Dose of Prose
Hey friends,
A couple years ago I wrote a blog post all about navigating business attires (ie. business formal, business professional, business casual, etc.) because it can be challenging at times to determine the appropriate dress code for certain business occasions. I received positive feedback from that post (thank you!) and was told that it was helpful. I figured that I could turn this one post into a series and create lookbooks and style tips surrounding various business wear based on the season and occasion. How does that sound? Leave a comment if you like this idea. Anyway, we are now in the midst of winter and although some people in the corporate world can be cold, you don’t have to! haha. Here are some ways that you can style business pieces in the winter.
Rule of Thumb: Play around with different fabrics and layers!
Before I go into detail about specific winter business wear, I want to preface this post by saying that ultimately, in order to successfully navigate winter business attire, you need to layer different fabrics/materials! Cashmere, wool, tweed and leather should be the base materials for all of your outfits in order to ensure you stay warm. If you don’t have access to these thicker materials, then layering is always a good option. I know that most business attire (ie. collared shirts, blouses, button-ups/downs, slacks, blazers) are made of thin materials, so pull out your thermal underwear and start layering. If you’re wearing a dress, put on tights underneath and maybe even throw on a sweater on top. Stay away from open-toed shoes and put a cardigan under your blazer. I’m sure all of this is common sense but sometimes reminders resonate more when repeated. So play around with different fabrics and utilize layering to stay warm if you you’re trekking through the snow and heavy winds on your way to a meeting, work or event. Depending on how strict the dress code is and how conservative the environment of your workplace is, you may have to make adjustments, but trust me, this rule of thumb will be key if you want to survive in your suit during the winter.
Style Focus [Wool Blazer]
I love caramel/tan/brown hues in the winter. I paired this wool blazer with a ribbed t-shirt and suede leggings. Of course, you can’t go wrong with an oxford shoe, in any form. For a pop of color, I finished the look with a pink snakeskin purse. This was definitely a business casual look, but versatile in the sense that it can be easily dressed up and down. Where I live (Los Angeles) has mild winters, but this suede and wool combo definitely helps me to keep warm!
Style Focus [Wide Leg Slacks]
If you want to switch it up from your typical tailored slacks and fitted dress pants, I would opt for wide legged pants instead. It gives your look some flare (no pun intended), pairs well with cropped sweaters/jackets and also serves as a versatile piece in your wardrobe for work events.
Style Focus [ Sweater Weather + Leather]
I love the look of layering collared shirts with sweaters – it’s the perfect combination of preppy, professional and put together. If you have plans or meetings after hours, but don’t want your look to be too ‘corporate,’ I recommend incorporating leather into your outfit for your next happy hour.
So there you have it, some business casual attire for the winter. And if all else fails, you can never go wrong with a classic, timeless, suit. I hope that this post gave you some inspo and insight on how to navigate business wear during the colder months. Until next time.
-Kaamilah
