Dressing for work during the winter season in cold climates can be challenging, especially for women. You want to feel warm and comfortable, while also looking stylish and professional.

Wouldn’t it be nice to not have to worry about this and instead go to the office with a rolled-out-of-bed look? If you work from home, you easily fall into this category—lucky for you!

Indeed, dressing for work when it is freezing outside takes a little bit of investment in useful accessories. With proper outfit planning, you can ensure that you are always prepared for any weather.

If you are looking to plan your outfits and accessories for the winter season, we have a few ideas for you. Here we will discuss a few winter-appropriate accessories that will protect you from the cold weather while also ensuring that you always look professional.

01

Long coats, scarves, and gloves

In many ways, your outfit matters more than you think, especially in an office setting. After all, this is the place where first impressions matter and where the way you dress speaks volumes about you to your colleagues and clients. You want to look presentable while also feeling comfortable.

When planning your office attire for the winter months, the best accessories to wear in and out of the office are long coats, scarves, and gloves. These winter-appropriate accessories will not only protect you from cold weather but also ensure that you look professional.

Aside from this, you will also feel comfortable and warm all throughout the day. Long coats look professional and chic in an office setting, so make sure to invest in coats that are made of quality materials that will last for years.

02

Warm hats

Some offices encourage their employees to wear anything that makes them feel comfortable during the colder months. If you fall into this category, you have more options for keeping warm.

In this case, choosing additional accessories such as hats in various styles can easily elevate your look while ensuring you are warm both indoors and outdoors.

Depending on the tasks you have for the day, plan out your desired look beforehand. If you are required to be out in the field for the majority of your day, try opting for a business casual or athleisure look where you incorporate a hat to go along with your outfit. A hat will keep you protected from the wind, rain, and cold while pulling your look together and making you appear polished.

03

Eco-friendly sweaters

While it is evident that sweaters protect you from cold weather, know that not all fabrics are created equal.

For instance, if you are heading to work in a moderate climate, wearing sustainable sweaters can be a better option. You could also go for cotton fabrics which are lightweight and comfortable to wear.

Likewise, if you are heading out in extreme weather conditions like heavy rainfall, you should carry heavy wool sweaters for maximum warmth and comfort. Wool sweaters are naturally-insulating and provide optimal warmth to combat rigid weather.

04

Shawls and blazers

Oftentimes, our workplaces can become chilly—even thermostats will not always control the indoor temperature. Ensuring that you are not vulnerable to the cold indoors is also of high importance. This will help prevent common seasonal illnesses, which can happen easily when exposed to cold drafts.

For this, simply carry a shawl or extra blazer so that you can quickly warm up in a freezing office. Plus, a shawl can double as a blanket, and you can still look professional when you wrap it around your upper body or lap.

05

Layers

Before you head out for the day, check the weather forecast and plan your layers accordingly. With layers, you can easily adjust the level of warmth you need throughout the day.

In California where it can often be a combination of warm and cold on any one given day and in different settings, it is always important to keep an extra jacket in the car for good measure.

Layering a jacket over a nice blouse can make you appear professional while maximizing your comfort throughout the day. The best part is, you can take it off if it heats up. Jackets come in various styles and fabrics, so you can pick the right one that is suitable for the weather and your planned outfit for that day.

Takeaways

Incorporating winter accessories and opting for insulating fabrics that keep you warm throughout the colder months is an effective way to ensure your comfort in and out of the office. There is nothing like the feeling of being cold with no coverup in sight to quickly warm up with. Planning your outfits for the weather ahead can help you avoid these situations. You will be comfortable, better prepared to tackle your day, and most importantly, happier you took that extra step.