Recently I asked what you guys wanted to see more of, and winter work wear was a popular request! It’s tough to find motivation for cute outfits when you’re just trying to survive the bleak morning commute (and subsequently, the over-heated office building). And it’s easy to give in and just slap on plain black tights each morning. Today’s look is a layered one for transitioning from a slushy winter commute, to a business casual office, and even to post-work drinks!
On The Go – Cold & Damp Commute
This is the reality of sidewalks and intersections right now – salty, dirty, melted snowbanks ready to destroy your favorite shoes. I almost always have commuting shoes and keep pumps in my purse or at an office. These sleek rain booties have been great so far in ran to light snow, but don’t expect any insulation since they are just rubber. I also love this wrap coat (also worn here and here) for layering, since you can adjust the fit to accommodate as few or as many pieces underneath!
At The Office – Winter Business Casual
My experimentation with colored hosiery usually results in Nick dubbing the look as an elf or smurf or oompa loompa outfit. Alas, I’ve pretty much relegated myself to three “safe” shades for professional outfits: basic black (can’t go wrong), dark navy, and charcoal gray. The latter two are nice for more colorful or light-hued outfits, when black might be a little harsh. For example, black looked a little “bumblebee” with this outfit, so I swapped in a softer gray. These control-top tights are nice quality, run small / narrow, and are not too long on my shorter legs. I’ll have to try the fleece-lined version next!
After Work – Drinks or Dinner
Layering a pretty blouse at the base of your outfit makes it easy to shimmy right into cocktails or dinner. This ruffled top is currently on sale at Ann Taylor (use code FRESHPICKS for 40% off), and is very lightweight and airy with piped sleeves that go all the way around. I also like how it looks tucked into higher-waisted jeans or trousers. The cream color can be on the sheer side, so I wore a nude cami underneath. Here’s a few other pieces on sale at Ann Taylor which I tried on and would recommend:
– Georgette ruffled blouse – feminine and nice quality blouse in two pretty pastel hues. The georgette fabric has a good weight to it (weightier than I expected) and is machine washable. Due to the tiny eyelet holes, I would also suggest wearing a skin-toned cami under this one.
– Tiered chiffon skirt – I overlooked this skirt a few times online, but it’s actually a great little piece that fits me off the rack better than most AT skirts (due to the elasticized grosgrain ribbon waist). It has rows of pleated navy chiffon with a full lining underneath, and is actually machine washable as well.
– Pave scallop drop + bezel drop earrings – These are reminiscent of pricier brand earrings and are a nice in-between size (not too small and not overly “statement”). Each pair is super lightweight, and the “dark fuchsia” bezel is actually a pretty medium/deep blue.
What are some of your must-have pieces for winter workwear (i.e. favorite commuting shoes)?
I was wondering if you got a shaper for the bottom of your Goyard tote like you can get for the Louis Vuitton purses.? Can you send me the link, please?
Amazing way to dress well in this weather!
Your pictures could go straight into Vouge Magazine. The camera loves you and you always look relaxed and natural. I am 5.0′ and hate that fashion magazine models are only super tall. Nobody looks like me. Thank you for doing your website. You are my fashion hero. I get great ideas for putting outfits together.
Loving this look, the skirt has a nice color! 🙂
http://www.sinnamona.blogspot.com
I really like how you styled the outfit for 3 different occasions. And I’ve never thought to wear coloured hosiery, so thanks for the tip!
http://www.yzwears.com
Your style is always on point. I like how it is classy but also relatable. Now I just need an office job! Lol 😂 But seriously, love how you mix things up and make it all look so beautiful. Btw, I can’t get enough of your ear muffs. So cute!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
I love that pop of yellow with the grey! It’s a unique but gorgeous color combination!
http://www.maggiealamode.com
How chic. Love the earmuffs and the yellow skirt is such a beautiful sunny pop of color in the cold season!
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Beautiful!
I can’t tell from the pictures, but are your heels black or grey?
Thanks for this! I’m headed to another business trip to Denver next week. This helps so much. Quick question, when you have meetings where you’re walking from office to office, do you bring the rain shoes and then change? I find it hard since my male coworkers just wear easy walkable shoes.
I’m going to buy those grey tights for this trip; they look great.
love the yellow! so pretty
xx
https:/www.closettostreet.com
Hi Jean! What size is your J Crew skirt? Thanks!
By the time you feature the style clothing you can no longer get it from that store
Oh, I like this look! The gray tights really work well with the yellow skirt.
http://www.rosegoldrhyme.com
I love your website. This show me how to put pieces together and color. Just excellent!!!!!
Love this look and the ruffles on top! Jean, could you do an updated review on your Goyard tote? I would like to know if it’s still going strong.
http://www.allthatjae.com
So cute! I don’t read blogs very odten, but yours caught my attention with the outfit! I like how you link to everything!
Thanks for your inspiration! If ind it hard to dress in winter. It is cold outside, and warm and dry inside. Changing shoes is a good idea, I will definitely consider that.
Do you wear something under your top? Isn´t ist to cold?
Gray tights? I never considered that. Since I love colorful shoes I do worry that my black tights don’t look right. I can’t go bare legged in the dead of winter. I am too much of a wimp to expose large amounts of bare skin directly to the cold and I hate getting shoe bites from close toed shoes on my bare feet, so going hose-less is not an option. I would hate for the fashion police to attack me for wearing nude hose. Gray seems like a perfect solution.
Your outfit always look amazing! Love the pop of yellow <3
https://www.myblackcloset.com/
This is such a chic work look, love the yellow.
xo
Pinksole
Such a cute look! X
http://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/
Bless husbands for giving subtle comments when one is experimenting with outfits, right?!? Your smile in the first photo shows me you know you just rock in this outfit. It’s practical, pretty and very versatile. Love, Lieske
I love the outfit! Those colours are gorgeous together!
I hope you’re having a great Friday!
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
Thank you so much for sharing these great tips Jean! 🙂 <3 I love this outfit so much, especially the top! The sleeves are gorgeous!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
This is such a lovely look. Like your use of whites and yellows in the Winter!
Fantastic look! Love the blouse so much
Narhee | Made in Mauve
Jean, every time you come out with a new post they become my favourite! I really love your outfits. The colour of the skirt is lovely! 🙂 ❤️
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
What versatile pieces! This outfit is so classic and definitely works for both occasions!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
Always a beautiful look! 💗👍🏼💗
🌸🍃LA BIJOUX BELLA 🌸🍃