Hello friends ~ I took a few days off but am back with this month’s installment of easy work outfit ideas! Based on your feedback from previous posts, I’m incorporating a few practical requests like outfits with winter tights (I own these tights in every color – they look much more opaque on me in size S than on the model!), and with flats or booties. Back at my corporate jobs, double duty footwear wasn’t much of a concern as most of my colleagues (men and women alike) would commute to work in flats or weather boots and keep different shoes to change into at their desk. If that’s not possible where you work, I’d do an understated black rubber bootie like my Sam Edelman ones which are very commute friendly, but can also pass as work-appropriate if needs be!
one
I usually default to my neutral blouses and pumps, but incorporating a jewel tone piece + subtle pop of plaid adds a festive touch that’s still professional. Ann Taylor makes some of my favorite lightweight, low-maintenance blouses like this each season in new colors (see similar bow blouse options), as well as some variation of the tweed pencil skirt. Proportionally, since this skirt is longer I like pairing it against a cropped blazer, but with shorter skirts I’d prefer a slightly longer jacket like this petite knit blazer (a longtime favorite!).
two
These pants are a very old piece that I fell in love with again recently (and found a very similar option in stock)! Culottes can work surprisingly well for winter, as you can also layer a pair of thick tights or cropped leggings underneath for extra insulation. With these, I commute in black or nude flats then switch into heels, but I also wanted to show how they look with boots. Ideally, wide legged pants or jeans look best paired with “sock” style booties that have a fitted, high shaft (like these) so there’s enough contrast between the width of the pant opening and the width of your boot-covered ankles.
Three
For an everyday cozy yet polished winter work outfit. I love pairing an oversized sweater against slimmer profile bottoms like skinny jeans, and this concept also works with a fitted skirt. I’m trying out a trick shared by several ladies across IG which involves tucking an oversized sweater into your bra band (instead of into the waist of your bottoms) and just have to say it’s genius!
four
Taking inspo from the prep school vibes of this gold buttoned blazer, I added my current favorite mini plaid pants and a more feminine version of a traditional button-up dress shirt. Leopard print flats help keep this look fun vs stuffy. For those shuddering at the sight of my naked ankles, I have my pants cuffed up here and would un-cuff them for a little more coverage while outdoors!
five
For a more casual office setting, here’s how the same underlying outfit looks with ankle booties and a duster cardigan.
Which look here was your favorite? Let me know any requests for next month’s installment!
Stunning outfits!
Mariya
Loving the big bows on these blouses
xx Angelica
I think the third outfit is my fave!
Ellie xx
Jewel tones are the best part of winter.
“ONE” gets my vote. Love the choice of shoes with the tights. I’m still kicking myself for not buying that gorgeous AT tweed skirt back when it was available.
Luckily they usually come out with similar every few seasons, so I’ll keep an eye out!
Hi Jean, I have the same leopard bow flats from Ann Taylor. They’re amazing & super comfortable. I found the updated version & will put the link below.
https://www.anntaylor.com/patricia-cheetah-print-haircalf-bow-flats/511210?skuId=27709917&defaultColor=6822&catid=cata000020&selectedColor=6822
Thank you, Tennile! I totally missed that they had an updated version come out so this is great.
Anytime. Thank you for all of your great work.
Tennile (IG: thusbands37)
Jewel tones are my favorite for the holiday season <3 🙂 I love the color that you picked out – it's festive, but still elegant and tasteful!
XO, Elizabeth T.
Thank you for showing outfits with tights and ankle boots! This is so helpful and I love these looks. Please show some casual evening and weekend looks too – winter has just started we have many more months ahead of these temps – well, some of us have long winters.
Thank you, Caren! Yes … my legs don’t expect to see sun again until May : /
Nice ideas. Would you also please feature shoes with a 2 -21/2 inch heels. I cannot wear anything higher as I have no padding on my feet and they are short. Love you ideas for those of petite.
Hi there! I personally don’t wear a lot of mid heels but there are SO many good options on Ann Taylor, Talbots, and Nordstrom with block heels or wedges. Just filter by your size to browse easily.
Jean – I apologize for being dense pre-coffee this morning, but could you explain what you meant about tucking an oversized sweater into a bra strap? Thank you.
Hi Jen, totally get how it’s not quite self explanatory, but you tuck it into your bra band (not strap)! So fold the sweater under and tuck it in around the circumference of your bra band and then won’t need to un-tuck and re-tuck throughout the day as you use the restroom, etc. Won’t work with every outfit or sweater but I thought this was interesting! Had to give it a try after seeing it demonstrated by a couple of IG’ers, first one being Brooklyn Blonde.
Interesting! I’ll have to experiment. Thanks for replying!
Please let me know how this works … why doesn’t it look weird? Any pics would be appreciated!
Thank you for these great ideas, where you use pieces that aren’t so specific to “holiday” colors but still look festive!
Would you be able to do a j crew Cameron vs j crew factory ruby pant comparison? I bought the 4 season stretch Cameron pant and it is significantly smaller than the 00p for ruby pants. And, I’m curious if you’ve seen the ruby pant have different fabric for different colors— my black pair was much stiffer than the navy.
Thank you as always !
Hi C – thank you for that info! It does happen when the same item has a different fabric feel in different colors (like oftentimes with denim in the same style but different washes). Unfortunately I can’t speak to each color as I only have the Cameron pant in navy from their first run (I don’t know if they updated the fit since but oftentimes retailers do tweak it a bit) and the Ruby in black, also from when it first came out. My Cameron feels more substantial than the Ruby and is a little more fitted in the waist, however I want to double check you didn’t order the high waist Cameron vs regular since high rise cuts tend to run even smaller at the waist!
That’s helpful! I went a bit crazy and ordered the high waisted full length Cameron when it was on sale, but also the regular slim crop and both are definitely much smaller and more stretchy (drapes nicer on the back of knees and has smaller leg opening) than the Ruby!
You always have the most classy work outfit inspo!! Love all of these!
xoxo A
These are really good ideas!
Mireia from TGL