Winter can make dressing for the office feel like a chore. Between freezing temperatures and unpredictable weather, looking polished and professional while staying warm is challenging. What coat works with business casual? Are boots acceptable if it’s snowing? The good news is dressing sharp this winter doesn’t have to be complicated.
Winter men’s business casual outfits should balance style, comfort, and practicality. Here are five essential pieces to elevate your workwear this season, no matter your dress code.
NLW Client BEFORE/AFTER Styling
1. Find the Right Men’s Business Casual Winter Coat
Product by Mr. P, shop here.
A good men’s business casual winter coat is the foundation of your cold-weather wardrobe. It’s the first thing people see when you step outside, so make it count. Look for coats in core colors like black, navy, or gray, which pair effortlessly with any business casual outfit. Wool and wool blends are our top recommendation—they’re warm, breathable, and versatile for any climate.
A tailored fit is key. You want a coat that’s snug enough to look sharp but roomy enough to layer over a suit or blazer. A classic herringbone wool coat, like this one from Mr. Porter, is a great option for combining elegance and practicality.
Dress Code: Business casual, formal, special occasions.
2. Invest in a Versatile Winter Jacket
Product by Brunello Cucinelli, shop here.
Layering is your secret weapon for staying warm and stylish, and men’s business casual workwear winter jackets are the unsung hero in our NLW Style System. A lightweight wool blazer or a sleek quilted down jacket is perfect for layering over a dress shirt or sweater. It’s a piece we see missing from many men’s closets, but it’s an easy way to elevate your outfit.
The trick here is to purchase jackets (and coats) in core colors. Core colors are neutral colors that go with everything: black, white, grey, and navy blue. That way, you’ll maximize the number of outfits you can create with the same jacket. That’s why something like this black puffer from Brunello Cucinelli is a true wardrobe staple.
Stylist Tip: Stick to jackets with clean lines and minimal bulk. They should complement, not overpower, your business casual look.
Dress Code: Business casual, casual.
3. Get the Fit Right
Product by Tom Ford, shop here.
Sweaters are versatile staples for winter business casual attire. They can be dressed up with tailored pants or dressed down with chinos. Start your layering with the thinnest piece, like a lightweight dress shirt, and work up to thicker layers to avoid bulk.
Materials matter when it comes to winter workwear. That’s why we recommend warming, yet not stuffy, natural fibers like merino wool, cashmere, or cotton blends. These all look polished while keeping you toasty. Neutral tones like camel, navy, or charcoal are foolproof choices for adding color variety to your closet while still timeless.
Dress Code: Business casual, casual, special occasions.
4. Mix Up Your Business Casual Pants Routine
Product by Tom Ford, shop here.
Many men wear the same trousers year-round, but winter calls for smarter choices. For effortless outfit building, opt for heavier fabrics like wool or flannel and stick to darker tones like black, navy, or gray.
Diversify your wardrobe by stepping out of your comfort zone. Pleated trousers or tapered fits are great options that balance professionalism and comfort. Remember, the right pants can elevate your whole look.
Take these business casual cotton trousers from Tom Ford, for example. They’re a subtle way to experiment with new styles while still looking put together.
Dress Code: Business casual, formal, special occasions.
5. Don’t Forget Simple Accessories
Product by Kingsman, shop here.
The right accessories aren’t just practical—they’re transformative. A ribbed cashmere scarf (like this one from Kingsman above) or sleek leather gloves can elevate your look while keeping you warm. Stick to neutral colors like black, navy, or camel, which will seamlessly blend into your outfit.
Don’t overdo it; a single statement accessory is enough. Remember the NLW Style System’s 45/35/20 Color Rule: 45% neutral tones, 35% tonal colors, and 20% accents for balance and sophistication. That means most of your wardrobe should be made up of core colors. Core colors are easy to mix and match with everything and give your closet more longevity.
Apply the same principle to your accessories. Make sure you have scarves, gloves, or belts in staple colors like black or brown. Once you’ve checked those boxes, you can add one “accent” color or printed accessory for special occasions.
Dress Code: Business casual, casual, formal, special occasions.
Elevate Your Winter Style This Winter with Next Level Wardrobe
Business casual for men this winter doesn’t have to be a chore. By investing in quality pieces like tailored coats, versatile sweaters, and sophisticated accessories, you’ll be set to conquer any cold-weather challenge in style. Shop less, buy the right things, and actually wear them.
Want a wardrobe that works harder for you? We’ll help you build it. Apply for Next Level Wardrobe’s Virtual Men’s Styling Services today and transform your look for this and every season!
