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Photo courtesy of Malene Birger

12 Winter Work Outfit Ideas That Don’t Sacrifice Personality

Back to the office, but make it fashion

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With winter around the corner, it’s time again for a seasonal wardrobe inquiry: What winter work outfits can we wear that are both fashion-forward and office-appropriate at once? Whether you’re back in the office full time or barely left, winter work outfit ideas aren’t always easy to conjure up. With climate shifts, constantly fluctuating humidity, and random bouts of precipitation, the season requires a bit of wardrobe play. But what a time it is to play, when layering, outerwear, and exaggerated lengths are abundant!

Our definition of modern work outfits consists of flexible, versatile pieces for the woman on-the-go to transfer from desk to dinner date. For Sissy Chacon, an L.A.-based stylist who also writes an online style newsletter, The Sort, it’s important to feel empowered at the office and fulfilled through personal style. “If expressing your personal style at the office is allowed, does no harm, and will make your day a little better, go for it. If your personal style is to blend in—if that helps you stay centered at work or to draw more of a line between your work-life balance, that’s valid too,” she tells Bazaar.

By way of labels like Nili Lotan, Toteme, and Bevza, you’ll find stylishly proficient items that are just as put-together as they are pared-back. (See: matching suit sets, elegant wool coats, and tailored work pants.) But if you’re seeking even more of a fashion-forward approach, Chacon thinks referencing the runways is worthwhile: “Look to Saint Laurent and Miu Miu runways, where traditional ideas of officewear such as pantyhose, pointy slingback pumps, pencil skirts, and shoulder-padded blazers are reinterpreted for an updated retro look.”

Keeping Chacon’s notes in mind, here are Bazaar’s 12 best winter work outfit ideas that won’t sacrifice your personal style, whatever that may be.

The “Coat As a Dress” Outfit

street style paris fashion week womenswear springsummer 2024 day nine
Jeremy Moeller//Getty Images

The statement, structured coat has gotten a makeover—and is so wearable, it can double as a winter dress. This Fashion Week guest made hers office-friendly with cropped trousers, kitten heels, and a little sock, of course.

Jacquemus Le Manteau Croissant Felt Raglan Coat

Le Manteau Croissant Felt Raglan Coat

Jacquemus Le Manteau Croissant Felt Raglan Coat

Now 50% Off
$980 at Luisaviaroma

Coach Renn Mule

Renn Mule

Coach Renn Mule

Now 10% Off
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The Coordinating Suit Set Outfit

street style paris fashion week womenswear springsummer 2024 day nine
Jeremy Moeller//Getty Images

A terrific skirt suit ticks all the boxes regarding between-weather style dilemmas, especially if you’re returning to the office full time. Add tights for extra warmth, and layer on a tissue turtleneck or cashmere T-shirt.

Zara Straight-Cut Shoulder-Pad Blazer

Straight-Cut Shoulder-Pad Blazer

Zara Straight-Cut Shoulder-Pad Blazer

Zara Asymmetric Soft Skirt

Asymmetric Soft Skirt

Zara Asymmetric Soft Skirt

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The Classic Blazer Pairing Outfit

street style paris fashion week womenswear springsummer 2024 day nine
Daniel Zuchnik//Getty Images

You really can’t go wrong with a blazer in all of its forms. Whether oversize, structured, fitted, or slightly cropped, the blazer for work is a mainstay. To keep it classic, wear yours over a printed button-down shirt for a pop of pattern.

Anine Bing Quinn Blazer

Quinn Blazer

Anine Bing Quinn Blazer

Nili Lotan Celestine Shirt

Celestine Shirt

Nili Lotan Celestine Shirt

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The Maxi Knitted Dress Outfit

street style day 4 copenhagen fashion week springsummer 2024
Edward Berthelot//Getty Images

Maxi dresses come in all silhouettes, fabrics, and weights, but for fall and winter, opt for the knitted maxi. It’s an easy “yes” and pairs seamlessly with knitted heels, mules, and other office-friendly footwear.

Rixo Abisola Strappy Knit Dress

Abisola Strappy Knit Dress

Rixo Abisola Strappy Knit Dress

Now 49% Off
Credit: Rixo

Bevza Egg Knitted Dress

Egg Knitted Dress

Bevza Egg Knitted Dress

Now 50% Off
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The Leather Days Outfit

street style day 4 copenhagen fashion week springsummer 2024
Edward Berthelot//Getty Images

If your office environment is more exploration-friendly, look no further than the leather bomber jacket. Wear yours over your favorite dress, and beneath a heavier coat come December.

Worn Vintage Exclusive Faded Leather Jacket

Exclusive Faded Leather Jacket

Worn Vintage Exclusive Faded Leather Jacket

Toteme Beige Crinkled Midi Skirt

Beige Crinkled Midi Skirt

Toteme Beige Crinkled Midi Skirt

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The Modern Cable-Knit Outfit

street style day 4 copenhagen fashion week springsummer 2024
Edward Berthelot//Getty Images

An autumn/winter wardrobe isn’t complete without the trusted cable-knit sweater—but the shapes of today are a little looser and boxier than those of the past. Team yours with workwear trousers.

House of Dagmar Cable Knit Sweater

Cable Knit Sweater

House of Dagmar Cable Knit Sweater

Cos Wide-Leg Tailored Pants

Wide-Leg Tailored Pants

Cos Wide-Leg Tailored Pants

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The Head-to-Tonal Outfit

street style paris fashion week womenswear springsummer 2024 day seven
Edward Berthelot//Getty Images

A monochromatic look was once reserved for all-black ensembles and creamy separates. But now, we’re getting a taste of fashion’s new favorite neutral: chocolate brown. Break up the head-to-toe browns with white accessories.

Filippa K Sammy Chest-Pocket Shirt

Sammy Chest-Pocket Shirt

Filippa K Sammy Chest-Pocket Shirt

Headshot of Cortne Bonilla
Cortne Bonilla

Cortne Bonilla is freelance writer who occasionally dabbles in party reporting. When she’s not writing, you can find her vintage shopping, sipping iced lattes, reading on the train, and indulging in Pilates. 

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