How to Stay Warm & Look Professional

I wrote about staying stylish in cold weather after the polar vortex hit hard last year. But it takes another level of skill to stay warm and stylish while heading to the office.

In fact most of the street style fashion would leave us freezing through January if we took their advice. Shoes with no socks? Bare legs? These things just don’t make sense from November through April. Aside from the fact that most of my pin-spiration revolves around off duty style not office ready looks.

So ignore your JCREW catalog shot through the summer creating winter looks we can’t exactly replicate in February and follow along with these tips on How to Stay Warm & Look Professional.

1. Invest in a long wool coat

I get it. Parkas are warm. But for the most part they are not a stylish addition to your professional wardrobe. There are tricks to up the level of warmth if you find that it just isn’t cutting it (the best tip I got is to layer a thin down vest underneath), but I find that if you layer up, or if you are already wearing a blazer the wool coat is just as warm for 95% of your winter commutes. If you are really in need of a parka that will also work at the office try this, this or this.

Really want to stand out amongst the crowd? Pick a coat a coat in a bold colour.

2. Get a pair of mid calf boots

You might have noticed that slim ankle crop pants are all the rage right now. They are fantastic through warmer months as they look great sockless with flats or pumps. But what do you do in the winter? Well most styled pictures out there would have you believe that most people are still walking around sockless. But let me tell you I did that the first day the temperature really turned and when I was waiting to pick up my daughter from school I swear my feet felt like they were going to fall off.

So what shoes do you wear with cropped trousers through the winter? Mid calf boots. I like these better with trousers than an ankle boot because they keep you warmer. In fact you could wear the thickest ski socks and no one would be the wiser.

Worried about slipping? Get a pair with a rubber sole.

3. Don’t forget your Scarf, Hat & Mitts

One of the biggest reasons that commuters are cold waiting for the bus, subway or cabs is because they aren’t bundled up properly. If I had to pick just one thing I would invest in an oversized scarf. You can tie it up in such a way that your ears also stay warm. However I would carry around a hat and mittens even if I don’t wear them every day. It is a tip that my mom drove home when I was younger, pack everything in case you get stuck in a snowstorm. We never did thank god, but we were prepared.

4. Layer, layer, layer

It is easy to get layering inspiration for off duty looks but layering works for the office as well.  In fact keeping your core warm is the most important to keep warms so make sure to invest in some shells like this.

A pair of silk long underwear will also work under trousers on the coldest days. They also work under unlined wool pants for those who feel that it is too scratchy

5. Get a shoe drawer

I was going to suggest full and flowy trousers but those have their own set of issues (salt stains – yuck!), and longer skirts just aren’t my thing. But an easy way to be able to wear the shoes you want with the pants or skirts you want is to keep your heels safe at work in your shoe drawer.

So that means you can wear proper winter boots, or at the very least something more practical for the commute while your pretty shoes stay safe from slush and your feet stay warm. PLus you are less likely to take an unwanted spill when getting to work in flats over heels.

Coat//sweater//trousers//hat//mits//scarf//boots