How to Dress Warmly and Elegantly for Work on Cold Days | Ansin Blog

Although winter in Poland isn't as harsh as it used to be, it still surprises us and challenges us on how to dress warmly and comfortably without losing our style . Fighting the cold doesn't mean sacrificing elegance. What to wear in winter to stay warm? In today's post, I'll share my tips on dressing for work on cold days.

Layering

Too cold on the way to work, and too hot once you step foot in the office – you know that? The secret to successful winter styling is layering, or dressing "in layers." Instead of one thick layer of clothes, choose several thin ones that together create the same thermal comfort. The advantage of layering is that you can remove them and adjust the level of warmth depending on the ambient temperature. So, on your way to work, you can wear a long-sleeved T-shirt, a shirt, a cardigan, and a coat, and in the office, you can remove a women's T-shirt and a cardigan.

What layers to choose? There really aren't any perfect choices when it comes to layering, as it all depends on your overall look and how warm you like to dress. You can wear a long sleeved, short sleeved, or strappy T-shirt under an oversized sweater. Under a dress , you can wear a slip dress or a fitted long sleeved bodysuit.

👉🏻 It's easier to build layers when the outermost one is a bit looser, because any folds in the material underneath aren't visible, and the tight layers don't restrict your movements.

what to wear in winter under elegant clothes

What to wear under elegant clothes in winter, i.e. warm underwear

If you want to avoid feeling cold even in your most elegant clothes, invest in warm underwear . There are many undershirts available (ANSIN alone has 67 in the Invisible collection ! 🔥). Instead of the most popular Lycra tights, you can choose wool-blend ones, which will last longer and, above all, be warmer. The same goes for socks and knee-high socks – it's important that they are made of natural or synthetic materials, which will keep your feet from freezing and sweating. Just like tights, you can adjust the thickness of your socks to your needs, reaching for thicker, more insulating ones, especially on cold days.

Stylish outerwear

While summer is definitely in my heart ☀️, I enjoy creating winter outfits more because they make it easier to play with textures and layers, which the cold forces us to wear more of. Outerwear, such as a jacket or coat, should not only look stunning, but also be comfortable on cold days (as a guide, the main fabric should be at least 70% natural yarns, while the lining shouldn't be synthetic). Winter outerwear is a special purchase because you wear it every day, every time you go out—whether you're going for quick grocery shopping, a first date at the opera, a friend's birthday, or to the office—you put on your coat (or an alternative). It shapes the first impression you make on the street and when you enter, because it's what others first see you in. An alternative to a coat is a rarely seen cape . In my opinion, it's incredibly feminine and chic outerwear that's hard to take your eyes off—a definite plus.

what to wear in winter under elegant clothes

Elegant protective accessories

Well-chosen accessories will not only complement your outfit but also keep you warm. Choose an elegant cowl or scarf and a hat made from high-quality materials like cashmere or wool. Swap out your regular, clunky knit gloves for leather gloves in the right size for a more aesthetically pleasing look. These gloves should also be lined without synthetic materials to avoid sweaty hands.

Appropriate footwear

Another equally important element of winter styling is shoes. Invest in elegant yet insulated shoes. Flat ankle boots or classic Chelsea boots are great options, perfect for the office. If you're looking for timeless pieces in your wardrobe, lean towards simple styles with a rounded, tapered, or pointed toe. Shoes with a thinner, less chunky sole will look much more elegant. Although rhinestones, sequins, large logos, fur, etc. may seem tempting and original at the time of purchase, consider whether you'll still be willing to wear them if the trend fades. Currently, chocolate brown accessories and footwear are incredibly popular. Indeed, brown Chelsea boots or boots go even better than black in many outfits. Consider them with caramel and beige outfits, too.

The basis of an elegant winter wardrobe - inspirations

When creating elegant work outfits for colder days, I always start by choosing the specific piece I want to use in the outfit. Then, depending on whether it's a base piece or a "filler," I choose other base pieces to complement it.

One such item might be a pair of waxed trousers , which I'll pair with a white shirt , for example . What's next? I mentioned above what to wear under my clothes to stay warm. I can wear thin tights and wool socks under the trousers (I often wear both to add layers and warmth), and a nude long-sleeved T-shirt under the shirt. I choose accessories, check if I'm satisfied with the final effect, and that's it 💛 If it's cold outside, I can layer the shirt with additional layers, like a cardigan or a V-neck or crew-neck sweater.
I'd create a different look with, for example, a satin midi skirt . I love styling it on cold days. I can pair it with a looser turtleneck sweater and taller boots to protect my legs from the cold. Thick tights, thermal underwear, or leggings can be worn under the skirt (they won't be visible anyway), and a plain T-shirt under the oversized sweater, or if I need a really warm look, a Miss Mellow top and a fitted viscose turtleneck, which can also be easily hidden underneath.
An elegant outfit can be created with a sleeveless sweater , which I would use as a base under a blazer. You can add wool trousers , a beautiful belt to accentuate the waist and add a touch of chic, and, for example, sock-like ankle boots to elongate and slim the legs. I can also swap the blazer for a long cardigan , which will elongate the silhouette and add a winter touch to the outfit.
👉🏻 Remember not to match long cardigans with short outerwear - these differences in length usually do not look good.
Another idea for a warm and elegant work outfit is a knit dress . Make sure it's not too revealing. Long slits, a plunging neckline, or short sleeves may not provide enough warmth. Such a dress should have a turtleneck or a delicate, not too plunging neckline, long sleeves, and the right fabric (it's key in winter outfits). As an extra layer, you can add a slip or a long-sleeved bodysuit and thick tights. Tall boots that end under the dress will visually slim you while keeping you warm both on your way to work and in the office. Add your favorite accessories, and voila.

Winter isn't just a challenge of how to dress to stay warm, it's also a great opportunity to experiment with different styles. Layering allows you to create original combinations, playing with similar shades and colors, contrasts, patterns, and different textures. Elegance can meet functionality, and sometimes a creative approach is all it takes—if it works, why not try it? 💁🏼‍♀️