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When temperatures dip below 20 degrees and it's still dark outside at 7 a.m., it's tempting to go with the I-just-rolled-out-of-bed look. Who doesn't want to walk into the office in sweatpants, or avoid the cold altogether and work from home...in sweatpants? This sentiment (coupled with the fact that my puffer coat hides my entire outfit) morphs me into a lazy fashion girl every year, with a go-to winter look of beige wool sweater and black high-waisted skinny jeans. Just saying this out loud makes me realize it sounds kind of...unimaginative. This winter though, I vow to not let the my wardrobe take that cold-weather hit. Here, seven cozy outfit ideas that'll get you from Monday to Sunday in style.
1
Center Your Look Around the Skirt
Add some thick tights and voilà, your favorite spring, summer, or fall work outfit is now a winter outfit. For a feminine, sophisticated office-ready look like Kate Tik's, above, wear a lace top with a patterned knee-length skirt. Since stilettos and snow do not mix, slip on a pair of stylish, sturdy boots for your commute. To all the women brave enough to wear their skirts without tights, I applaud you.
Shop the pieces: 1. Sea blouse, $491; 2. Prada wool skirt, $1,700; 3. Banana Republic trench coat, $157; 4. Senreve sleeve, $280; 5. Thursday Boot, $195; 6. H&M tights, $10
2
Give Your Button-Down a Rest
If my everyday work outfits looked anything like this ensemble on Aimee Song, I'd be a happy camper. Her asymmetrical top and trousers create a more interesting combo than just pairing a button-down with jeans. Black ankle booties instead of pumps take this look from stuffy to trendy. Sling an I'm-the-boss long coat over your shoulders (leave it unbuttoned to let that top peek through, naturally), slip on a pair of sunglasses, and walk into that office like you own it.
Shop the pieces: 1. Palmer//Harding shirt, $550; 2. Raen sunglasses, $135; 3. Joie trench coat, $235; 4. Halogen trousers, $79; 5. Sarah Flint zip bootie, $525
3
Trade in Your Slacks for Leather Pants
It's Monday morning and you're getting dressed for work. You're wearing your button-down shirt and you're about to reach for those navy slacks...STOP! Instead, swap those boring ol' things (I get it, they're versatile) for a pair of leather trousers. This simple change elevates any basic shirt with edgy fashion-girl cool. For a completely insulated outfit, layer a thin black turtleneck underneath, then show it off with a few undone buttons. If you wear snow boots or UGG boots to commute, keep a pair of nice lace-up boots under your desk for a style-cementing shoe switch.
Shop the pieces: 1. The Line by K top, $57; 2. Grayson button-up shirt, $158; 3. Canada Goose parka, $895; 4. L'Academie pant, $198; 5. Self-Portrait lace-up booties, $485
4
Invest in a Statement Coat
In the wintertime, your coats are the eyes of your outfits—the first thing people will notice. You can wear anything (hello, sweatpants) underneath a fashionable piece of outerwear and it won't matter. This season, consider investing in a bold coat that makes a street style statement. Take a page from this fashionista and wear your coat with denim overalls and black ankle boots. Then, don't forget to tie it all together with your new scarf.
Shop the pieces: 1. Rebecca Taylor top, $325; 2. Madewell overalls, $60; 3. Apparis coat, $285; 4. Retrofete bag, $255; 5. Stuart Weitzman boots, $575; 6. Manner Market scarf, $48
5
Wear Sneakers for Dress-Down Fridays
We all live for Fridays because 1) it's the end of the work week and 2) you can wear pretty much whatever you want. (If casual Fridays aren't a thing at your corporate office, though, refer back to outfit number one.) Jeans and sneakers are the obvious and comfortable choice. This season, your dressed-down Fridays will consist of chunky kicks, skinny jeans, and a double-breasted long pea coat. Tuck your flannel or favorite shirt into your jeans and complete the outfit with a thick scarf. You'll look put together, but still feel cozy.
Shop the pieces: 1. Vero Moda sweater, $59; 2. Agolde jeans, $158; 3. Weekend Max Mara coat, $785; 4. Louis Vuitton backpack, $2,040; 5. Free People scarf, $48; 6. Gucci sneakers, $890
6
Wear All Your Favorite Neutrals Together
There's something so effortless about wearing all similar shades together. Black is, of course, the easiest to pair but if your closet is made of beiges, grays, or navy you too can achieve this almost monochrome outfit. Start with either a top or bottom then build from there. If you want to break up the monotony just a bit, go for an animal printed boot.
Shop the pieces: 1. Max Mara turtleneck sweater, $320; 2. Nicholas linen trousers, $398; 3. Theory blazer, $595; 4. Khaite ankle boots, $1,200
7
Mix Two Prints You’ve Never Worn Together
Adopt your childhood attitude of mixing the most random prints and colors together and somehow it all works out in the end. Don't be afraid to test out two prints against each other, like camouflage and polka dots, for a truly unique outfit. After all, once you get into the office and shed that outerwear, your look will feel much tamer.
Shop the pieces: 1. Marc Jacobs polka dot dress, $995; 2. Hunter camo jacket, $250; 3. Poléne bag, $230; 4. Jeffrey Campbell boots, $195
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Marina Liao
Marina Liao is the fashion news editor at MarieClaire.com, where she covers celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducts original interviews with industry insiders.
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