The weather outside is frightful but the clothes are so delightful. With the advent of cold days, holiday cheer, and that end-of-the-year rush, it’s time to buy into women’s winter workwear.
Next Level Wardrobe created this guide to the season’s must-have professional trends. We picked classic, versatile styles to keep you warm, polished, and fashionable. Read on for our complete run down of ladies winter office workwear tips!
1. Focus on Core Colors
Black, navy, white, and gray should make up the majority of your wardrobe. They go with everything, any time of year. Think of these as the ‘unifying colors’ of your closet so you can put together outfits easily.
What’s one of the major faux pas you can commit while seasonal shopping? Overbuying in heavily trending colors and prints. Don’t get us wrong. We love the occasional holly-red sweater and weaving in seasonal tones. (Rich hues like plum, emerald, and cognac brown are wintery options that still look professional, for example.)
But we recommend being strategic with your use of colors for winter office workwear by using our Color Pyramid. That way, you won’t get overwhelmed by too many options, or spend your budget (or closet space) poorly.
Strategize your investment in your wardrobe from the bottom up. Meaning, you’ll spend most of your money on the bottom of the pyramid and spend less as you move up. That means any bright colors or prints will get less money spent on them.
2. Invest in High Quality Items
You might think, “Well I can get five cheaply made sweaters for the price of one high-end sweater. Plus this way I can try out more trends!”
Resist this temptation.
Yes, you’ll save money in the short term but you’ll spend more in the long term. And not only money, but mental energy, which in our opinion is priceless. When you shop for women’s office workwear, you should pick out pieces that match where you are in your career. If you’re an executive or looking to climb up the ranks, dress the part with well-made items.
When you invest in high-quality items, you’re stopping the cycle of waste and investing in pieces that you’ll get many outfits out of. On top of that, high-quality items will last you much longer. And, if you follow our color rule, you can wear a lot of your items year-round.
Look for trusted brands (not fast fashion) and well-made materials. Additionally, look for high-quality staple pieces. A great example of this for the winter is a well-made coat or jacket. A versatile layering piece makes it easy to stay comfortable and stylish at the office or on your commute.
3. Get the Fit Right
Whether you’re trying to dress professionally as a petite woman or figuring out mid-size fashion, focus on fit. This means not only experimenting with different sizes while you shop, but also hiring a tailor.
With a professional’s help, any woman can get a great winter workwear wardrobe. The right tailor can complete simple alterations like hemming that instantly improve your look.
Take a look at the pants above, for example. Notice how the pant leg on the right looks more styled and polished than the one on the left.
Use these simple principles as your guiding light each season and you’re sure to make the right choice every time.
4. Look for Warm Materials
This should go without saying, but if you live in a cold climate, you need warm clothes for winter workwear. Women’s clothes, unfortunately, aren’t always made with this practical need in mind. Not all office wear does a great job of keeping you warm though. This is a good time to check your clothing tags for insulating fabrics like merino wool or cashmere.
Need to wear a blouse? Try out silk for a way to still look professional and avoid feeling bulky. You can also layer up any synthetic or cotton tops with a wool-blend blazer. That way you’re comfy and sleek.
NLW Client winter style transformation after our styling services
5. Go for Timeless Trends
We’re all about a timeless, classic look. This makes your wardrobe more versatile and keeps you from looking overly trendy. We recommend keeping this in mind during your daily life, but also at holiday parties.
Winter doesn’t just mean cold, it also means the holiday season. If you’re unsure of how to dress for a holiday party, lean into classic styles. Opt for simple silhouettes like a wrap dress or shift. If you prefer pants, go for a jumpsuit or partner high-waisted trousers with a top in a festive shade.
These options should fit most dress codes, but when in doubt, check with HR!
Make Office Workwear for Women Stress-Free with Next Level Wardrobe
These five tips for women’s winter workwear should get you started on the right path for flawless style this season. But if you’re looking for professional help to get you and your wardrobe across the finish line, we can help.
At Next Level Wardrobe, we have an expert styling team ready to find your style and simplify getting dressed. We’ll build your personalized style, curate a private shopping experience, and set you up with a well-organized closet full of the right clothes. Apply for our Women’s Styling Service, or if you need a more convenient option, check out our online styling services. Invest and be prepared for future winters to come!
