If you ask me, one of the hardest parts about postgrad life is something I never expected to be as difficult as it is: finding outfits for each occasion, especially work. Every job is so different, and even though all of my postgrad jobs have been in pretty creative fields (social media and writing), they’ve all had different dress codes. At my first job, jeans weren’t allowed, and at my current job, the dress code much more relaxed. Needless to say, I’ve had some experience putting together outfits to wear to work, so I’m sharing six winter work outfits you can try in 2023.
1. POP OF COLOR
First things firstâwhether you’re starting your first postgrad job or just want to switch up your go-to outfits, I highly recommend trying a clothing rental service. I started using Nuuly this year to diversify my closet without having to buy clothes I’d only wear once or twice, and I love it. It’s gotten me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to try pieces I normally wouldn’t. Plus, it was perfect when I was a guest at a wedding and didn’t have a dress. If you want to try, you can use my referral code for $10 off your first month!
I got this bright pink blazer with my Nuuly and loved how easy it was to style. Start with a basic white tank and your favorite jeans. I rave about Express’s Downtown Camis that I’ve been wearing for yearsâthey’re the perfect base and worth every penny, but Express has major sales too. To balance out the bright pink in the blazer, I threw on my new OTBT sneakers (the cutest).
2. PINTEREST INSPIRED
After seeing these nautical-feeling sweaters all over Pinterest and Instagram, I decided to try one (with Nuuly againâwhen I tell you I’m getting my money’s worth every month, I mean it). You can check out this one here, but while it’s one of the coziest things I’ve ever worn, I don’t think anything could make me spend $170+ on a sweater, lol.
To recreate the look (without the price tag), just pair your favorite sweater (or find one at a thrift store) with comfortable jeans and ankle boots. If your office doesn’t allow jeans, a pair of black pants would be adorable too.
3. DAY TO NIGHT
Going from day to night isn’t the struggle I thought it would be after reading tons of magazines when I was in high school, but it can be hard to find ways to style pieces for daytime and nighttime… and if you’re working on a budget, that’s a great way to stretch your pieces.
One of my favorite winter work outfits is grabbing a bold, sleek dress, and adding a chunky sweater on top. You can crop your sweater by tucking it into your bra (you’ll just have to wear your bra over your dress) or by using a belt.
I’ve had luck finding bold, simple dresses at thrift stores, but I rented this bold pink one from Nuuly for a wedding and loved it so much, I had to find new ways to style it. This is one item I’m planning on keeping! The sweater is old from Express.
4. LAYERS + A LITTLE BLACK DRESS
I’ve loved seeing people style tights on Instagram (which is a major change from when I hated having to wear them as a kid), so I picked up a pair to style for myself. I think I want an even darker pair in the future, but I loved the look of layering tights, an LBD, a thrifted button-down and cozy socks.
If you’ve never worked in an office before, my number one tip is layering. Your office may be freezing or you may be dripping in sweat… all in the span of a few hours. By wearing layers, you’ll always be prepared for whatever temperature the office brings for the day.
5. BREAK UP WITH YOUR JEANS
It’s easy to get into a rut with winter work outfits: jeans, sweaters and boots. If you want to break out of your fashion comfort zone and try something new, start with a fun pair of pants. They’re easy to style with a neutral sweater and make the perfect statement to brighten gloomy winter days.
Want more inspo and a walk down memory lane? Find three ways I styled fun pants in 2020.
6. COZY + CUTE
Scarves are having their moment this season, and I’m loving styling them to make simple winter work outfits a bit more colorful and cozy. Long, thick scarves feel more proportional than the infinity scarves I loved in middle school.
I love a pair of neutral pants with a colorful sweater, and scarves can tie all of the colors together.
Truly, getting dressed for work is one of my favorite things to do in the morningâso I hope this post gives you some inspo to make it fun for you, too. Which of these fits is most like something you’d wear? I’d love to know.
Thanks for spending a few minutes with me! I always write these blog posts while sipping an iced latte, so it feels like we just spent some time catching up over our coffee.
