12 Winter Work Outfits to Hit Your 9-to-5 in Style

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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, humidity and its constant fluctuations, 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 LA-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 office-wear 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

The statement, structured coat has gotten a makeover, and they're so wearable they double as a winter dress. This fashion week guest made hers office-friendly with cropped trousers, kitten heels, and a little sock, of course.

Le Manteau Croissant Felt Raglan Coat

Renn Mule

The Coordinating Suit Set Outfit

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.

Shoulder Padded Blazer

Asymmetric Soft Skirt

The Classic Blazer Pairing Outfit

You really can't go wrong with a blazer in all 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.

Quinn Blazer

Celestine Shirt

The Maxi Knitted Dress Outfit

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.

Abisola Strappy Knit Dress

Egg Knitted Dress

The Leather Days Outfit

If you have an office environment that 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.

Exclusive Faded Leather Jacket

Beige Crinkled Midi Skirt

The Modern Cableknit Outfit

An Autum/Winter wardrobe isn't complete without the trusted cable knit sweater—but the shapes of now are a little looser and boxier than those of the past. Team yours with workwear trousers.

Cable Knit Sweater

Wide-Leg Tailored Pants

The Head to Tonal Outfit

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.

Sammy Chest-Pocket Shirt

Jett Houndstooth Kilt Midi Skirt

The Pleated Skirt Outfit

In our eyes, a pleated skirt can do no wrong. Especially one with sharp knife pleats or one with a private school girl-lean. Designers have taken note and given us a variety of modern Gossip Girl looks, from Banana Republic to Miu Miu.

Pleated Midi Skirt

Black Pleated Midi Skirt

The Modern Corporate Outfit

Who says corporate girlies can't dress? On TikTok, women all over the world are showcasing their lives working in big business all while being major fashion aficionados. Set aside the classic pencil skirt in favor of a leather version.

Fitted Shirt

Embossed Leather Midi Skirt

The Graphic Motif Outfit

For casual days in the office or relaxed Fridays, a graphic long-sleeved T-shirt may suffice. When paired with low-rise trousers and the right accessories, it exudes a cool, effortless vibe.

Logo Long Sleeve T-shirt

Pinstripe Wool Palazzo Trousers

The Checking It Out Outfit

You know those office days when your desk feels colder than the air outside? We all do—all too well. If you must wear a jacket indoors, a lightweight quilted option will look just as chic. For another seasonal favorite, add a checked midi skirt.

Ripstop Quilt Jacket

Herringbone Wrap Midi-Skirt

The Cinched Suit Outfit

Suiting has come a long way. Think of that first Sex and the City episode, where every character featured boasted an ill-fitting, boxy blazer and oversize pants. Now, blazers are constructed so flatteringly, that they may just outdo the little black dress.

Ruched Stretch-Gabardine Jacket

Rhea Turtleneck Knit Wool-Cotton Sweater

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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

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