It has been a while since we last talked about cute outfits for the office. And today we will do two in one – review some ideas on what you can wear to the office in the winter months and also what you should NOT consider. We spend a lot of time at work and as a fashionista we want to make sure to look our best. I know getting ready early in the morning does not always feel great or put us in a mood to dress up but we can still follow some basic rules to avoid ruining our fashionista reputation. Since we all work in different environments I will separate those into three scenarios: casual, business casual and formal.
For those of you lucky to work in casual places where you can put on jeans every day (arghhh so jealous) you need to still maintain a level of decency. The very least you can do is clean and neat clothes. But if you really consider yourself a fashionista you must forget sweats, hoodies, sneakers, tees, slack apparel. And that by the way is valid also for the casual Fridays of the ones working in more business-oriented environments. Behave yourself and dress according to your age no matter how cool your boss is. You never know when the big chance may come so look your best every day!
If your dress code is business casual, which means no jeans except on Fridays, you should stay away from cargo pants and khakis – really there is absolutely no business in these. You will be much better off buying simple cut black / brown / gray pants, cute sweater and nice shoes (understand heels – doesn’t have to be high). For even more business look tuck a shirt or polo underneath that sweater and take the collar out – that always makes the outfit look presentable plus will keep you warm in the winter.
I really feel for the gals working in one of those offices where business formal attire is mandatory. I guess you are well aware of what you need to NOT wear or you risk to be sent home. The main tip I can give you to put some variety in your boring winter outfits for the office is – use your accessories in a smart way. All casual apparel may be forbidden but they can’t tell you anything about jewelry (unless is some crazy piercing or excessive amounts of bracelets, necklaces, rings) or accessories like scarves, gloves, hats. After all everybody wears those to stay warm. You have probably thought about this one but just in case – you may mix and match your suits – wear black skirts with navy jacket and blue top underneath or brown pants with beige jacket and light color shirt. If you are not sure about matching colors, please visit the Outfit Stylist to get some professional help!
One more not-to-wear advice I would like to give everybody – ladies, it is January – please put on some tights underneath those dresses! It is not cool nor fashionable to wear boots on bare legs. Same goes for sandals – there are few months of the year when we can enjoy hot boots, please take advantage of that and let your open toe shoes rest at least until late March! Unless you live in Australia – then is fine. Seriously – open the window or go out on that balcony or backyard and feel the weather – is it that hard to dress properly? Sorry – sometimes looking at people and how they dress themselves and their kids makes me really mad. Now please enjoy a cute winter outfit great as office wear!
Excellent post, it amazes me what many people (particularly young females) wear to office work nowadays including mini skirts, vests with bra straps showing and ripped jeans. A lot of smart and smart casual clothing is mis-designed nowadays as well though, I’ve found many office dresses and tops are very low cut and have been for a few years meaning more and more have to be layered with other clothing.
I adore the colours you’ve chosen in your picture selection.