Desk-to-Drinks Outfits: The Winter Edition

With winter (finally) rearing its chilly head, bundling up and staying inside where it’s cozy is pretty much everyone’s M.O. until spring rolls around. But why should warm-weather months have all the fun? Instead, make this winter the one when you embrace the cold and keep your social life alive, rather than hurrying straight to work then back home again to escape the frigid weather.

And what comes in handy when you’re heading from the office to a hot cocoa date with your sweetie or ice skating with the girls? Chic outfits that are just as likely to get the nod of approval from HR as from your most fashionable friends. Here are three you can pull off for every occasion and occupation:

Desk to Drinks Outfits for Girl’s Night

Heading from a casual Friday in the office to an equally casual meet-up with friends? Dress up a laid-back plaid and skinny jeans combo with a fringed cardigan and open-heeled booties for a ’70s effect. Trade out daytime accessories like sunglasses and a carryall bag for something a little more glam, like an oversized gilded cuff and a color-blocked envelope clutch. Keep makeup minimal for working hours, then add a bronzed smokey eye and a few extra coats of mascara when it’s time to clock out.

For a Mid-Week Concert

A silky button-down and knit skirt may be your go-to combo for a dressy 9-to-5 outfit during winter, but it can also work overtime as a rocker-chic outfit for a late-night concert with just a few simple switches. Ditch the buttoned-up top for a cheeky graphic tee, and sub out your on-duty blazer for something with a little more edge (we love a faux-suede or leather jacket). Throw on a long, layered necklace, swipe on some shimmery nail polish, and add a dramatic eye before grabbing a glittered clutch and heading out on the town.

For Winter Date Nights

Have a hot date planned post-work? That’s the perfect excuse to dress up your everyday office ensemble. Try a flouncy dress in a bold hue, but keep it professional with a crisp blazer, tights, flats, and an understated-but-still-chic necklace for daytime. When the clock strikes 5:00 (or 7:00…), shed the blazer and replace it with something more romantic like a faux-fur coat. Switch out your delicate jewelry for something with more statement-making power, then slip into heeled booties, grab a metallic clutch, and don’t forget a sultry shade of lipstick.

Want to create the looks above? Order one of our Style Edits and ask your personal stylist to include your favorite pieces.