Autumn & Winter Work Wardrobe Essentials

Today I wanted to turn my focus to work wardrobe essentials; more specifically, the core basics that’ll make looking chic for the office during the colder months a breeze.

Wearing Joseph rollneck sweater (also here), Country Road trousers (also here), Kindersalmon coat, Isabel Marant heels (old but similar here), Everlane tote bag, Holly J pearl earrings

So I’ve got eight key wardrobe essentials that are worth cracking out the minute it starts to cool down, starting with…

#1 | smart looking knitwear

Depending on your office dress code, and how you choose to style your outfit, this is going to look different for everyone. I tend to find myself getting incredibly cold during winter, so I’ve always favoured chunky knits like the one I’m wearing above from Joseph. To keep it looking professional, half tuck it into a smart pair of trousers, a pencil skirt, or a longer midi skirt and ramp up the drama with a pointed court shoe. A blazer over the top can help smarten it up a notch more. Some of my favourite brands for luxurious oversized knits are Extreme Cashmere, Acne Studios and Laura Manoogian.

For a crisp tailored look, a slim-fitting merino or cashmere sweater that can be layered over fitted tops or blouses is also a good option to have. Given we wear our work wardrobes more than half the week, I find that here is the best place to invest. Cashmere is the creme de la creme; my top picks are from Naadam (though the sleeves are on the long end), Grana, Everlane (super fitted through the sleeves), Boden, or Uniqlo (for something lightweight). Merino is a more budget-friendly option, and my go-to brands are J.Crew (their tippi sweaters are a great transitional piece), Uniqlo again, and Country Road.

#2 | a fitted turtleneck

Keeping warm while looking chic during winter is all about how you layer. I feel a lot more agile and comfortable in lots of thin layers over a few thicker ones. A fitted turtleneck or crew neck top in a fine knit or cotton is a great base for starting an outfit. My current favourite is this pima cotton one from Everlane, but COS and & Other Stories also have some great options.

#3 | wool trousers or knee-length skirt

While a nice pair of crisp cotton or linen trousers are a great spring/summer work wardrobe essential, they’re not quite cut out for cooler climes. As soon as the autumn chill sets in, I find myself wanting to reach for a thick pair of wool trousers. Admittedly, it’s almost impossible to track down a pair of 100% wool trousers that aren’t $500 plus, so depending on your budget, you may need to compromise with a wool/poly blend. Lining can be a bonus too as it’ll add extra warmth, and act as a barrier from the wool fabric (which can sometimes be itchy). The pair I bought for 2019 are from Country Road, but if you have the budget to spare, MaxMara and Stella McCartney have some gorgeous 100% wool options.

If trousers are your bag, then a wool knee-length skirt (worn with opaque tights) is a good alternative. Again, J.Crew is another favourite for the wool skirt, and they usually come out with seasonal colour ways and fun fabrics like tweed that can really elevate your outfit. You could also opt for a slightly longer length and go for a midi. I find something that’s fitted on top with a fluted hem particularly flattering worn with a slim-fitting sweater. SABA is a good place to look as they nail that silhouette every season.

#4 | a blazer in a classic hue

There’s never a better time to reach for a blazer than in the colder months. Heavier fabrics like wool or tweed will help to add warmth to your outfit. Tailoring is generally key in a professional office. A slim-fit or double breasted style are safe bets; I generally would avoid anything too oversized, unless I planned on wearing it belted at the waist. Some of my favourites for blazers include Stella McCartney (this one is GORGEOUS), J.Crew (their regent style is a classic), Rag & Bone, Country Road, Witchery and Isabel Marant. Colour-wise, neutral hues reign supreme. Think black, navy, camel, grey, and rich jewel tones like burgundy or emerald green.

#5 | a black sheath dress

Or essentially any dress that you can layer. I like to think of this piece as an all year round staple; something that’ll see you through all four seasons with some minor tweaks to styling. I like to pair this style with a lightweight knit underneath, and a blazer over top, buttoned at the waist. It’s smart, elegant, and an entire outfit in one.

#6 | sleek boots or weatherproof pumps

We’re pretty lucky with our Sydney winters; they’re mild, and baring your ankles won’t cause you to get frostbite. So for me, a great black pump that is easy to walk in, and can withstand a bit of rain is a must. Black pumps are a dime a dozen so I don’t think this is something you necessarily need to invest a lot of money in. If you need to cover up your ankles a bit, I’d go for a smart pair of boots. Something that narrows at the ankle to create a seamless line. My current personal preference is a sock bootie with a mid-heel. I love these ones from Tony Bianco, or for something a little more luxurious, this Aquatalia pair are weatherproof and either option could cross over to weekend wear as well (for a more dressed up look).

#7 | a tailored coat

The first thing your colleagues will see the second you step into the office is your coat, and if you ask me, first impressions matter. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but I prefer to leave the coats with personality for the weekend, and opt for a classic style during the week. To keep warm, a longer duster style that wraps or buttons at the front will be your best friend. The one I’ve worn the most this winter is my Kindersalmon coat (as above); despite being a lighter hue, it’s served me well and given me an excuse to broader my winter colour palette. Admittedly, lighter coats are more high maintenance, so for something fuss free, I’d recommend wearing a style in black, navy, dark grey or a rich deep camel. For a bougie take on the wrap coat, I don’t think you can beat MaxMara (or Weekend by MaxMara which is more “budget” friendly). Otherwise the high street always do a good job of following coat trends, and I’d be keeping my eye on places like Mango, ASOS (I keep an eye out for wool styles), Country Road, and & Other Stories.

#8 | a structured tote bag

This final essential is another all year round piece: a structured tote bag. Or, just a structured bag in general. The crisp, clean lines have more of a formal feel, and will elevate your outfit while looking professional. The Everlane day market tote is a good option as the leather tends to be more structured, otherwise for a more unique style I love the Polene Numero Uno bag. Senreve also have a multi-function top handle which can double up as a back pack or shoulder bag.