATHER KNEE HIGH BOOTS: old | Linked to a very similar option (that also comes in brown). | Similar for less here but stock is limited.

CASHMERE CAMEL COAT: THE CURATED | Fits true to size. | In-depth review here. | Similar option for less here.

TAUPE MINI TOTE: old | Linked to a similar option and I love this bag too.

KNOT BELT: old | Linked to a similar option.



Light suede boots and an oatmeal sweater over the shoulders creates a bookend effect on this black base. Impactful but still cohesive.


WHEAT TURTLENECK: The Curated | gifted | Wearing a Size S and it’s relaxed.

BLACK TURTLENECK SWEATER DRESS: old | Linked to a very similar option in wool and recycled-cashmere (on sale!).

BLACK OPAQUE TIGHTS: Swedish Stockings | gifted years ago | These are a staple in the winter for me.

CORTICELLA SUEDE BOOT: Maguire | Canadian brand!


COMMON THEME

WOOL TROUSER & SWEATER



Here’s a great example of minimal workwear. Let simplicity be the standout element.


BLACK WOOL COAT: Bonsergent Studio | vintage | Sign up for restocks from this beautifully curated vintage shop.

IVORY CASHMERE MOCKNECK: old | Linked to a similar recycled cashmere option and this one also looks great.

GREY WOOL FLANNEL TROUSER: EILEEN FISHER | old | Linked to the latest version and these are a straight leg option.

BLACK BOOT: sold out | Linked to a very similar option at a great price point.

SARAH CROSSBODY BAG: By A.P.C. | Linked to duty free retailer. | A personal favourite piece.



I think a comfy pull-on trouser can definitely work when paired with some slightly more structured elements like a sharp black boot, elegant sweater and a pop of pattern through a blazer or coat.


HOUNDSTOOTH COAT: vintage | Similar option here, here and here.

IVORY GASPARD CARDIGAN: SÉZANE | True to size. Full review here.

TAN WOOL FLANNEL TROUSER: old | Linked to the latest version and these are a straight leg option.

BLACK BOOT: old | Linked to a very similar option at a great price point.

BLACK HALF MOON BAG: old | Linked to one I would consider if I was shopping now.



Here’s another example of how less is more with workwear. I haven’t even really “styled” any of the items, instead I’m using tone on tone and texture to bring interest.

If an outfit ever feels unfinished, try adding a third element. So for instance, without this coat, the look might feel overly simplistic, so adding a blazer would be my plan for in the office.


CASHMERE CAMEL COAT: THE CURATED | Fits true to size. | In-depth review here. | Similar option for less here.

WAFFLE CASHMERE CREW: EILEEN FISHER | old | Linked to a similar option.

GREY WOOL FLANNEL TROUSER: EILEEN FISHER | old | Linked to the latest version and these are a straight leg option.

BLACK BOOT: old | Linked to a very similar option at a great price point.

BLACK HALF MOON BAG: old | Linked to one I would consider if I was shopping now.


COMMON THEME

SLIM BLACK PANT & BOOTS



A wool sweater vest is a really great addition to a workwear capsule because it can be styled with so many different looks. It’s the perfect way to add warmth and interest without complication or fussy layering.


LAZER BLAZER: Reformation | This one is old, linked to a similar one with a waitlist and this one is a classic (on sale!).

WHITE BODYSUIT: Everlane | True to size | I love these bodysuits. They’re the perfect streamlined base for under knitwear.

CAMEL SWEATER VEST: Oak + Fort | Sold out. Linked to a very similar option.

BLACK WORK PANT: old | Linked to a similar option and this pairthese and these pants are options.

SUEDE GLOVE BOOT: old | Linked to a similar option from the same brand and these are a similar style for less.

TOBACCO BROWN LEATHER TOTE: Opelle (Canadian brand) | old | Available in black. | Linked to a similar option in the same colour.


Style Bee - 5 Winter Work Outfits

A chunky knit can be made office-appropriate when paired with a sleek black pant, suede boots and a pair of pearl earrings.


TURTLENECK SWEATER: old | Linked to a similar option I really like.

BLACK WORK PANT: old | Linked to a similar option and this pairthese and these pants are options.

SUEDE GLOVE BOOT: old | Linked to a similar option from the same brand and these are a similar style for less.

NOEMI EARRINGS: Cadette | Love this Canadian jewelry brand!

TOBACCO MEDIUM SATCHEL: old | OPELLE | Available in other colours and linked to a similar option in tobacco.



One way to keep things simple for the week would be to plan your outfits around one base. In this case that would be a fitted black pant and tall leather boots. Here’s the first of four looks that use it.

Up top I’m wearing a fitted lightweight grey knit under a classic glen plaid blazer with a sweater over the shoulders to add some dimension.


IVORY WOOL EVERYDAY SWEATER: Jenni Kayne | gifted | TTS | Use LEE15 for 15% Off.

GREY GLEN PLAID BLAZER: old | Linked to a very similar option, which I have in black and ivory.

COTTON/CASHMERE CREW KNIT: Mott + Bow | gifted | True to size. | I love this knit for something a little warmer than a tee but not as heavy as a sweater. Plus, it’s soooo soft.

BLACK WORK PANT: old | Linked to a similar option and both this pair and these are both timeless options.

BLACK LEATHER KNEE HIGH BOOTS: old | Linked to a very similar option (that also comes in brown). | Similar for less here but stock is limited.

BLACK WORK PANT: old | Linked to a similar option and this pairthese and these pants are options.



I love the balance and proportion play happening in this look. An untucked white shirt worn under a slightly cropped cable knit sweater is the perfect medley of corporate and cosy!


L’ENVERS PAOLA SWEATER: L’ENVERS | gifted | One size with customization available. | L’Envers does such beautiful knitwear.

OVERSIZE OXFORD: KOTN | old | Linked to a very similar option available now.

BLACK WORK PANT: old | Linked to a similar option and this pairthese and these pants are options.

BLACK LEATHER KNEE HIGH BOOTS: old | Linked to a very similar option (that also comes in brown). | Similar for less here but stock is limited.



When in doubt, just throw an oversize, patterned scarf on a look and it’s instantly warmer and still entirely work friendly! A simple approach I use is to see what colours I can pull from my scarf that match other elements in the look. Then I know it will look cohesive and intentional.


SCARF: old | Linked to an option that has similar versatility.

LINEN BLAZER: old | Linked to a similar option that is currently available.

BLACK WORK PANT: old | Linked to a similar option and this pairthese and these pants are options.

BLACK LEATHER KNEE HIGH BOOTS: old | Linked to a very similar option (that also comes in brown). | Similar for less here but stock is limited.

SARAH CROSSBODY BAG: By A.P.C. | Linked to duty free retailer. | A personal favourite piece.



I love a bold stripe and I think it’s the perfect amount of playful for a low-key work day. In a turtleneck form with a camel sweater-blazer paired with a sleek black pant and leather boots, it’s a punchy look that never gets old.


CASHMERE CAMEL COAT: THE CURATED | Fits true to size. | In-depth review here. | Similar option for less here.

MONTY TURTLENECK: TRADLANDS | Almost sold out, more colours available. | True to size. | More on this piece here.

BLACK WORK PANT: old | Linked to a similar option and both this pair and these are both timeless options.

BLACK LEATHER KNEE HIGH BOOTS: old | Linked to a very similar option (that also comes in brown). | Similar for less here but stock is limited.

SARAH CROSSBODY BAG: By A.P.C. | Linked to duty free retailer. | A personal favourite piece.


And there you have my winter workwear ideas!

THANKS FOR READING & HAVE A GOOD WEEK.

If you’ve got a favourite look or any questions for me, feel free to leave them in the comments!

2 comments
12.06.21
Outfits

Leave me a comment here!

  1. HL says:

    Oh this was such a fun read – I think this might be my favourite post of yours! I loved every single outfit and it gave me so many ideas. I also appreciate the different price points. Happy holidays to you!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      That’s so great to hear! Thanks so much for tuning in and for this great feedback, much appreciated. Happy holidays to you and yours as well HL! xo