Navigate the chilly commute in these stylish winter work outfits
For a society that spends the majority of our life at work, it seems we can't get enough of the office. In film and TV, we've been increasingly drawn to career-oriented entertainment, from Nicole Kidman's workplace affair in Babygirl to Apple TV's Severance and the enduring dark humour of Succession. The latter even went beyond its remit, influencing fashion's 'quiet-luxury' trend and rewriting the rules for workwear as we know it.
The modern office wardrobe has shown unshapely dresses, belted peplum waistlines and synthetic suits the door, and in its place, welcomed in luxury pieces that can be styled just as easily for the office as they can outside of it. Think cashmere knits, wide-leg trousers, constructed leather tote bags and work-appropriate shoes that don't conjure images of school-day clogs.
Midi skirts and hemlines made a case for modest dressing at the autumn/winter 2024 shows, as did high-neck styles at Proenza Schouler and Carven. Pinstripe suits were also in abundance at Kenzo, Max Mara and Dilara Findikoglu, while the tie made a subtle remark on classic suiting – save for the one made of plaited hair at Schiaparelli.
If it's time to update your winter workwear wardrobe, we've found the best desk-dressing inspiration for you to shop below.
1. The classic
A white t-shirt and pair of tailored black trousers will be the hardest working combination in your workwear wardrobe, so if in doubt, start with this as your base. A smart look doesn't need a plethora of detail to hit the brief, as proved by this outfit. The addition of a soft cream jacket will add a touch of tailoring while a prioritising comfort, and a pair of plain black loafers can't be beaten for adding a touch of formality.
Cropped cotton and wool jacket
Organic cotton-jersey T-shirt
Merino wool flared pants
£1350.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
Luca loafers
2. Oversized suiting
Take it big for the boardroom and opt for an oversized suit. The runways have been prioritising a XL approach to suiting across the autumn/winter 2024 and spring/summer 2025 collections, so you can rest assured that investing in larger proportions will see you through the year ahead in trending style. For inspiration, look to Hailey Bieber and her relaxed Saint Laurent suit with turned-up shirt cuffs. She added feminine touches via a pair of pointed heels, oval glasses and stacked gold jewellery.
Wool blazer
Oversized striped cotton-poplin shirt
Ripley pleated grain de poudre wide-leg pants
£203.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
Curtis Patent Pointed-Toe Kitten-Heel Slingback Pumps - Black Patent
3. New neutrals
Lighter, neutral tones can sometimes feel like an unnatural choice for the office, but let this outfit dissuade you from neglecting them in your workwear rotation. The oversized proportions of this white shirt balance the slender silhouette of the maxi skirt perfectly, while the slim black belt and slingback heels give the outfit a Nineties nod.
Relaxed cotton shirt
Leather belt
Mysti fluted midaxi knitted skirt
Cardinale patent leather slingback pumps
4. Tied up
It's time to brush up on your knot skills, because the tie is having a renaissance in womenswear. Whether juxtaposed with a feminine skirt suit or worn with oversized tailoring for a masculine take, the tie is a sleek addition to your workwear look that shows you mean business. If opting for a skirt, style with some chunky loafers or heeled Mary Janes for a grown-up twist on a preppy classic.
Ronson velvet blazer
Coci cotton-velvet mini skirt
£380.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
Logo patch leather tie
Bulla babies platform pumps
5. Working leathers
Don't underestimate the versatility of a good pair of leather trousers; this typically Nineties style can deliver on sophistication at the office when paired with the right pieces. Neutral shades such as beige and sand work well to temper the leather sheen, while matching accessories, such as a bag and gloves, will help to create a polished look.
Essential turtleneck cotton top
90's pinch waist high-rise straight pants
Maeve wool blend double breasted blindseam trench coat
Tabitha 65 leather ankle boots
6. Refined casual
If your job allows for a more laissez-faire approach to dressing, a pair of jeans will open up a plethora of options. A straight-leg style is ideal, offering structure that feels more office-appropriate than a more relaxed fit. Pair with a sophisticated wrap jacket and leather loafers for a look that evokes 'quiet luxury'.
Double Wool And Silk Top
Wool jacket
Danielle straight-leg jeans
Awar leather loafers
7. Bold browns
Tired of black and grey tailoring? It might be time to try brown. Not only has the chocolate hue been pinned as a trending colour for autumn/winter 2024, but it's a rich neutral that will serve you well beyond one season. Turn to bolder colours in your accessories, or play with textures and finishes (i.e. patent leather) to break up your look. And for lenses? You can't go wrong with Miu Miu's highly sought-after tortoiseshell frame glasses.
Bea blazer
Bea suit pants
Tortoiseshell oval-framed glasses
Le Teckel small leather shoulder bag
8. Top-to-toe tonal
That said, we're here to prove that grey doesn't equate to boring; this outfit mixes soft knits with structured tailoring for a sleek outfit that's office-approved. If you're at the mercy of strict no-shoulder-baring dress codes, a high-neck jumper or crew neck looks just as good. Our favourite part? Song's styling of a statement cuff bracelet sat over the top of her jumper sleeve.
Virgin wool belted wrap coat
Wool-blend jumper
Gordon wide-leg wool trousers
Ridge gold plated cuff
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