Shopping·9 min read

What to Wear in Your Chronically Freezing Office

layers for a chilly office
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Everlane, Old Navy, Quince
September 8, 2024

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Office temperatures (and therefore your own) are going to fluctuate throughout the day, so you need to show up prepared. Because if you’re anything like us, feeling even the littlest bit uncomfortable can get in the way of your productivity. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best cozy layers to keep you at a stable temperature in your chronically freezing office. Your to-do list will thank us.

Looking for more affordable, stylish clothes? Here’s what to wear when working, traveling, playing, and expecting.

Old Navy

A classic cardigan…

Simple cardigans are going to be all the rage for fall. We’re obsessed with this one from Old Navy because it comes in five on-trend, muted tones. Size up if you want it to feel roomy or keep your regular size if you want it fitted with no layer underneath. It’s just under $37 and will easily fit in a desk drawer. ($36.99, Old Navy)

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J.Crew

A striped cotton poplin shirt that isn’t finicky…

You know the feeling: you put on a new button-down and it won’t stop clinging and getting in the way. This one from J.Crew won’t do that. It’s lightweight, made of a soft poplin that’ll get better with time, and has ample room in the arms. Wear it on its own for an easy outfit that won’t have you overheating or freezing come fall. ($98+, J. Crew)

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Quince

A knit blazer you’ll keep on the back of your chair…

If you don’t own a sweater-jacket, you need to. They’re one of the most versatile pieces in between seasons and are softer than regular blazers. Plus, they provide additional warmth, but with a structure that’s dressed-up and elevated for the office. ($69.90, Quince)

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Abercrombie & Fitch

A water-resistant jacket with a twist…

You might be tired of some of the classic styles out there and are looking for something unique. If that’s the case, we’ve got you covered. This cropped trench coat from Abercrombie & Fitch is ideal for shorter frames who want the look of a trench but don’t want to go through any frustrating (and expensive) alterations. You’ll be reaching for this one for years to come. ($120, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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Everlane

A chic take on a denim jacket…

Trust us, this denim jacket is definitely nice enough for the office. It has the same cut as those stylish tweed jackets from the ‘90s, but instead made with earth-toned denim. Pair it with short-sleeved sweaters, your go-to longsleeve, or even a dress. ($148, Everlane)

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Gap

A polo sweater that’s similar to many designer alternatives…

For those looking for a budget-friendly version of the expensive striped sweaters that are trending, look to Gap. They have so many affordable layers going into fall and we want just about all of them. This version is made of cotton, so we’re draping it over our shoulders on warmer days and layering up with other pieces on cooler ones. It has an elongating split hem and a collar for added warmth. ($34.99+, Gap)

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Abercrombie & Fitch

A sweatshirt you can get away with at the office…

Our editor has had this crewneck from Abercrombie & Fitch for months now and raves about it. She loves it for its balance of having a slimmer cut (making it feel professional) and roominess under the arms. Keep this at your desk for the days when the office feels like a fridge. It looks good with trousers, too. ($50, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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Quince

A boyfriend sweater made of 100% cotton…

If wearing a sweatshirt to the office is something you can’t get away with, go for this boyfriend crewneck sweater from Quince. It’s soft, roomy, and is pretty much a sweater cosplaying as a sweatshirt. We’re wearing this pretty much year-round. Pick from 12 color options. ($49.90, Quince)

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American Eagle

An oversized gauzy button-down…

American Eagle markets this as a “Go Big Beach Shirt,” but we’d argue it’s perfect for the office. It’s lightweight enough to fit into most tote bags without weighing them down, and it’ll provide that last-minute layer when you want to quickly throw something on for warmth. ($37.46, American Eagle)

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Free People

The Free People jacket our editors love…

You’ve probably seen this quilted jacket everywhere — and we can attest that it’s worth the hype. It’s warm, but not too warm, which means it’s great for layering. There’s something about the cut that’s stylish and cool. We can’t put a finger on what that magic is, but we can tell you that it’s absolutely worth the price. So much so that a couple of editors are already itching for a second color. ($198, Free People)

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Levi's

A cream chore coat…

Go for a chore coat instead of a classic denim jacket for the office, depending on the dress code. Its longline cut is dressier and somehow looks more put together. We love this cream one for work, but it also comes in a medium wash if the dress code allows for denim. ($59.98+, Levi’s)

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Finisterre

A merino wool sweater for peak winter…

Our editors do the dance of taking wool sweaters off and on all day. We love this one from Finisterre for its cozy, yet trendy gray marl. Plus, the ribbed detailing along the underarms sets it apart from other gray sweaters sitting in our closets. It’s a heavier option, but will come in handy in the dead of winter during icy commutes. ($185, Finisterre)

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Aerie

A fleece blazer for colder climates…

If you live somewhere colder or want a layer that feels like a sweatshirt but doesn’t look like one, this oversized blazer from Aerie is a must. While the weather is still mild, we’d wear it over this slip dress during the week or with biker shorts on the weekends. ($35.97, Aerie)

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Quince

A dependable chunky cardigan…

Introducing your next Emotional Support Sweater. This $49 option from Quince is for those who want a no-frills cardigan they can hyperfixate on and not tire of. It’s just the right amount of oversized, so it’ll feel like wearing a blanket at your desk. Plus, its ribbed knit makes it look way more expensive than it actually is. ($49.90, Quince)

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Neiman Marcus

A cashmere cardigan that’s worth the splurge…

Yes, the price on this one is pretty high, but one editor has had this cardigan from Vince for a few years and it looks as good as new. This one has a slimmer fit, so you can wear it on its own. If you want the classic cardigan style, size up. ($445, Neiman Marcus)

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