5 Work Outfit Ideas That Take Less Than 5 Minutes to Put Together

Winter work outfits are probably my most hated of outfits. The idea of having to leave my warm and cosy duvet to put on clothes that are never going to be as warm or cosy (yes, I’ve put a coat on, Mum) is not appealing. To remedy this, there’s a simple equation I’ve come up with that essentially saves you time when getting ready so you can spend more time in bed.

Ideally, you want to focus on three main things that make up your office outfit. Sure, you can add in accessories, but if you stick to a few key pieces, you’ll save time. (Although, the bonus tip here is to make sure you’ve got everything prepped the night before.) To give you some ideas on how to put these kinds of outfits together, I looked to some of my favourite influencers and the simple but chic looks they’ve worn during winter that will see you through from the middle of November to the end of February. 

Each look depends on the temperature, so I’ve selected ensembles for a slightly warmer winter weather and then a look for the coldest you-don’t-ever-want-to-leave-the-house kind of weather. That said, there are also ideas for every sort of taste. If you’re into a more classic approach to dressing, I’ve got that, but if you prefer more androgynous styling, that’s in here too. And it goes without saying that all of these of ensembles are work-friendly. Ready to plan ahead for the oncoming season? Keep scrolling. 

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#1: Long-Sleeve Dress + Knee-High Boots + Bold Accessories
(Image credit: @ada_oguntodu)

Style Notes: Not sure what to do with your favourite summer polka-dot dress? Add some knee-high boots and bold accessories. If it’s not long-sleeved, then layer a roll-neck underneath. Ideal for when the weather is turning from autumn into winter. 

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#2: Black Jacket + Blue Jeans + Cowboy Boots
(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Step up the cold-weather dressing with a thicker wool blazer, classic blue jeans and cowboy boots. 

Related: The 5 Basic Pillars of Parisian Winter Style

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#3: Wrap Coat + Dress + High-Top Sneakers
(Image credit: @heartzeena)

Style Notes: As it starts to get really cold, you need a decent coat. Wrap coats are a real wardrobe classic and look chic with everything you wear, which makes them especially good for work outfits. Wear one of your favourite summer dresses underneath and a pair of Converse or boots to finish the look off. 

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#4: Printed Knitwear + Pencil Skirt + Black Ankle Boots
(Image credit: @lisa.aiken)

Style Notes: Desperate to hang on to wearing your favourite chunky knit but want to make it look professional? Add a pencil skirt and smart ankle boots, and you’re all set. 

Related: Winter 2019 Trends: The Only New Fashion Looks You Need to Know

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#5: Puffer Coat + Black Jeans + Black Roll-Neck
(Image credit: @alexisforeman)

Style Notes: Deep, dark winter, even when you’re headed to work, always requires a decent puffer coat. And my rule is the bigger the better. Try wearing one that isn’t in black (it’s too much of an easy go-to), and wear it over the top of black boots, black trousers, and a black roll-neck. The contrast will make this outfit look more directional. 

Next up, the biggest autumn/winter 2019 trends you need to know. 

Elinor Block