Person wearing a long Little Mistress trench coat.

Women's Winter Workwear: Practical Tips and Inspiration

Choosing women’s winter work outfits can be quite the challenge. They need to be suitable for commuting in the cold and sitting in an unnecessarily overheated office. We can’t forget the workplace dress code either, and after all that, it still needs to make you feel good, too. 

We know it might seem a little daunting, but don’t worry, we’ve got all the tips and tricks to help you stock up on the perfect women’s work clothes for winter. From workwear essentials to warm footwear and winter accessories, we have plenty of workwear outfit ideas to see you through cold-weather season.

General Winter Officewear Styling Tips

The best thing about winter fashion? Layering. It can be so fun picking different fabrics and bringing them together in a chic, unique outfit! Even better, layering means you can easily adapt to indoor/outdoor temperatures and weather conditions - all you have to do is put something on or take it off when you need to.


In terms of colours, women’s winter officewear leans towards neutral and muted tones - think navy, black, brown and white. But don’t be afraid to add a pop of seasonal colour, like deep greens, burnt oranges, rich reds or plum purples. 


When it comes to textures, thicker, warmer fabrics are the way to go. Wool, corduroy, denim and tweed are all must-haves for this season, while leather and suede can be real statement pieces too. Textures like this are especially good for the office since they balance warmth and insulation with a chic, formal look. 

Women’s Winter Work Outfits: The Essentials

Chances are, you’ll own a fair few of these essentials already. But it’s time to drag them out from the back of your wardrobe and release them from the box under your bed - you’ll want to do a stock check a few weeks before the weather really turns so you know what pieces need refreshing.

Women’s Winter Work Coats and Jackets

There’s no doubt about it - a coat or jacket is the most important piece in any woman’s winter work outfit. It needs to keep you warm, looking smart, and (ideally) offer a little water resistance. As an added bonus, it should be breathable enough to avoid overheating on the commute, and you don’t want it to be too bulky - especially if you work in a more formal environment.


Wool coats

The ‘classic’ smart winter coat for women. They provide excellent insulation and offer space for layering with cardigans or sweaters.
Discover women’s wool coats


Women’s tailored coats

From trench coats to longline jackets, tailored styles can be versatile and water-resistant, ideal for milder winter days.

Discover women’s tailored coats


Insulated winter jackets

These smart winter jackets for women will keep you warm without adding lots of bulk. They’re a great choice for more active commutes.

Discover women’s insulated jackets

Person wearing a soft, beige button-up cardigan with metallic buttons.

Women’s Knitwear and Winter Layers

It wouldn’t be a winter wardrobe without plenty of knitwear, and this mid-layer is a must when you’re dressing for the office. It needs to be cosy enough to keep out the cold, but we’ll skip on the bulk, please - no one wants to have to squeeze into their coat sleeves, after all. Fabrics like cashmere, merino and wool blends are ideal here.

Turtleneck jumpers
When it comes to beating the chill, you can’t beat a classic turtleneck. They’re chic, cosy, and perfectly snug.
Discover women’s turtleneck jumpers

Cardigans
An unbeatable extra layer, you can wear a cardi open or closed to keep in as much heat as you need.
Discover women’s cardigans

Jumper dresses
Whether it’s a mini, midi or maxi, they’re classic, elegant and oh-so cosy - the perfect women’s winter work dress.
Discover women’s jumper dresses

Women’s Winter Trousers and Skirts

When it comes to choosing the base of your outfit, lean towards women’s winter skirts and winter work trousers in thicker materials for added warmth. Keep an eye out for tailored styles and straight-leg or bootcut trousers which will retain heat better too.


Tailored trousers

All about the formal look, you’ll always feel ready to command the room in these smart winter work trousers.
Discover women’s tailored trousers


Denim

The must-have base for smart casual women’s winterwear, the right pair of jeans is great for dress-down Fridays or a more laidback office.
Discover women's denim trousers


Skirts

Worn with a pair of thick winter tights, midi and maxi skirts are ideal for this season. Remember to choose thicker fabrics like corduroy or denim.
Discover women’s skirts

Person sitting on a wooden chair wearing a blue buttoned dress and black knee-high boots.

Women’s Work Shoes for Winter

You always want to step into the office in style, but when choosing winter shoes, you should put the weather first. After all, they might have to handle icy carparks and snowy commutes, so good grip is essential - you won’t want to skip on waterproofing either!

Ankle boots
Hitting the perfect balance of style and practicality, just make sure that they’re sturdy and have the good grip we mentioned!
Discover ladies' ankle boots

Knee-high boots
So smart and chic, they go great with everything from skinny jeans to a midi dress. Leather and suede pairs are popular for winter.
Discover women's knee-high boots

Loafers
While they offer a bit less warmth than boots, loafers and flats will be stable on slippery surfaces, and will always fit the office dress code.
Discover women’s loafers

Person wearing a plum-coloured floral embroidered beanie and a light brown jumper.

Women’s Winter Accessories for the Office

Stock up on a handful of essential accessories, and you’ll have no trouble taking on the wind, rain and snow on your way to work. Choose smarter styles and you can grab them confidently on your way out the door, knowing that they’ll complement your outfit for the office.

Winter hat
A beanie is the versatile style that’ll always keep you warm without getting blown out of place. Choose something in neutral tones so it’ll match any outfit. 

Scarves
Designed to be cosy as well as chic, the right scarf will keep the wind at bay while adding another layer of style to your winter work outfit.

Gloves and mittens
Don’t let your fingers freeze! Have a pair of leather gloves to hand (literally), and you’ll always look smart and snug. Warmer woolly ones will suit almost any outfit, too.

Winter Workwear Outfit Ideas and Inspiration

If you still need extra inspiration for women’s winter work outfits, you’re in the right place! We’ve got you covered with cosy and stylish looks that’ll take you from computer to conference and client calls. 

Everyday Office Outfit Idea

From sturdy footwear to a versatile cardi, this sophisticated look has everything you need for just another day at the office. Wear it between late November and early March to bring style and warmth to everyday dressing.

Blouse: Bow Front Satin Raglan Sleeve Blouse

Trousers: Black Tailored Bootcut Trousers with stretch

Cardigan: Cosy Yarn Cobalt Crew Neck Cardigan

Coat: Anthology Navy Elevated Trench Coat

Footwear: Lucinda Leather Side Zip Boot

Outfit for Client Meetings and Presentations

When you need something more polished and professional, you want an outfit that makes you own the room - that’s where this look comes in. Comfortable, warm, and built with pieces that demand attention, this women’s winter work outfit won’t let you down. 

 

Blouse: Contrast Tie Hammered Satin Tux Shirt

Skirt: Tailored Pencil Skirt

Blazer: Black Tailored Single Breasted Blazer

Coat: Navy Wool Blend Trench Coat

Footwear: Claudia Low Block Heel Knee High Boots

What to Wear for Casual Fridays (and Less Formal Workplaces)

For something on the more relaxed side, this cosy outfit will always hit the right mark. While the jeans give it a laidback feel, the blouse and loafers keep it smart yet super comfy, perfect for the office.

 

Blouse: Printed Satin Raglan Sleeve Blouse

Jeans: Black Cosy Wide Leg Jeans

Cardigan: Eversoft Navy Longline Edge To Edge Cardigan

Coat: Black Hooded Quilt Coat

Footwear: Vanessa Trim Loafer With Rand Detailing

Build Your Work Winter Wardrobe

If it’s time to stock up on seasonal essentials, JD Williams is right where you need to be. Whether you need a new work coat, a sturdy pair of office-ready boots, or an entire new winter wardrobe, our huge collection has everything you need to feel comfortable and confident in the chilly months ahead.


Dive into our fabulous range of womenswear today, and pick up your new winter work outfits that are ready to take on the cold.