What to wear to work can become quite a challenge during the winter months and will chiefly depend on where you live. The secret to success is layering!

South African winters

Winter weather in South Africa varies considerably. Many parts of South Africa become freezing cold while others have mild Mediterranean-type winters with rain. Highveld areas have cold mornings and evenings and sunny to hot mid-day temperatures. So, assembling a winter wardrobe for work will chiefly depend on where you live. The secret to dressing warm, chic and professional for work, is layering!

Become a layering expert

Layering is a practical way to dress when it’s really cold but it also affords you the option to start removing layers of clothes as the weather warms up. For example, you can wear a warm turtleneck over a bodysuit but under a coat or jacket with long johns, stockings or tights under your trousers or skirt. You can pile on as many layers, textures and colours as you need, to feel warm.

Another tip from the fashion experts is to wear some of your summer clothes together with clever layering. For example, you could wear a pretty, delicate, maxi skirt and top it with either a turtleneck jersey and jacket or a delicate, knit cardigan set and blazer. Wear leggings, tights or stockings underneath the skirt and boots to keep your feet warm. In the same way, turn a summer dress into winter skirt by topping it with a warm knitted top and blazer or wear a warm turtleneck jersey under a shift dress. The possibilities are endless.

Winter workplace essentials

    • Coats and jackets. Although winter coats come in many styles, you need to decide whether to buy a coat in a basic colour like black with a simple, classic cut that will stay in fashion for years or make a statement with a coat in the latest fashion trend. You can, however, add new life to an old coat simply by belting it and clinching in your waist or by adding a colourful blanket scarf or fur stole or other more colourful styling elements. Velvet is back in fashion, so bring out those old velvet jackets packed in moth balls. Winter is the ideal time to wear leather; a leather jacket over a blouse or knitted top and trousers can look very stylish and professional.
    • Boots. They are perennial winter wardrobe staples whether stylish ankle boots, knee highs or anything in between. To make a statement and stay warm, choose over-the-knee, thigh-high boots under a midi-length skirt or short dress.
    • Warm sweaters and knits. Warm sweaters and chunky knits, paired with pencil skirts as well as luxurious cashmere tops over collared shirts and midi skirts, trousers or leather pants, are all cool winter workplace trends. The turtleneck, an old staple, when layered underneath a tunic and belted over a sleek pencil skirt is another workplace-friendly option. A knitted jumper dress paired with tights and ankle boots and topped with a warm coat is too!
    • Trousers. Quality denims and especially skinny jeans are all the rage but make sure it’s allowed in your workplace. Not only will they give you a streamlined silhouette but also the opportunity to layer multiple items on top. A smart pair of trousers with a sweater over a button-down shirt topped with a jacket has, for ages, been a favourite winter workplace uniform.
    • Accessories. Scarves are a must in the winter workplace wardrobe and can be used in multiple ways to keep your neck warm and make a fashion statement. Gloves in different colours and materials are a staple too. Hats, beanies, ear muffs and fedoras are great winter warmers in the very cold areas.

 

Sources

 

Bourne, L. 2017. Six ways to not throw in the fashion towel when it’s cold out there. Retrieved from: http://stylecaster.com/tips-for-winter-dressing-when-really-cold-out/
Postetto, M. 2016. Your guide to wearing summer clothes during winter. Retrieved from: https://www.thetrendspotter.net/2015/07/how-to-wear-summer-clothes-during-winter.html
Postetto, M. 2016. Ten winter wardrobes essentials you must have. retrieved from: https://www.thetrendspotter.net/2015/06/10-winter-wardrobes-essentials-you-must-have.html