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!
COMMON THEME
BLACK TROUSER & BELT
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 | sized sown from S to XS as the fit is very oversize.
WHITE BODYSUIT: Everlane | gifted years ago
BLACK LEATHER BELT: Madewell | consider sizing down for use with high rise denim.
PUT-TOGETHER PLEAT PANT: Everlane
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
PIMA MIRCO RIB TURTLENECK: Everlane | True to size.
PERFECT LEATHER BELT: Madewell | Runs large, I sized down. | This is a really great staple accessory.
JANE STRAIGHT LEG PANT: Sold out
SUEDE GLOVE BOOT: old
SARAH BAG: A.P.C.
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. 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 |
CORTICELLA SUEDE BOOT: Maguire | Canadian brand!
BLACK HALF MOON BAG: old
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 | True to size, relaxed fit.
BLACK TURTLENECK SWEATER DRESS: old
BLACK OPAQUE TIGHTS: Swedish Stockings | gifted years ago | These are a staple in the winter for me.
TAUPE MINI TOTE: old
BLACK LEATHER KNEE HIGH BOOTS: old
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.
TURTLENECK SWEATER DRESS
BLACK OPAQUE TIGHTS: Swedish Stockings | gifted years ago | These are a staple in the winter for me.
BLACK LEATHER KNEE HIGH BOOTS: old
SARAH BAG: A.P.C.
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 | True to size but I sized up for more room through the hip.
WHITE BODYSUIT: Everlane | True to size | I love these bodysuits. They’re the perfect streamlined base for under knitwear.
PERFORM LEGGING: Everlane | True to size | My favourite leggings. Super streamlined, gentle compression and 100% opacity.
BLACK LEATHER KNEE HIGH BOOTS: old
CASHMERE CAMEL COAT: THE CURATED | Fits true to size.
TAUPE MINI TOTE: old
KNOT BELT: old
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 | Wearing a Size S and it’s relaxed.
BLACK TURTLENECK SWEATER DRESS: old
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
IVORY CASHMERE MOCKNECK: old
GREY WOOL FLANNEL TROUSER: EILEEN FISHER | old
BLACK BOOT: sold out
SARAH CROSSBODY BAG: By A.P.C.
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 .
IVORY GASPARD CARDIGAN: SÉZANE | True to size.
TAN WOOL FLANNEL TROUSER: old
BLACK BOOT: old .
BLACK HALF MOON BAG: old
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.
WAFFLE CASHMERE CREW: EILEEN FISHER | old .
GREY WOOL FLANNEL TROUSER: EILEEN FISHER | old
BLACK BOOT: old .
BLACK HALF MOON BAG: old
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.
WHITE BODYSUIT: Everlane | True to size | I love these bodysuits. They’re the perfect streamlined base for under knitwear.
CAMEL SWEATER VEST: Oak + Fort .
BLACK WORK PANT: old .
SUEDE GLOVE BOOT: old .
TOBACCO BROWN LEATHER TOTE: Opelle (Canadian brand) | old | Available in black.
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 .
BLACK WORK PANT: old .
SUEDE GLOVE BOOT: old .
NOEMI EARRINGS: Cadette | Love this Canadian jewelry brand!
TOBACCO MEDIUM SATCHEL: old | OPELLE .
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.
GREY GLEN PLAID BLAZER: old .
COTTON/CASHMERE CREW KNIT: Mott + Bow | 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 .
BLACK LEATHER KNEE HIGH BOOTS: old .
BLACK WORK PANT: old.
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 | One size with customization available. | L’Envers does such beautiful knitwear.
OVERSIZE OXFORD: KOTN | old .
BLACK WORK PANT: old.
BLACK LEATHER KNEE HIGH BOOTS: old .
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.
LINEN BLAZER: old.
BLACK WORK PANT: old .
BLACK LEATHER KNEE HIGH BOOTS: old.
SARAH CROSSBODY BAG: By A.P.C. | 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.
MONTY TURTLENECK: TRADLANDS | True to size.
BLACK WORK PANT: old .
BLACK LEATHER KNEE HIGH BOOTS: old.
SARAH CROSSBODY BAG: By A.P.C. | A personal favourite piece.
