In a cold office, three thin layers often work better than one thick sweater: a base layer, a blouse or shirt and a knitted cardigan. Choose materials that stay pleasantly warm and do not forget trousers and socks. With layers you can respond more easily to temperature differences. Below you will read how to go about it, for women and men.
Why layers are more practical
A thick sweater is not always practical at the office. A chunky sweater quickly looks too casual for a meeting, you cannot half take it off when the meeting room is warm, and under a coat the whole look becomes bulky. The temperature can differ per room and moment. With layers you can respond to that more easily.
The three-layer system
- The base layer. A thin long-sleeved shirt or a vest top in a fine material, directly on the skin. Nobody sees it, but it holds a thin layer of warm air. Choose something that wicks moisture, so that you do not get clammy when you cycle to lunch.
- The middle layer. This is what your colleagues see: a blouse, shirt or fine-knit polo. A blouse with long sleeves and cuffs closes off your wrists, which keeps you warmer than a top with wide sleeves.
- The top layer. A fine-knit cardigan or wool cardigan that you can wear open or closed, and take off when it gets warmer. That way you can easily put a layer on or take one off.
For women: three complete combinations
The classic office look. A fitted blouse with darts in shadow blue with high-waist pleated trousers in navy. Over it, a fine-knit lyocell cardigan in light grey. The cardigan has light blue accents that match the blouse nicely. Lyocell feels soft and cool when it is warm, but as a cardigan it keeps you pleasantly at temperature.
For a meeting. Keep the cardigan on, but button it up. A buttoned cardigan over a blouse with a collar looks just as polished as a jacket, and is much warmer than you think.
For a cold morning. Wear a thin long-sleeved shirt under your blouse and warm tights or knee socks under your trousers. You do not see it, but it makes an enormous difference, especially if you sit by a window or door.
For men: a wool cardigan
In a cold workplace, a wool cardigan is a practical alternative to a blazer.
- Start with a cotton shirt with an Italian collar in light blue striped. The stripe adds some texture and the cotton feels pleasant on the skin.
- Pull a wool cardigan with a tailored cut in beige over it. Wool insulates well, even when damp, and the tailored cut means you do not look as if you have just come off the sofa.
- Finish with slim-fit herringbone trousers in taupe grey. The herringbone weave feels sturdier than smooth summer trousers.
Which layer at which temperature?
| Situation | What you wear |
|---|---|
| Office around 20 degrees | Blouse or shirt, cardigan at hand |
| Office around 18 degrees | Blouse or shirt, cardigan on |
| Cold office or a spot by the window | Base layer, blouse or shirt, cardigan buttoned, warm socks |
| Meeting room with air conditioning | Cardigan buttoned up, scarf in your bag |
Materials that make the difference
Not every material keeps you equally warm. Cotton is pleasant, but cools down when it gets damp. Wool and merino wool insulate well and stay warm, even if you sweat a little on the way. Lyocell feels soft, regulates moisture and therefore feels pleasant all day. A cardigan in wool or lyocell is therefore a smarter investment than an extra thick cotton sweater. Read more about merino wool and lyocell.
Do not forget your lower half
The lower half counts too. In the cold, choose slightly heavier trousers and warmer socks. In winter, choose trousers with a bit more weight, wear socks in wool or a wool blend and, if you like, keep a pair of smart, warm shoes under your desk if you come by bike.
Practical extras
- A scarf: a thin wool scarf around your neck holds a lot of warmth and looks polished. Keep one in your desk drawer.
- Cuffs closed: long sleeves that cover your wrists keep your hands warmer.
- Moving: get up now and then, fetch a coffee, walk to a colleague. Moving regularly for a moment can help you stay warm.
- A blanket for your legs: at a fixed workplace it is fine, and nobody sees it under your desk.
Staying polished with layers
Layers can look messy if they are not coordinated. Keep it calm by working with two or three colours, such as navy, light blue and grey, or beige, white and taupe. Let the collar of your blouse or shirt fall neatly over or inside the cardigan, and make sure the sleeves of your base layer do not stick out below your cuffs. That way the outfit stays polished.
For complete work outfits, take a look at the Office collection for women and the Office collection for men.
Shop the look
Delphine: fitted blouse, shadow blue
Arabelli: high-waist pleated trousers, navy
Veronique: fine-knit lyocell cardigan, light grey
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, light blue striped
Maximilian: wool cardigan, beige
Ulysses: herringbone trousers, taupe grey
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear when it is cold at the office?
Three thin layers: a base layer on the skin, a blouse or shirt and a knitted cardigan. That way you can adapt when the temperature changes, and you still look businesslike.
Is a cardigan smart enough for the office?
Yes. A fine-knit or wool cardigan with a calm cut, combined with a blouse or shirt and smart trousers, is just as polished as a jacket and often warmer.
Which material keeps you warmest at the office?
Wool and merino wool insulate well and stay warm, even if you sweat a little. Lyocell feels soft and regulates moisture, so it stays pleasant all day.
