What seems to be a long winter has actually been the longest and coldest winter in my thirteen years of living in the States. We’ve had days of constant rain, icy and snowy conditions with strong wind gusts and even no sun for weeks. As depressing as it might get, it is even more debilitating sartorially. Who likes to wear the same jeans, sweater, coat, scarf and boots uniform day in day out. Well, I don’t and especially when wearing jeans to work is not an option. Dressing up for work and looking chic when it is below freezing outside can be challenging but with my simple hacks, not only will layering appear easy but also fun and visually appealing.
With trial and error I have found my own hacks for wearing the same number of layers but in a more eye-appealing, office-appropriate way.
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THE INNER MOST LAYER– there are multiple options for the base layer. A knit camisole or bodysuit would be a good bet. I am wearing my new H&M bodysuit under that jacket and it definitely makes a good foundation piece for any office outfit, be it winter or summer. These can be worn with pants, skirts and the turtleneck full sleeves can be worn under dresses.
SWEATER – look for a thinner and finer knit if you wish to wear them as is or layer underneath a dress. A sweater can be worn over your blouse or button front shirts for a more polished professional look in winter. A cashmere sweater makes for a good layering piece and is an investment too.
TURTLENECK– a turtleneck in an array of colors is a must-have in every closet. Wear it under a blouse, a dress or even under a blazer, it looks great with just about anything. A warm knit option would be goof to have as it can be worn with a pair of pants or skirt and under a blazer.
CARDIGANS– a cardigan is just as chic and feminine as it is functional and handy. Wear it over a dress or your favorite blouse, and remove it when it feels too warm indoors: easy-peasy !
BLAZER – a roomy blazer is just what I prefer for layering over sweaters. It looks chic, polished and pulls together any look. Think outside the box and go for a punch with bright blazers. I am always down for a pink or even a red blazer for office any day.
TIGHTS – tights are my favorite layering essential. Stock up in neutral colors like black, brown, grey and in fun patterns like chevron, stripes, dots and mesh, and if you are feeling extra adventurous then go for bright colors. Sweater tights can be worn independently and the sheer thin ones can be layered under a pair trousers or worn even with skirts and dresses.
PANTS/SLACKS – office trousers have come a long way from being just limited to wide-leg straight trousers. They are more modern and now available in trendy silhouettes and prints. I can totally see myself wearing these cropped plaid culottes that I am wearing today with a knit bodysuit, pink coat and knee high boots to a work meeting or just a regular day at work.
OVERCOAT– talk to me about overcoats. I am a coat-a-holic and have curated quite a collection over these years. I love the classic wool ones and have it in a few different colors. When in the market for an overcoat, look for one that has some room to accommodate all those layers. Not sure which style to buy, check out my COAT BUYING GUIDE here.
HOW TO LAYER WHEN WEARING PANTS– blouse/button down, sweater, blazer and overcoat on the top. Tights/knee high socks with boots on the bottom.
HOW TO LAYER WHEN WEARING A SKIRT– blouse, cardigan/sweater, blazer, overcoat on the top. Tights and knee high boots on the bottom.
HOW TO LAYER WHEN WEARING A DRESS– dress, cardigan, blazer on the top. Tights and know high boots on the bottom.
HOW TO LAYER WHEN WEARING A DRESS– dress, cardigan, blazer on the top. Tights and know high boots on the bottom.
Congratulations to Elizabeth of Lizzie in Lace, she is the featured blogger of the week.
Now it is your turn to share your favorite looks.
You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!
Always looking for new ways to layer, as it is 11 degrees today! Super informative post and this look is gorgeous! Love those culottes!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Such a classy work outfit! I love the addition of a bright color: makes one smile when it is cold and dreary.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
A perfect office outfit for this time of the year. Loving the pink coat with those patterned pants.
Ellibelle's Corner
Such a beautiful coat! I love the color.
Awww thanks so much for the feature! <3 I'm obsessed with your outfit! Love the the styling and pop of pink 🙂
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Such a cute outfit! I love me some layers and you definitely make it look so chic. Those culottes are perfection and your tips on point.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
I live in one of the coldest places in the US with the longest winter ever. It snows here from September until June and my only survival technique is lots of layers! I have become quite adept at making layers look stylish instead of frumpy. You have some great tips here, too. And this outfit is totally on point. I love the culottes with tall boots and that bright pink jacket is superb for taking the drab out of winter style! Well done.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
I love those plaid culottes with the knee high boots! Gorgeous pink coat too. Our Winter in the UK has mostly been wet and grey – I don't mind the cold (up to a point) but constant rain is such a drag! I can't wait for Spring!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com