Getting ready for work in winter can be trickier than other seasons. It may be cold outside, but warm on your commute. Perhaps your office has air conditioning or you need boots for slippy weather but shoes when you get to work. So, with all of that, how do you put together winter work outfits that work for you, whether working from home or the office? We will help you create a capsule wardrobe of fabulous winter work outfits

Tips for putting together winter work outfits

Winter work outfits - Dawn Lucy wears a turtleneck sweater and coat | 40plusstyle.com

Before we look at some specific winter work outfits, let’s consider what you need to think about when putting your cold weather professional looks together.

Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun above (read her style interview here) opts for a smart outfit of a turtleneck, classic black pants and booties.

Get her look with this similar turtleneck sweater, coat, pants, booties and sling bag.

1. Layer

Layering is key for most outfits, either to add interest or to create flattering looks. But for winter workwear, it’s more important. You’ll want to stay warm on your commute, and have something you can slip on if the air conditioning gets too cold.

You can easily wear a camisole under your blouses, shirts or sweaters for extra warmth. The Icebreaker camisole is made of merino wool so it should keep you cozy.

Icebreaker Merino Everyday Cami | 40plusstyle.com

Icebreaker Merino Everyday Cami

Or, you could always layer a turtle neck under your shirt, or under your dress. The turtleneck top (below) is slim fitting so won’t add extra bulk.

EIMIN Turtleneck Slim Shirt Top | 40plusstyle.com

EIMIN Turtleneck Slim Shirt Top

2. Pack a pair of shoes

If you want to wear non-slip winter boots on your journey to the office, but you prefer to wear shoes when you get there, a pair of packable shoes like the Minnie Travel flats (below) can be the ideal option.

Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flat | 40plusstyle.com

Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flat

3. Smart knitwear

While knitwear can be casual and slouchy, making a perfect pairing for your jeans, it can also be very smart, if you choose the right knitwear. Look out for structured cardigans, blazers or sweaters.

Karen Millen Milano Knit Belted Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Milano Knit Belted Jacket

4. Do you need to go from day to night

During winter, you may have dinners, events or parties to go to straight from work. In that case, you can wear a dress and simply switch your jacket, shoes and accessories to change your look from professional to night-out ready.

Karen Millen Structured Crepe Forever Pleat Belted Midi Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Structured Crepe Forever Pleat Belted Midi Dress

5. HEATTECH

Investing in warm layers is a great way to wear your existing outfits, and still stay warm. You can layer thermal tops like the Uniqlo Heattech long-sleeved t-shirt under your shirts, blouses and sweaters.

HEATTECH Scoop Neck Long-Sleeve T-Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

HEATTECH Scoop Neck Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

winter work outfits

Now, let’s move onto some specific clothes, shoes and accessories you could wear to work this winter.

tops

When it comes to your tops, you’ll want to look out for long-sleeved shirts and blouses to keep your arms warm in cooler weather. You could think about adding a bright pop of color during dreary winter days.

Winter work outfits - tops | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Silk Viscose Satin Woven ShirtKaren Millen Mono Cotton Stripe Oversized Woven ShirtCinq á Sept Mckenna Knot Waist ShirtHalogen Twist Neck Satin Blouse

Winter work outfits - Boma wears a monochrome outfit with pink shoes | 40plusstyle.com

Boma @mrs.gaf above opts for a monochrome outfit, but adds some fun with her pink shoes.

Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt, long sleeve top, pants, pumps, tote and belt.

sweaters

For your sweaters, a v-neck is always a classic, professional choice. You can wear the white shirt from above underneath. also look out for turtlenecks, blazer-style cardigans and styles with a belt.

Winter work outfits - knitwear | 40plusstyle.com

LALABEE V-Neck SweaterKaren Millen Belted Utility Rib Knitted CardiganKaren Millen Houndstooth Eyelash Knit Military Roll NeckKaren Millen Houndstooth Eyelash Knit Military Cardigan

Jackets and coats

You’ll need your coat for your daily commute. Plus, a blazer is always handy for when you want to add some extra warmth in the office, or if you want to quickly look more professional for a meeting.

Winter work outfits - jackets and coats | 40plusstyle.com

Urban CoCo Open Front BlazerKaren Millen Tweed Blazer  – Karen Millen Italian Virgin Wool Strong Shoulder CoatKaren Millen Italian Luxurious Textured Wool Belted Trench Coat

Beth wears a black and tan outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Beth @styleatacertainage above (read her style interview here) wears an all-black outfit, and adds interest with her leather coat and leopard print pumps.

Steal her look with this similar sweater, coat, jeans, pumps, handbag and sunglasses.

Pants and jeans

Pants and jeans are a stylish, practical choice in colder weather. Wide legs are stylish, and on trend. A pair of slim or skinny pants is also a good choice because you can tuck them into knee-length boots.

Pants and jeans for the office in winter | 40plusstyle.com

PAIGE Constance High Waist Slit Hem Long Skinny JeansKaren Millen Compact Crepe Kickflare TrouserTreasure & Bond Mini Houndstooth Tapered TrousersHalogen Wide Leg Pants

Fonda layers her sweather under her blazer | 40plusstyle.com

Fonda @savvysouthernchic above layers her blazer over her sweater.

Steal her look with this similar sweater, blazer (another option here), pants, loafers, necklace and earrings.

Dresses and skirts

Of course, you don’t have to stick to pants for winter. Dresses and skirts can be a great choice if you want to go from day to night. Just add some opaque tights to make sure you stay warm. You could also choose sweater dresses. Shorter dresses will work well worn over slim jeans or leggings.

Dresses and skirts for work | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Structured Crepe Forever Pleat Belted Midi DressKaren Millen Satin Tux Tie Side Mini DressKaren Millen Belted Roll Neck Viscose Knit Midi DressKate Kasin Pencil Skirt

Eileen wears pink and gray for winter | 40plusstyle.com

Eileen @eileenternullo above shows how you can wear paler colors during winter.

Get her look with this similar dress, coat, high boots, fedora and earrings.

Shoes and boots

For your work shoes, a pair of pumps is a classic choice. You may also want flat, comfy shoes, and some boot choices.

Shoes and boots for the office | 40plusstyle.com

Marc Fisher LTD Elenda LoaferCalvin Klein Gabrianna PumpImpo Neil Wide Width Stretch Ankle BootieSOUL Naturalizer Twinkle High Shaft Boots

accessories

Add a scarf to your winter work outfits to bring the colors you choose together, while keeping your neck warm. You’ll want practical, stylish tote bags that you can carry your essentials in.

Accessories to go with your winter work outfits | 40plusstyle.com

AllSaints Captain Leather ToteKate Spade New York Knott Medium SatchelOpen Edit Enamel Cube Collar NecklaceKarine Sultan Cultured Pearl Drop EarringsKate Spade New York Crystal Stud EarringsAlexander McQueen Biker Graffiti Skull Silk ScarfYMXHHB Mulberry Silk Scarf

Classy professional winter work outfits to keep you looking great in cool weather | 40plusstyle.com

Carelia @carelia_medich above (read her style interview here) shows how you could wear your knee-high boots under your midi dress.

Check out this similar dress (another option here), blazer, boots, handbag, belt, earrings, necklace and sunglasses.

Your winter work outfits capsule

Below, you can see some of the clothes, shoes, boots and accessories from above, together in a capsule wardrobe of 9 outfits.

But you could easily change the coats, tops and bottoms around to get many more outfits to see you through the winter season at work. For example, you could choose an all-red outfit with the pants and blouse or sweater. Or, you wear the black and white cardigan with black pants, or you could wear the blue skirt with the belted blue cardigan.

Work winter outfits | 40plusstyle.com

Shop some of the winter work outfits here:

Continue reading:

  1. How To Look Fashionable In Winter – Which Of These 11 Ways Do You Use?
  2. Classy Business Outfits For Women Over 40 – Your Work Capsule Wardrobe Sorted
  3. How To Wear Jeans To Work And Still Look Professional

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Classy professional winter work outfits to keep you looking great in cool weather | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Carelia @carelia_medich

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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