How To Dress Professionally During The Cold Snap

Your worst enemy: Pants. Believe it.

Meredith Lepore

In case you hadn't noticed, it's getting quite cold outside. Plummeting
temperatures have turned much of the U.S. into giant walk-in
freezer--but barring all public transportation being shut down, you are
going to have to make it to work somehow. When you get there, you need
to look professional even though it's absolutely freezing. Here are some
tips on how to look good at work even when the weather outside is
frightful.



Embrace the tights. For the ladies, this may seem
counterintuitive, but pants can actually be your worst enemy in the
winter--especially ones you can't easily tuck into boots, like skinny
jeans or leggings. If you're wearing a pantsuit, the cuffs will drag and
get bad salt stains. A skirt with tights (like these "dig-free" opaque ones from Commando) and a pair of boots are the way to go.





Scarf it up. This season, it's all about the
scarves--and we're talking big scarves. Blanket scarves are all the rage
right now (and double as a blanket for your legs in the office). Opt
for a colorful scarf or a fun plaid pattern. You can keep the rest of
your outfit pretty plain, with a lot of blacks and grays.



Long underwear is the way to go. Professional style blogger Kelly Larkin of Kelly in the City
says it's all about the thermal underwear: "It adds warmth to my
outfits without the bulk, and it allows for versatility. Who wants to
wear a wool sweater every day?" She recommends Uniqlo's HEATTECH
line (which is for both men and women). "I've tried the leggings and
long-sleeved shirts, and I'm hooked. They're super soft and stretchy,
and designed to absorb moisture and retain heat," says Larkin. She also
loves Anthropologie's fleece-lined leggings, which are perfect for wearing under work pants.



Opt for a wool coat instead of a puffer. Yes, those
huge puffy coats do keep you warm, but they aren't always the most
professional looking. Unless it's literally the coldest day of the year,
try a beautiful wool coat like this one from J.Crew (or this one for men) along with the layering technique discussed above.



Turtlenecks. Lucky for us, turtlenecks are all the rage
this winter. "Turtlenecks are everywhere, and completely acceptable in
the workplace when paired with wool pants and statement necklaces!"
Larkin says. "I'm a big fan of J.Crew's Tissue Turtleneck, especially in the striped pattern."


Prepare for a quick change. Another approach: be
prepared to do an outfit change when you get to the office. You're going
to want to take off your wet boots anyway, so consider bringing a
different pair of pants or a skirt to change into once you get to the
office. Then change back into your boots when it's time to go home.
After all, you never know what will happen in this kind of weather going
back and forth to work.