Six Tips To Look Professional at Work During the Winter

When its’s cold outside, it’s  tempting to just  wear that big giant sweater that is super warm and comfortable to work.  But, there are other options to keep you warm this winter without looking like you are wearing your favorite cozy throw to work.  We sat down with Mila Griggs with Moda Imaging on tips on how to look professional during the winter months  that don’t include that bulky sweater or leggings.

How do we dress for the office when it is freezing outside while continuing to look chic, put together, polished and most importantly, not boring? Black and grey will dominate your winter fashion choices if you are not careful. We can get lazy, bored and discouraged when the freezing winds hit us, and fashion tends to be something we forget about. Here are my few tips, rules and tricks to keep you up-to-date and feeling great…even when it’s sleeting. It is Tennessee after all!
COATS DON’T HAVE TO BE BORING

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Invest in a coat with some color pops or unique design. This should be the crowning jewel to your work uniform. A coat that has some unique lines, movement through the neck, pattern within a pattern so it isn’t just a flat material, interesting buttons or a solid bright color to spice up a cold day. Red, sangria, emerald – any bold hue that can bring some life to your cold-weather wardrobe. Also, wear a proper coat, not an anorak. Here are a few to inspire you.

 

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SUITS…GREY, POP OF COLOR OR CAMEL. BLACK IS OK, BUT NOT EVERY SINGLE DAY!
If you wear suits or suit separates to work, try something in the camel or grey family. Black can be harsh if not paired with something of color. Pop a colorful blazer, skirt or pants to add a fun yet professional kick. And if you have to go black, throw on a bright blouse and some jewelry to keep it fun.

 

TIGHTS, NOT LEGGINGS
Tights really do more than you think to maintain warmth during the harsher months. If you are sick of your pants, f7a30935e4cede9e702ea22ec7da995dpair a thicker tight with a feminine skirt or dress for a lovely office look that is both professional and fashion forward. Do not wear leggings to work…Leggings can go wrong quickly – stick to tights worn with dresses and skirts. Do not pair leggings with long sweaters and boots at work as that look can be seen as unprofessional.

SWEATERS DON’T HAVE TO BE BULKY…OR BORING

Sweaters can be warm without eating you alive! Even the turtle neck can be feminine and appropriate for work. The chunky cable knit sweaters are not for everyone and should be limited to wearing with a finer pant or trim skirt if you must. Remember the kid from The Christmas Story? We are trying to avoid that look.

LAYER UNDER

If you are cold natured, there is hope. You can layer UNDER your clothing with silk long johns; see here. The amazing thing about silk long johns is that they are incredibly thin so they don’t add any bulk but block the wind and keep you warm.
BOOTS…THE CONUNDRUM.
Riding boots, flat boots, booties…what works for work?

Most important thing to remember – check your dress code. This should give you a great idea of what is or is not acceptable. Here are a few things to remember when wearing boots to work.
Wear tights with boots (This keeps the look very professional)      b15bb11ba3068ccdbf33fbe0e536a1e9
Patent or shiny boots are not your best choice (These can look cheap and stand out in the wrong way)
No above the knee boots
Boots do not mean your skirt can get shorter
No crazy print or collection of buckles

Mila Grigg is the CEO of MODA Image and Brand Consulting. They specialize in Image, Brand and Fashion Consulting, Personal Brand Coaching, Wardrobe Consulting, Corporate Brand Consulting and Seminar Training. For more information, please visit www.modaimageandbrandconsulting.com.  Following Mila’s Pinterest Board here for more inspiration.