Calling All Workin’ Girls: 12 Winter Outfit Ideas When You Just Can’t Be Bothered

We’ve officially entered that time of year… wintertime. Within the period between the last few weeks of the year to the last weeks of February, a sort of stillness settles in that makes it so much harder to get motivated about anything (much less picking a cute winter outfit). After all, the excitement of dressing up for holiday parties has dissipated, so naturally, we hit a wall when we realize the weather forecast predicts below-freezing temperatures for the unforeseeable future. Frankly, we get it. Unfortunately, no amount of time spent fantasizing about spring weather (or trends) will change the harsh reality that we still have to show up to work.

With that reality comes the realization that we must find ways to navigate dressing for the chilly temperatures while adhering to your office’s dress code (which is often easier said than done). Let’s be honest: it’s pretty tiresome to try to put together cute winter outfits to the point where it can sometimes feel like a part-time job. So, what’s a workin’ girl to do? Well, for starters, you can start by finding a few simple outfit formulas that will allow you to look cute on the clock during the coldest weeks of the year. But if you’re strapped for time, don’t stress.

Ahead, we’re sharing a comprehensive guide on how to dress for work during the winter that includes a few outfit ideas, styling tips, and shopping recommendations. If you thought finding the motivation to create new cold-weather ensembles would require insane willpower, think again.

WEAR: Longline Black Coat + Black Button-Down Shirt + Pleated Midi Skirt + Thermal Tights + Black Slingbacks + Clutch Bag

Styling Notes: When it comes to dressing for work during the winter time, a great rule of thumb is to have comfortable items that can be thrown on quickly but always look chic—think: a long wool coat, button-down shirt, pleated skirt, and slingback heels.

WEAR: Suede Blazer + Black Turtleneck + Skinny Belt + Leather Pencil Skirt + Black Knee-High Boots + Black Handbag

Styling Notes: One of the easiest ways to make your staples work in frigid temperatures is to pay attention to your textiles. Opting for a blazer, pencil skirt, and even sweater made from heavier materials (e.g., leather, suede, and wool) will ensure your look is winter weather-proofed.

WEAR: Leather Bomber Jacket + White Button-Down Shirt + Turtleneck + Belt + Maxi Pencil Skirt + Tights + Pointed Pumps + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: In addition to paying attention to textiles, it’s imperative to experiment with layering. Adding layers will make adhering to a dress code easier and make some of those non-seasonal items (e.g., a poplin button-down shirt or maxi skirt) work for colder weather.

WEAR: Eyeglasses + Long Leather Trench + Knit Polo + Wool Midi Skirt + Thermal Tights + Mary Janes + Frame Bag

Styling Notes: Not to sound like a broken record, but fully embracing layers is the key to having an outfit that’s as functional for the weather forecast as it is for work settings. More specifically, opt for base layers such as thermal tights and heavy-duty leather outerwear (as shown above).

WEAR: Long Wrap Coat + White Maxi Sweater Dress + Black Slingbacks + Black Clutch + Gold Earrings

Styling Notes: When you want to look elegant without putting too much effort into your ensemble, one everyday staple will do the trick: a classic sweater dress. Nothing looks as good as a long white coat styled with a matching sweater dress, gold earrings, and black slingback heels.

WEAR: Thermal White Turtleneck + Black Crewneck Sweater Dress + Black Blazer + Black Ankle Boots + Slingbag + Silver Earrings

Styling Notes: If you’re worried that wearing a sweater dress won’t be the most “pragmatic” choice, consider playing with layers. Styling a knit dress with a thermal turtleneck, wool blazer, and ankle boots will surely be a warm enough combo for those especially chilly winter days!

WEAR: Long Gray Coat + White T-Shirt + Gray V-Neck Sweater + Gray Trousers + Black Loafers + Silver Earrings

Styling Notes: What’s one styling hack that will make even the most “simple” winter staples seem more sophisticated? Opt for a minimal color palette. It doesn’t get easier (or more elegant) than styling a long gray coat with a matching sweater and pleated trousers.

WEAR: Burgundy Turtleneck + White Button-Down Shirt + Black Trousers + Burgundy Bag + Black Loafers

Styling Notes: When you’ve reached a point in the middle of the winter when you’re tired of wearing a neutral color palette, try embracing a pop of color. You can still wear your favorite white button-down and black wool trousers; just simply add a brightly-hued turtleneck as a base layer and a matching commuter bag.

WEAR: Black Leather Trench Coat + Gray Turtleneck + Black Leather Trousers + Black Shoulder Bag + Black Pointed Pumps

Styling Notes: Can’t be bothered to embrace color when it’s cold out? There’s another way to up the ante of your corporate looks: embrace texture. You can make any neutral outfit chicer by incorporating leather separates into the mix.

WEAR: Oversized Denim Jacket + Black Turtleneck + Black Belt + White Wide-Leg Jeans + Black Ankle Boots + Black Handbag

Styling Notes: Nothing is more compelling to pull out of your closet on a super-chilly day than denim, but sometimes the staple doesn’t seem “corporate” enough to wear to work. The key to making denim work on the clock is to dress them up with more formal pieces—e.g., a turtleneck, heeled ankle boots, and a small handbag. Also, look for denim pieces that are more suiting-coded, such as wide-leg flares or darker washes.

WEAR: Grey Cardigan + Gray Wool Blazer + White Denim Skirt + Thermal Tights + Black Slingback Heels + Black Clutch Bag

Styling Notes: Who says you can’t wear a white denim skirt to work during the wintertime? The secret to making this staple work throughout the season is to style it with other cold-weather items—e.g., a cardigan, wool blazer, thermal tights, and comfortable heels (or boots).

WEAR: Long Herringbone Coat + White Button-Down Shirt + Black Straight-Leg Jeans + Thermal Underpinnings + Black Oxfords + Black Bag

Styling Notes: When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with throwing on an oversized herringbone coat, white button-down shirt, black jeans, and oxfords. It’s a simple combo that’s corporate-friendly, super-chic, and will carry you through the rest of the cold weather season.