Commission links included in this post.
We’re all used to seeing office attire paired with ankle baring flats and heels, but come winter that’s not always comfortable and for many of you with wet snowy winter weather, it’s not possible either. So, today I’m tackling a request I’ve received many times over the years – how to dress warmly for work.
Winter Work Outfits
In particular, the question I receive the most is about shoes and how to pair boots with office outfits. Boots instantly add weight and shorten your legs which can be particularly challenging when you’re petite, but if you ask me, it’s about doing your best to find balance and go for boots with a slim profile. Most of the outfits in this post focus on wearing boots with work attire that you already have in your closet, but there is one suggestion that includes heels.
Size Reference: I’m 4’10” around 105lbs. I list the sizing I’m wearing beside every item to help you gauge your own sizing when ordering online. I don’t alter the clothes in any way.
Add Tights and Boots to a Dress
The easiest way to add boots to your work wardrobe is with tights and a dress. I took a sleeveless dress that I styled in this previous work outfit post and added black tights with black slim boots for a seamless look. I personally think it looks best if the boots are pointed-toe and on the slimmer side, like a sock bootie, to still give a little length to your legs. Since this dress is sleeveless I also added a blazer. For even more warmth – you could add a long sleeve black top under the dress as well.
Booties 5.5 (sized up 1/2 size) | Dress Petite 00 | Blazer Petite 00 | Belt | Tights | Bracelet
Pair Over-The-Knee Boots with a Midi-Skirt
If you have a pair of over-the-knee boots on hand they can warm up your favorite midi-skirt or dress. You can also wear knee-high boots under a skirt or dress, but I like that over-the-boots tend to be a closer fit on the leg. If you need even more warmth, you can wear tights under your boots. It also helps to wear a monochromatic outfit with this combination for a lengthening effect.
Sweater XS | Skirt XS | Boots | Bag
Sweater XS | Skirt XS | Coat Petite 0 | Boots | Bag
Wear Ponte Leggings with a Long Cardigan
Depending on your office dress code, you may be able to get away with ponte leggings. Ponte leggings are thicker which dresses them up just a bit, and you can be sure they won’t be see-through. I would suggest making sure your top is longer with this combination to keep it professional. I like this long wrap cardigan. The sweater runs fairly true to size, but the sleeves are a little long, I had to cuff them.
Leggings Petite XXS | Sweater XXS | Sweater XS | Booties 5.5 (sized up 1/2 size)
Add Slim Booties
If you have a pair of sock or slim booties, you can wear them under your dress pants. This works with slim pants as I have on, but it also works with other styles as well. It’s a common theme with these outfits, but again I think a pointed toe bootie with a slim ankle works best. The same thing goes for those of you who can wear black jeans to work.
Top XXS | Similar Blazer Petite 00 | Pants 0 Petite | Booties 5.5 (sized up 1/2 size) | Bracelet
Wear Full-Length Trousers
Wearing full-length trousers will cover your entire leg and ankle and give a little more warmth. I’m wearing heels here, but you can also wear a bootie. I would suggest wearing a bootie with a stiletto or kitten heel vs. a block heel so it doesn’t look too heavy with the pants.
Pants 00 Short | Similar Top Petite XXS | Similar Shoes | Necklace
Pants 00 Short | Coat Petite 00 | Similar Shoes | Similar Top Petite XXS | Necklace
Block heels tend to be comfortable in general, but if you need an option that has a lower heel, you may like this pair. I hope this post helps you find ways to stay warm at the office this winter!
You can find other work outfit ideas here and here.
-Brooke
