Most of us think about updating our wardrobe once the seasons starts to change, and that includes workwear.
You want to get the balance right between being smart and professional, and being warm and cosy, no matter what the weather throws at you.
Here are five tips for updating your winter work wardrobe.
1. Work out what’s missing — before you go shopping
The first thing you need to do is go through your existing work wardrobe. Donate anything that doesn’t fit, take worn clothes to a fabric recycling point, and then make note of everything that remains.
From there, you should be able to identify where the gaps are and write a shopping list. This will stop you from buying more of the same item and forgetting anything crucial.
2. Buy clothes you can wear outside of work too
This might not be possible if you wear a uniform, or your office has a very strict dress code. But if you’re allowed to have a little more freedom, making sure your clothes can do double duty could save you a lot of time and money.
Sophisticated tops and blouses will see you through from day to night — choose ones without collars to avoid looking too corporate — and never underestimate the power a change of shoes has. And don’t be afraid of colour! It’s worth looking beyond the traditional hues of black, grey and white.
3. Replace any worn accessories
As much as we hope investment pieces like bags, scarves and jewellery will last, everyday use means our old faithfuls eventually start looking a little shabby. Sometimes it’s easy to spruce them up (it’s amazing what a good clean can do), but on other occasions, such as when an item is broken beyond repair, it’s wise to start looking for replacements.
4. Refresh your footwear
The chill in the air means you’ll want to swap sandals for sturdier shoes like boots. Ankle boots are ideal — they can be worn with almost any style and are suited to numerous occasions. You can choose heeled versions for a dressy look, or stick to flat boots in materials like leather and suede (or the faux versions) to stay comfortable.
Don’t forget to use a preventative treatment on your boots to help them stay waterproof and in good condition.
5. Clean off your winter coat
A good quality winter coat should last you years and years. Now is a good time to look for yours, whether it’s hiding at the back of your wardrobe or you just haven’t found it yet (in which case, a shopping trip is in order).
Not only will a winter coat keep you protected from the elements, but it also makes you look smart and put together. And all you’ll need to do is put it on over your workwear. It’s the easiest wardrobe update in existence.
How would you update your winter wardrobe for work? Let me know in the comments!
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.
