I hate winter. I know it’s still fall right now, but it might as well be winter. It was 30-something degrees outside last week! I live in the South. That’s not okay. The one bright spot of sunshine to look forward to when it gets cold outside is pulling out your winter wardrobe!
Here are the five items that you need in your professional wardrobe in order to brave the cold this season. Click on the links in the text to find out where to buy these items at different price points.
#1. Camel coat
I once read that you shouldn’t buy any article of clothing unless you can think of at least three ways you’d wear it. A camel coat is one of those items that you can wear an infinite amount of ways while looking put together and chic. It is a must-have for your cold weather professional wardrobe. On the other hand, you can also pair it with a blouse, jeans, and pumps for a Friday night date, or sneakers, jeans and a t-shirt for running errands on the weekend (trust me, try it).
The coat I’m currently obsessed with is from H&M and cost me less than $100! I got really lucky and bought it out of season last year. They’re actually selling a similar one here for only $59.99! I also really like this one and this one from Topshop; both are under $200. For my big spenders, Rag & Bone has an adorable camel hair coat available here for $995 that I’m sure will last for years.
#2. Cashmere sweater
Incredibly soft, surprisingly warm, refreshingly versatile. You need this. I recently bought a beige v-neck pullover cashmere sweater (similar here) and I wear it all the time. You can layer it with a button-down collared shirt underneath and a blazer on top when it’s cold or you can wear it standalone with a cute chunky necklace and some slacks. Either way, it’ll keep you warm and stylish during these desolate, bleak, trying times (in the cold, I mean).
Be prepared to spend a little more than you usually would on a sweater. A 100% cashmere sweater is going to cost more than sweaters made from other fabrics because of the labor-intensive process involved in making it. You can find some really soft ones by Tahari at TJ Maxx for $40 (not available online), just make sure to take good care of them. If you can spend a little more, try this one from Neiman Marcus for $160 (originally $325) or this one from Burberry for $525 (YES elbow patches!!).
#3. Turtleneck
A basic beige, off-white, or black turtleneck is a great staple for your winter wardrobe that’s easy to pair with a lot of outfits and will keep you toasty. It goes well with slacks, a suit, or skirts for work and jeans on the weekend (hello business attire in your casual wardrobe)! Luckily, this staple piece is available at a wide range of stores. If you want the one I’m wearing below, you can find it here for $69.50. You can also find one at Nordstrom Rack here for $22.97, Banana Republic here for $78, J.Crew here for $298, and this one from Neiman Marcus for $395.
#4. Blanket scarf
For the rest of my life, I’ll hear my mom’s voice in my head saying “put a scarf on” as soon as I walk into even mildly chilly weather. Aside from listening to my mom’s advice, you should grab a blanket scarf because of its versatility and because it’s going to remain trendy and stylish for years to come. ASOS has an extensive collection of scarves for your winter wardrobe including this colorful one and this herringbone one, both under $30. You can find this staple item e v e r y w h e r e… From Target to Urban Outfitters, Macy’s to Neiman Marcus, they’re everywhere.
#5. Chunky heeled loafers or booties
Ok, I may get some disagreement here, but I hate it when my feet are cold and I love finding shoes that’ll allow me to wear socks without people seeing them. Enter the chunky-heeled loafer. This shoe is easy to walk in, suitable for the workplace, and is the perfect shoe to wear with low-profile socks. I’ve seen women wear low-profile or no-show socks with ballet flats and pumps, but I hate being able to see the sock creep above the shoe to sadly wave hello. Ladies, I can see your sock. No judgment because girl, I understand, but you’re not fooling us. Good news: the loafer is the perfect shoe for you.
I prefer to wear heels to work, but for those who only don flats, the flat version is just as adorable. Also, if the loafer is too daring for you, I personally think low-profile booties are acceptable to wear to work with ankle-length slacks (and maybe a work skirt too). Someday, I’ll have this $830 pair from Gucci, but until then Nordstrom has a wide selection of loafers and slippers too for those who prefer that look. My favorites are this beige pair with feminine pearl accents for $89.37 and this black pair from Sam Edelman for $129.95. Want flats? See these Gucci ones for $730 (really, just to stare at), these studded flats for $71.37, and these from Kristin Cavallari for just under $125.
Happy shopping! If you try any of the winter wardrobe items I’ve recommended, send me a message and let me know what you think!
Yours,
Pictured below: coat (H&M, similar here), turtleneck (Ralph Lauren), pants (The Limited, old), bag (ALDO, similar here), shoes (Jessica Simpson in tan/khaki).
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