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What to Wear in a Cold Office (Warm Layers That Still Look Smart)

“A freezing office is not a reason to dress like you've given up. The warmth goes underneath, where nobody sees it. On top, you can still look like the person who has read the agenda.”Her take

Start with the layer nobody sees

Your base layer does the most work, so choose it first. Look for a thin, close-fitting long-sleeved top in merino, silk or a fine thermal fabric. If the label gives a fabric weight, merino of around 150 to 200gsm is the lightweight range that sits easily under other clothes. It should lie flat against the skin, with no bulky seams, and a scoop or low crew neck will disappear under most shirts and knits.

Test it in the mirror with the top you plan to wear over it. If the neckline shows, or the sleeves bunch at the elbow, it won't feel smart after an hour at your desk. Keep two in the wash rotation: one in a skin-close neutral for pale shirts, and one in black or navy for dark knits.

Keep your legs warm without changing your trousers

Trousers are the easiest place to hide warmth. Thin thermal leggings or fine opaque tights fit under most straight or wide-leg styles. Try them with the trousers before a workday: if the waistband no longer has room for one finger, go for a thinner layer or a looser pair.

Wool or wool-blend trousers will feel warmer than thin polyester suiting, and a lined pair is better again. If you prefer skirts, try fleece-lined tights with a below-the-knee skirt and knee-high boots. That covers most of the leg in two layers without adding visible bulk.

Warm your feet, neck and wrists

Cold feet can make the whole outfit feel like a mistake, so deal with them before you add another jumper. Wear a wool sock in a leather boot with enough room to wiggle your toes, and add a wool or sheepskin insole if the floor is cold. Tight boots are a false economy, because squeezed toes tend to feel colder.

Next, cover the gaps. A high neck or fine scarf closes the draught at your collar. Long sleeves that reach the wrist bone help more than people expect, and slim wrist warmers or fingerless gloves leave your fingers free for typing. Keep a small wool wrap at your desk for your lap if you sit near a door or an air-con vent.

Four smart cold-office outfits

Each of these uses a hidden base layer, so you can take the top layer off if the heating suddenly works.

• Meeting day: merino base layer, silk-look shirt, wool-blend waistcoat or fine cardigan, tailored trousers, leather ankle boots.
• Quiet desk day: thermal top, fine roll-neck, dark straight-leg trousers, loafers with wool socks, soft wrap on the back of your chair.
• Dress code: long-sleeved wool jersey dress, fleece-lined tights, knee-high boots, slim belt to stop the shape disappearing.
• Smart casual: thermal top, crew-neck knit over a collared shirt, dark jeans if your office allows them, padded gilet for the corridor.

Take the commute into account

An outfit that's perfect at your desk may be too warm on a packed train. Choose a coat that opens fully, and keep your top layer in your bag until you reach the office. A fine merino or cashmere cardigan folds small enough for a tote and takes seconds to put on.

If you get damp on the walk in, change your socks at your desk and hang your coat away from your chair. Wet wool next to you all morning makes a cold room feel colder. A spare pair of tights in your drawer earns its place for the same reason.

What doesn't work

The big chunky jumper is the usual first attempt, and it's often the worst one. It adds bulk at your arms and waist, can make you too warm on the way in, and is awkward to remove if you only have a shirt beneath it. Fine layers give you more choices through the day.

Avoid cotton as the layer next to your skin if you get warm on your commute, because it holds on to dampness and can leave you chilled at your desk. Finally, don't rely on your coat. If you need to wear it indoors, you've lost the top layer you were counting on. Get up and walk around the building at lunch too; moving about is the simplest way to feel less chilled.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

Hide the warmth underneath, sort your feet first, and keep a fine top layer you can remove when the office changes its mind.

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