Shopping·7 min read

11 Great Pieces for Layering if Your Office Is Literally Freezing

layering pieces for the office
Design: theSkimm | Photo: J.Crew, Abercrombie & Fitch
September 6, 2022

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Walking into an icy office always jolts the system. And if you’re easily distracted by the 3pm shivers, we don’t blame you. No one wants to feel like a human Popsicle while trying to get work done. So to beat the chill, we rounded up layering essentials that’ll keep you warm during the day and can easily transition into weekend wardrobe staples. Because if you’re spending your money on clothing, you wanna make sure you’ll get more than enough wear out of it. You can count on us.

Psst…this is part of our Relatable Fashion Week series. For more of our picks on all things sustainable clothing, click here. We’ve got recs for interview and first-day outfits, plus work-ready items under $50.

sweater blazer
J.Crew

A sweater-blazer that’ll only add to a professional look…

If you want to keep things cozy without dressing down, this sweater-blazer is your answer. It’s made from a lightweight cotton blend, so you can wear it on its own or layer it under another jacket during your commute when it’s even colder outside. It’s also got two front patch pockets to slip your hands into. ($79.50+, J.Crew)

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open cardigan
Target

An open cardigan that can be thrown over anything…

Whether it be a tank, button-down, or another sweater. It’s designed with a cotton-polyester blend, and cuffs and hemline are ribbed-knit. Long story short, this piece is incredibly versatile, so throw it on over a dress and tights, or add it to your more casual jeans-and-a-nice-top look. It’s available in three colors and sizes XS–4X. ($27.99, Target)

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cropped turtleneck sleeve sweater
Eloquii

A turtleneck sweater-sleeve scarf that packs a style punch…

Sometimes having to wear a sweater in the office is annoying because you inevitably cover your outfit. But this turtleneck layering sweater will only enhance your look. Your neck and arms will be warm, which is ideal when the AC is blasting. Just note that it hits above the waist, so if you’re wearing leggings, your butt won’t be covered. ($74.95+, Eloquii)

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bomber jacket
Amazon

A Levi’s quilted bomber jacket since it’s a closet staple…

And will be an easy option to grab as you head out the door. It’s lightweight, a great layering piece, and a style slam dunk. Pair it with dark-wash jeans and a crisp white tee for a casual Friday look or toss it on over a sweater dress if you’ve got a work happy hour to attend. Either way, you’ll look and feel your best — especially since it comes in a ton of colorways to go with whatever you’re working with. ($14.55+, Amazon)

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barefoot dreams sweater
QVC

A Barefoot Dreams cardigan that feels like a literal cloud…

If you often wish you could wrap a warm blanket around yourself come 3 pm, here’s your chance. This open sweater is made from the softest fabric, so it’ll feel like a hug on a chilly afternoon. It’s got a relaxed fit, ribbed cuffs, and a hi-low hemline. Commute in it, sleep in it — we won’t tell. ($86.48+, QVC)

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sherpa jean jacket
Levi's

And a Levi’s cotton-sherpa trucker jacket to add to the mix…

Yet another closet staple from Levi’s. This one is a bit heavier and meant for colder weather — so it may become your go-to outerwear piece when the temps dip, but it’s stylish enough to rock over your outfit indoors if you need it. The body and collar are lined with sherpa so it’ll definitely keep you warm on the commute. ($75.60, Levi’s)

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white wash denim shirt
Abercrombie & Fitch

A denim shirt-jacket that’s way softer than you think…

We love the cream color. It’s machine-washable with two chest pockets and a curved hem. Customers love it, saying that it runs large so there’s no need to size up. They also love how thick and soft it is, so you know it’ll feel like a warm hug. And we could all use one of those on a stressful workday. PS: For a similar option, check out this blue piece. ($99, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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gray soft sweatshirt
Loft

A loose-fitting gray sweatshirt that’s outrageously cozy…

Having this draped over the back of your office chair means you’ll never have to deal with afternoon shivers. It’s the casual option you’ll wanna wear after work as you run some errands. It’ll also become your go-to option on weekends when you wanna relax on the couch. PS: It’s available in six colors and sizes XXS–XXL. ($69.50, Loft)

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utility jacket
Target

A faded quilted utility jacket for an elevated streetwear look…

The light padding does make the jacket comfortable, but we still consider this option lightweight. If your office is typically the Arctic, we recommend layering it over a heavier sweater. Huge pro — the jacket is made with at least 20% recycled polyester. Win-win. ($45, Target)

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madewell denim jacket
Madewell

A black-wash denim jacket for warmer fall days…

A denim jacket, for fall? Groundbreaking. But hear us out — this one is made from 100% cotton denim with a more tailored fit, so it won’t look boxy. Customers say it does run small, so if you’re looking for room in the body and chest, we suggest sizing up. ($128, Madewell)

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athleta open face sweater
Athleta

A flexible and cozy wrap to wear all day long…

From your morning workout to the meeting room, this wrap can go through all phases of the day with you. It’s made from sustainable tencel modal, aka a fiber produced from beechwood trees. Thanks to its breathability, you won’t overheat in it, but if you’re running to catch the train, sweat will easily evaporate through it so you won’t show up to your 9 to 5 with sweat marks. Phew. ($59.99+, Athleta)

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