I’ve been getting lots of questions on how to dress business casual during these yucky months of winter. Business casual is MY FAVORITE since it’s what I usually wore to my last day job the most. We were very casual but still had to be put together for meetings with clients. So business casual was my thing. It’s always about a great third piece from cardigans, blazers or scarves to pull it together. And honestly, take any outfit you would normally wear jeans with and swap with well-tailored black jeans or cigarette pants like these and you’ve got a business casual approved outfit.
Every season comes with its challenges for getting dressed for business casual or the office. In the summer, especially in the South with the humidity, it’s a challenge to not show up to the office nude with how hot it gets. But in the winter, it can be tough to layer the right way. Between trying to stay warm and also not wanting to look like the Michelin Man, it’s a challenge. But to master dressing business casual in the winter, here are a few of my tips to staying warm and looking put together.
Tips For Dressing Business Casual In Winter
Swap Your Shoes At Work
When heading into the office in a winter snowstorm, the last thing you want to do is wear your heels. It’s completely acceptable to wear those snow boots with your dress pants or skirts and swap your shoes at work. Keeping a classic black and nude pump at your desk is also great just in case you forget your shoes! I’ve done this before too!
Choose Your Winter Coats Wisely
A big down coat that keeps you warm is ideal for your commute to work in the cold weather. Keep your pretty suit looking great by bundling up and staying covered and warm! Extra points for a stylish coat that can take you to meetings looking fashion forward.
Bring On The Layers!
When in the office, it’s always all about the layers to stay warm. Even in the summertime, why is it always so cold in the office? It’s important to have a solid work wardrobe of easy layering pieces. From light layers like a thin knit sweater over a button down, to light cardigans over blouses, thes are easy ways to add an extra layer of warmth.
Tights Are Your Best Friend
Extend your work wardrobe when it’s cold out by adding quality tights. I love these fleece lined tights. They’re just as warm, if not warmer, than pants. You’ll feel much better about getting more out of your closet and not always wearing pants when you own a few sets of these. They help turn any dress or skirt into solid office outfits to add to the rotation.
Stock Up On Sweaters
I feel like I recently discovered great sweaters. I’m super picky when it comes to them so finding ones that are soft, cozy and flattering has always been a hard combo to find. I love my Madewell ones, Everlane and also have found some great ones at Anthropologie. Stock up on elevated classics that can easily be worn into spring too with a pencil skirt. And to make your wardrobe feel a little more exciting in the dreary winter months, choose ones with pops of colors, leopard print or stripes.
Winter Business Casual Outfit Ideas
Cozy Sweaters
Opt for cozy sweaters paired with all your favorite pants. Add a classic blanket scarf for extra warmth. Just top with your
Cotton Dresses Paired With Black Tights
This is a great example of how to wear your not so cute snow boots with your outfit and still make it look great! These fleece lined tights are seriously game changer and can’t recommend them enough. Some of my favorite stylish winter outfits include a great pair of tights. It’s just so chic! And if you want to add pops of color to your outfit, choose some fun tights to spruce up an outfit! But pairing everyday black tights with even just casual dresses in the winter, can make your ensemble feel so much more put-together.
Lots of Layers
Adding a thin long sleeve under a pretty sweater, under a coat and scarf is really my idea of the coziest winter outfit. You can even top this outfit with a true snow jacket if it’s THAT cold. Just think about lighter layers that can easily be taken off in case you get TOO warm. This is definitely a problem I run into being super hot blooded. You’ll now always find me wearing these thin long sleeves under all my sweaters at all times.
Knee High Boots
Knee high boots are a great way to stay warm in the office. They’re great to wear over black jeans, or tights, or to wear underneath skirts and dresses. This is just a good way to cover up in the winter to help you stay warm and stylish.
