Remember when I said I was going to start a business casual series for women? Well, it’s back in business. (See what I did there?) You can see the first post here and the second post here. I’m revamping this series and making it bigger and better. That means, especially good for all you college women, I’m sharing my top tips for standing out at your internship, how to land that internship, introducing yourself to recruiters, perfecting your resume… you know, the works.
Today, I’m just talking about how to dress for work in the winter, but I’ve got a few really good things up my sleeve.
Business casual for women is a fine line between looking too skimpy and looking too frumpy. You want to wear figure flattering dresses, skirts, and pants, but nothing too tight. With blouses, you have to make sure your buttons aren’t gaping but the shirt doesn’t make your waist disappear. It seems like you can’t even think about showing your shoulders, so you have to make sure the shirt looks good under a sweater or blazer. In the winter, this problem gets worse, especially for a girl with a small waist and extra-large chest. Plus, I don’t even have winter attire, so I’m struggling to make my current wardrobe work for the chilly Tucson mornings and warm afternoons.
And guys think getting dressed is just so simple.
I came up with this look while I was getting dressed for work (I work in Accounting, a small office setting, for my University) and I simply ran out of my typical “work-uniforms.” Every day, I wear a button down shirt with the same pair of black slacks, maybe changing out for gray every once in a while. On a whim, I tucked in my favorite sweater from American Eagle into this old skirt I bought for work when I was studying abroad and viola, my new favorite outfit was added to my work wardrobe.
The skirt, whether you believe it or not, is from Target. I think it may be one of the best quality work skirts I own. It wasn’t as inexpensive as you might expect, but it works.
The sweater is from American Eagle; I love their sweaters. Every year, I stock up in my favorite one in about four colors. I unfortunately only got this one in two colors: burgundy and olive green. I wore the olive green sweater for my winter makeup look post during Blogmas.
I’ve actually owned the shoes since I bought my first suit for Mock Trial in my sophomore year of high school. They are probably the oldest shoes I own, going on about six years. I got them for $15 in the clearance section at Dillard’s because my mom taught me how to be a bargain hunter.
The clutch, which is really the finishing piece on this outfit, is from Positive Elements. They are currently on Etsy as well as their own website and the quality of this clutch really is stunning. I got the clutch in the taupe color because it’s so versatile. It’s the perfect size for work, a date night, or even a small makeup bag. I could not recommend it more. Plus, they only work with suppliers who can assure the highest levels of ethics and workmanship. Just click this link to get $20 off your order!
As a side note, I usually don’t look this nice for work. I usually throw my hair in a bun and don’t wear any makeup. But hey, priorities, right?
So here are my tips for transitioning your work wardrobe into a winter work wardrobe:
- Invest in a good classic coat. I have a black peacoat that is perfect for everything.
- Layer up. I’m talking about wearing tights under pants or tights under a skirt when it’s bearable. Find a good pair of tights that matches your skin tone and you’ll be set.
- Sweaters are key. That sweater you think only goes with jeans? Tuck it into a skirt (see my outfit below) or layer it over a button down. You’d be surprised how cute and classic this looks.
so cute! my wardrobe is still TOTALLY tired-college-girl-esque, so far from business casual. love these tips!
Mine was too! I wear this sweater with everything and was surprised how easily I was able to weave it into my work wardrobe.
Such a good post – I have such a hard time balancing warm and fashionable, especially living in Canada!
I’m sure. I am so lucky to be living in a place with mild winters – I wouldn’t know what to do if it got significantly colder!
Jessica! I so understand the canadian struggles . looking cute in -40 degree weather is near to impossible
The colour of the sweater is perfect on you! Gorgeous!
This is a great outfit for work! Love that color on you!
I love any chance to layer up in the Winter!
I love being able to incorporate my everyday wear into my work wardrobe! This is such a cute look to wear in a professional setting!
-Anna | http://www.fivefootandfabulous.com
I love this color on you, Kirsten! You’re glowing!
These are awesome tips! Whenever it’s cold out (aka 2 days a year) I would literally roll up to work in sweatshirts and sweat pants and a blanket wrapped around me haha Your tips seem like much more suitable adult life choices.
Rachel | The Confused Millennial
I agree- business casual can be so hard sometimes! You look really cute too!
ugh dressing in the cold is the WORST. Investing in a good coat is the best tip, I’ve got about 4 that I rotate between and they have saved my ass living in NYC where it’s freezing!
Classics are the best! And layers are a must.
Alix | http://www.apintsizedlifeblog.com
I love LOVE love business wear!! Seriously ever since I was a little girl I wanted to be the CEO so I could just wear business clothes!! hehe I still think it’s super fun to try and pick out fashionable professional wear. Girl you slayed in those pics. xoxo
Your top is such a great colour! Here the weather is crazy, so layers are a must. In the morning you may be in a parka and my lunch you only need a cardigan.
Such a cute winter work outfit! Dressing for the winter months definitely takes more creativity, but you’re rocking it!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Love this! Dressing for work in the winter can be so hard, but sweaters really are the answer. That and tights are really key!
xoxo
Ashley|http://ablondeandabriefcase.com
these are great tips, thanks for sharing. I always wonder how to dress for work while not looking too over the top!
Beautiful look for winter work outfit!
http://chicglamstyle.com
Amazing look, love the color of your top, great tips!
This is such a cute outfit! One thing I struggle with is finding business outfits to wear in the winter. Definitely going to keep this in mind!