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The calendar flips to the first official day of fall and I turn into the first official icicle that ever had a desk job. I don’t even bat an eyelash at those articles claiming that Summer is Women’s Winter, due to out of control air conditioning levels in the workplace. That’s a piece of cake. But I do cringe with fear at the thought of a male dominated industry and the seemingly never-ending fall and winter seasons. No, not cuz feminism. I am most fearful of the body temperature regulation discrepancies between men and women. I might just freeze to death this winter.
Heading into my fourth cold weather season at my office job, I decided it’s finally time to share some tips and tricks that I’ve picked up that make it all slightly bearable. Yes, sometimes I can be found bundled up in my winter coat, sitting on the heater with a mug of hot tea, but most of the time I’ve kind of figured it out. Everyone always talks about layering, but how do you actually do it without looking like this? I mean, I think that’s a pretty good look, but how about we think of some other solutions.
Extend the Life of your Spring & Summer Wardrobe
This is definitely my favorite way to stay warm in the colder temps and a great way to get more wear out of some of your favorite summer and spring dresses. I feel like I always get to September and there are all these adorable sleeveless dresses that I never got to wear in the summer months. I have two tips to keep those cuties hanging in your closet a little bit longer. The first strategy is to wear a turtleneck or collared shirt under a sleeveless dress. It is a really chic and on-trend look right now, especially as the 70s are having their time in the spotlight. I showed this type of look here.
The second strategy is to pop a cardigan over the dress…. Um duh, Jo. Hear me out! This strategy must be executed carefully. I really dislike putting a shapeless sweater over a dress and instantly losing its waistline and pretty details. To avoid this issue, grab a leather wrap & tie belt or a skinny buckle belt to add definition to your waist. It adds a classy, mature touch to the ensemble and pulls it all together into a cohesive look.
Embrace the Trends: Plaid Blazers, Neck Ties, & Wool
As I said before, the 70s are in. Think: plaid, wool, bell bottoms, menswear suits, longer skirts, sweater dresses, neck scarves, and over-sized overcoats. Lucky for you, they are all thick and warm pieces. Use these to your advantage. When you think your outfit is complete, add something else. Top it off with a blazer or a vest or a sweater coat. I am especially excited to work some blazers and longer wool skirts into my workwear regimen. I think Zara, Free People, and Urban Outfitters model these styles the best. Here are a few outfit formulas I am excited to wear this fall. Tuck these away for an easy morning in the dressing room:
- Brown Plaid Blazer + Black Turtleneck + Black Slim Fit Trousers + Brown Slouchy Heeled Boots
- Mid Length Plaid A-Line Skirt + Boat Neck Sweater + Tall Boots + Neck Tie
- Plaid Kilt + Oxford Shirt + Neck Scarf + Brown Slouchy Heeled Boots + Brown Beret
- Suede Jumper Dress + Black Turtleneck + Silk Scarf + Black Leather Boots
- Oversized Blazer + White Tank + Leather Skirt + Block Heels
- Straight Midi Skirt + Cable Knit Sweater + Suede Heeled Booties
- Floral Maxi Dress + Moto Jacket + Heeled Boots + Wide Brim Hat
- Plaid Wool Bell Bottoms + Turtleneck Sweater + Heeled Booties + Long Vest
Fill in the Gaps
I can have 5 different cozy layers on, but if my ankles, neck, or wrists are bare I might just freeze. This is where a bit of style and flare come in to play. Unfortunately I haven’t quite figured out what to do with a 3/4 length sleeve. How do you fill those gaps? Let’s brainstorm.
Neck
- Button up your oxford all the way and throw a neck tie or scarf on. Silk scarves are really fun to find at thrift shops and are usually pretty plentiful.
- Invest in a neutral, single color blanket scarf that goes with everything. It’s a secret blanket. Don’t tell the boys.
- Turtleneck! My favorite base layer. Think Diane Keaton and put one under everything; button down shirts, other sweaters, blazers, etc.
Ankles
- Purchase some easy, lower heel sock booties. They creep up your ankle and are likely to meet your cropped pants in the middle. Plus they fit tight and keep you warm.
- Have fun with socks. If you are going for a menswear look with loafers, find printed socks that will surprise your colleagues. Or you could always pull a Michael Jackson. White socks + loafers. Done.
- Secretly wear your Uggs under your desk…Shhhh you never heard that here.
Hoooo-weee! I’m already warming up just thinking about these cozy outfit combos. I’m attempting to be more creative and inspired than ever this fall as the temperature just makes it so much easier. Once winter hits, all bets are off 🙂 Any tips for me as we head into icicle territory? Stay warm out there ladies! It’s gonna be a long one.
xoxo,
jojo
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