You’re going to have to make some changes to your business casual outfits as fall transitions into winter. Here’s how!
We’ve delved deep into business casual here at TMM in the past. We know it to be a relatively strict but also enigmatic style of dressing.
Don’t go for full suits, but don’t wear shorts either.
Jeans and polo shirts are allowed conditionally.
Sneakers aren’t a good idea, and flip-flops are a definite no.
Ties? Maybe. Sometimes.
It’s confusing, to say the least.
Fortunately, cold weather gives us some grace, thanks to the power of layers. Think about it. Pretty much no matter what you’re wearing if you have a nice topcoat over it and some trousers, you’ll look the part.
We’re going to give you more to work with than just that, though. I’ve got five winter outfits here for inspiration.
But first, let’s talk about winter business casual overall.
What Is Winter Business Casual?
As we mentioned in our fall business casual guide, the whole concept of adding a business twist to casual attire can be open-ended. It’s all about balance; you’ll know it when you see it.
Does it look professional, put-together, and elegant despite not being a full suit-and-tie? Then, it has a high likelihood of being business casual appropriate. Imagine a full suit and tie, but with swaps.
Instead of the suit jacket, he might wear a cashmere pullover with his dress shirt. But he’s still wearing his trousers and dress shoes.
Or, he’s wearing his suit jacket but swapped the dress shirt for a button-down and the trousers for chinos. He’ll keep the dress shoes since there are already two casual substitutes. Heck, he may even have kept the tie.
What makes winter business casual is that you can incorporate essentials for colder months. Perhaps there’s a quarter-zip under his suit jacket, or dress boots instead of dress shoes.
In addition to the importance of professional outerwear and accessories, you’re also changing your palette a bit. When transitioning from fall to winter, many of the same colors carry over, especially the neutrals.
You’re looking at charcoals, navies, camels, dark burgundies, and aubergine. However, in fall, burnt oranges, gold, and yellow undertones also look natural since they’re reminiscent of the season.
In winter, you’ll replace these with stark blacks, grays, and other cool, deep colors (though of course you can still wear fall colors as well). In fall, ideal grays include taupe and pewter. In winter, you want true, dark charcoals.
Moreover, it’s time to bring white back into your wardrobe. Winter white is different from summer white because, naturally, it’s in heavier fabrics. It’s also often less stark, with pink, cream, and soft undertones.
A Few Essentials for Winter Business Casual
Before we get to the outfits, let’s look at some quick essentials. When it comes to business casual attire, obviously dress shirts, button-downs, chinos, dress trousers, dress shoes, and blazers are year-rounders.
Just keep in mind that you often want your outerwear to have structure and clean lines. Again, though, it’s all about balance.
Relatedly, one thing to watch out for is too much detail. The more detail a garment has, the more casual it is — think about the difference between a two-pocket chambray shirt and the clean front of a traditional dress shirt.
Here’s a list of some great winter essentials that will lead you down the right path:
- Pullovers
- Cashmere
- Quarter-zip sweaters
- Cardigans, especially shawl cardigans
- Field coats
- Harrington jackets
- Topcoats and overcoats
- Turtlenecks
- Vests
- Scarves
- Leather gloves
- Knit ties
- Dress boots
Business Casual Winter Outfits: 5 pieces of Inspiration
Here are five combinations you can copy or take inspiration from. Obviously, feel free to make it your own by swapping pieces or colors.
The Versatility of a Turtleneck
A good turtleneck is one of the few winter cheat codes for instant elegance. It’s because it adds the structure around your neck that you’d usually get from a dress collar and tie.
In winter, a dark cashmere turtleneck combines the clean lines of a formal garment with the cozy yet still elegant aesthetic of cold-weather fashion.
For a full winter business casual look, you can wear a suit jacket and topcoat over your shirt or sweater, but even just pairing it with suit trousers looks good.
Usually, a non-broken jacket-and-trouser combo is too formal for business casual. But again, the turtleneck brings balance.
Add a Touch of Sportiness With a Quilted or Puffer Vest
Combining sporty pieces with formal pieces gives you a look reminiscent of an English country gentleman. Just make sure it’s a clean-lined piece, perfectly balanced with a traditional, formal silhouette.
This is probably why the quilted vest popularly sits under the suit jacket of every other associate on Wall Street.
Still, it adds a practical extra layer for cold days. And it also adds a visual pragmaticness that gives your business casual look a more wintery-like vibe.
Scandinavian Classicism
There’s just something so holiday-like about incorporating Scandinavian sweaters. It’s the elegant, stylish, and grown-up version of an ugly Christmas sweater.
Again, too many details make the outfit lean too hard into the casual side of business casual. So, make sure it’s balanced out with dark colors, monochromes, and formal, structured lines throughout.
Quarter Zips and Camels
Camel and quarter-zip sweaters are two components left over from fall that look just as chic in the winter.
Adding layers under and over your suit jacket gives you a well-architectured look that’s clean and professional. Finish it off with some monk straps, and you’ve got the perfect balance of performance-forward “winterness” and office-friendly “dapperness.”
Year-Rounders in Winter Contexts
Of course, you can wear a patterned button-down, trousers, and Chelsea boots at any time of the year.
However, with the right colors and outerwear, you’ve got a practical, winter-friendly combination that can take you from the office to happy hour.
The dark suede of the boots is more wintery than, say, a desert-looking light tan Chelsea with crepe soles. Even more, thick socks add a fun peek-a-boo texture that serves as an accent for when you sit and stand.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding winter business casual — and the accompanying answers as well, of course!
What should you not wear for business casual?
In general, avoid full suits and anything too casual, like
What should I wear to the office when it’s cold?
Stick to your office dress code, but add layers like vests and sweaters under your suit jacket. You can also incorporate a warm base layer like long johns and thermal undershirts.
How can I look classy in winter?
It’s pretty easy. Stick to darker colors and incorporate formal pieces like dress boots, trousers, and collared shirts. Ensure your outerwear has clean lines and good structure, like a trench coat or topcoat.
Conclusion: Winter Business Casual as a Fashion Fallback
The best part about business casual in the winter is that it’s a great fallback for any outfit during the cold season. During the summer, it may not be appropriate to wear your suit during the weekend.
In the winter, though, a turtleneck with charcoal trousers, dress boots, and an overcoat? Well, that can take you from Monday to Sunday.
Overall, winter is just a more formal-feeling season, fashion-wise. Cashmere, wool, and leather are abundant. Add a bit of coziness to the outfit, and you’ve got something as dapper as it is warm for the season.
What are some of your favorite classy winter pieces? Do you agree that it’s easier to dress elegantly in the cold seasons? Why or why not?
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