With warmer days just around the corner, now’s the time to have fun with layers.
Every February we find ourselves in desperate need of winter work outfit inspiration. With the grey skies compounded by chilly weather, often the only thing on our mind is counting down the days until spring. But there’s plenty of fun to be had in the style department in the meantime.
This transitional period is perfect for getting the most out of your layers. Now’s the time to swap out your wool jackets for trench coats that can keep you warm and withstand the on/off rain and stock up on lightweight knits, mid-length skirts crafted from cotton and denim, and knee-high boots. For accessories, this is the season to go bold with statement jewelry, glossy leather boots, and sleek pumps, as puffer jackets will no longer be the first, if not the only, thing people see when you’re walking by.
Below, we’ve shopped out seven winter work outfits to wear right now.
The Classic Trench
Get a head start on warmer months ahead with a go-to uniform for the intermediate weather. The star piece of this uniform will without a doubt be a water-resistant coat that keeps you dry when the sprinkles turn to showers. Finish with a belted dress that can transition from the cubicle to post-work drinks with friends, a heeled boot, and a carry-all that can handle days when the work must come home with you.
The Black Skirt Suit
Nothing beats a classic black suit for days when you need to impress the team. This season’s leading two-piece set features a fitted, double-breasted blazer, a mid-length skirt, and a sharp heel.
The Leather Combo
Leather has gotten quite the upgrade this season—now you can find sleek two-piece suits crafted from leather and suede or mix and match to let the different textures shine. If you’re looking to break out of the traditional modes of wool and cotton, leather offers a refreshing take with a little edge.
The Cape Look
Not all heroes wear capes, but some do—like Bazaar’s contributing writer Freya Drohan. If you’re heading to dinner after work and want something a little more elegant than a traditional pea coat or trench to keep you warm, try out the billowy style. To balance out the wide proportions, pair with an A-line skirt and a knee-high boot, finishing with some statement jewelry.
Pink Head-to-Toe
From chocolate brown to dark cherry red, there are several colors trending at the moment but the fairest of them all is powder pink. The key to tailoring this girlish hue for the office is playing with different shades, such as a mauve to balance out a lighter baby pink, and structure— a fitted knit, tailored trousers, and a classic accessory.
Grown-Up Prints
Polka dots, stripes, leopard or snake-embossed, we’re leaning into texture this season, and the more the better. You can play it safe and just wear it as an accent piece or double (even triple) up for a playful effect that is still work-appropriate.
Sporty Meets Casual
When it rains, it pours, such is the transitional period from winter to spring. If your office dress code leans more casual and you’re looking to stay dry, style a sporty anorak or cropped trench with trousers and a sleek sneaker that can handle a puddle or two.
