Shopping·12 min read

Here’s What To Wear in Your Incredibly Cold Office

cardigan, striped T-shirt
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Quince, AYR
September 5, 2025

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

The most unpredictable weather forecast is an office thermostat. So if you constantly find yourself adding and stripping layers while at your desk, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve curated 21 versatile pieces that’ll keep you warm when the office feels like a fridge and a sauna, somehow at the same time. You’re welcome.

Looking for more affordable, stylish clothes? Here’s what to wear when working, traveling, and playing — and picks for your kids, too.

Lands' End

A travel wrap we’re keeping on hand at all times…

If you’re AC sensitive, consider this wrap an answer to your prayers. It folds down flat for easy toting and its drapey, asymmetrical cut makes it extra cozy. It has an anti-static finish, but we love that its brushed texture provides additional softness. At under $60, we’re buying two: one for our desk drawer at the office, and one for regular travel or movie runs. ($54.95, Lands’ End)

Buy it
Reformation

A classic cashmere cardigan…

I bought this sweater last year and can confirm that it’s completely worth the investment. I got it in the oatmeal shade so that I can layer it over dresses in the spring and summer months. It has that classic cardigan silhouette made of Reformation’s 95% recycled cashmere, which is fluffy and soft without being irritating to the skin. You can layer it or wear it as a top on its own. ($198, Reformation)

Buy it
Quince

A structured cardigan that’s a Jenni Kayne dupe…

Quince reigns supreme when it comes to dupes, and this structured cardigan is nearly identical to Jenni Kayne’s Cooper Cardigan. It has bell sleeves and an empire waist, so when you button it up completely it provides a peplum effect (in a good way). ($159.90, Quince)

Buy it
Quince

Another Quince sweater dupe…

I have the Reformation version of this sweater, and while it’s a piece I reach for on a weekly basis, I wish I had spotted the Quince version sooner. It’s a ribbed jacket-like cardigan that you can wear layered or as a top. It’s perfect for those days when you want something that feels like an oversized sweatshirt but looks elevated and put together. ($139.90, Quince)

Buy it
Gap

A denim jacket with an upscale twist…

This peplum jacket from Gap is a noteworthy swap if you’re wanting to wear a denim jacket but are unsure if it’s dress code-approved. Buy the black version; it’ll look like a structured jacket and you can wear it on the weekends, too. HR will never know. ($89.95, Gap)

Buy it
Uniqlo

The barn jacket that’s going viral…

Leave it to Uniqlo to always have the best pre-fall drops. This barn jacket went viral over the summer for its five neutral hues and boxy, yet cropped cut. Keep an eye on stock because this one is going to sell out fast. And that price? Too good. ($69.90, Uniqlo)

Buy it
Reformation

A statement sweater for the days when you don’t know what to wear…

I’m a firm believer that you need a piece that’s somewhere in between a statement and a basic. This boyfriend sweater from Reformation checks that box because the stripes are fun and different without being overwhelming. The oversized fit is ideal for layering a tank top or T-shirt underneath, and it’d look just as good paired with trousers or jeans. Getting dressed in the morning has never been more thoughtless. ($178, Reformation)

Buy it
Old Navy

A basic cardigan under $40…

Old Navy always pulls through for us, and this SoSoft Cropped Cardigan is one of the best options we’ve found that doesn’t cost over $100. The brand’s SoSoft fabric feels eerily similar to cashmere and comes in 13 on-trend shades. Stock up on a couple colors to have on rotation. ($39.99, Old Navy)

Buy it
Old Navy

An inexpensive layer that actually feels like wearing a blanket…

This longline cardigan goes out to those who spiritually relate to Lenny Kravitz’s blanket scarf. It has an open front and a slouchy fit, and its ribbed texture makes it feel even more like a blanket. For the afternoon slumps when you could go for a nap but need to push through, this piece is the way to go. Style it with wide-leg jeans and a chunky belt. ($44.99, Old Navy)

Buy it
Abercrombie & Fitch

A seed-stitch cardigan that’s great for petites…

As someone on the shorter side, I can’t get away with wearing longline cardigans because they look off. This cardigan from Abercrombie & Fitch is slightly cropped, so it hits right at the waist on shorter frames. I also love the cuffed sleeves. ($80, Abercrombie & Fitch)

Buy it
Gap

A long-sleeve tee that isn’t suffocating…

Another basic, yet dependable outfit for milder days: a simple long-sleeve T-shirt with trousers. This jersey knit from Gap is lightweight and fitted without being suffocating. We’d wear it on its own, but if you’re looking to dress it up, add a blazer and a necklace stack on top. ($29.95, Gap)

Buy it
AYR

The striped T-shirt I’ve been eyeing for months…

So many influencers I follow rave about this T-shirt from AYR, so it’s on the top of my wish list. Because it's a thicker long-sleeve with a slight mock neck, it feels like a hybrid between a sweatshirt and a T-shirt. It’s made of a soft cotton that’s easy to tuck in, and if you buy two or more, you can save 20% off. ($125+, AYR)

Buy it
Ann Taylor

A lace trim top…

Sometimes you want a long-sleeve option that isn’t a T-shirt or a cardigan. This blouse from Ann Taylor is just that as it’s dressy enough for stricter dress codes. Because the inlaid lace design packs such a punch, all you need to do is add a skirt. ($109, Ann Taylor)

Buy it
Gap Factory

The trench you won’t want to take off…

A classic trench is the quintessential office layer. It’s drapey, lightweight, and will provide some nonstifling warmth. This one from Gap has a modern silhouette because it isn’t perfectly A-line. It’ll serve you well through most transitional seasons. At under $100, the cost per wear will definitely pay off. ($71.99, Gap Factory)

Buy it
J.Crew Factory

A gauze button-up for every situation…

These shirts are a closet staple for me, and while you might not expect a lightweight shirt like this to be so versatile all year, it 100% is. I wear mine on its own, with a tee or tank underneath, or as a cover-up at the beach. Because it’s so thin, it’s easy to throw in your bag without adding extra bulk. I’m obsessed with this sage green color for fall. ($34.50, J.Crew Factory)

Buy it
Aritzia

An oversized denim shirt…

This one is giving Martha Stewart energy in the best way. It has an ‘80s-inspired design that would look chic with a turtleneck. If you hate how thick and structured some denim jackets feel, this version from Aritzia (that also doubles as a shirt), is what you should buy. Even though it’s made of a nonstretch denim, it’ll feel broken in. We love the white version, too. ($98, Aritzia)

Buy it
Madewell

A striped button down that’ll never go out of style…

You can never have too many oversized shirts. We’d wear this one with some gold hoops and loafers and call it a day. And because this shirt covers your butt, you can wear it with leggings on the weekend. ($98, Madewell)

Buy it
Anthropologie

A lady jacket that’ll make every outfit interesting…

Okay Miranda Priestly, we see you. All jokes aside, there’s something about a tweed jacket that instills some extra confidence, which means you should definitely have one for big presentation days. This one from Anthropologie has some sweet scalloped detailing. Plus, its boxy fit means it’ll translate well to the weekends without looking out of place. ($158, Anthropologie)

Buy it
J.Crew

A collarless sweater blazer…

One of life’s greatest inventions is the sweater blazer. If you’re in need of some structure but still want something comfortable (us during our luteal phase), this style is a must. It’s so easy to wear, you can practically put an outfit together in your sleep, but we’d add a scarf on chillier days. Feeling extra preppy? Add your monogram for $10. ($158, J.Crew)

Buy it
Target

A bestselling blazer style Skimm’rs buy on repeat…

We’ve featured this Target blazer time and time again, and Skimm’rs always reach for it. It sizes up to a 4X and has more of a relaxed fit. Many of our editors prefer a boyfriend fit for a blazer and this one fits the bill. Do a big house stock-up while you’re at it. ($38, Target)

Buy it
Walmart

Another lady jacket that’s insanely discounted…

Major deal alert: This striped sweater jacket from Walmart looks exactly like La Ligne, but is currently under $15. We rarely see a bargain this good, but the retailer’s Free Assembly line never lets us down. Plus, the gold buttons add some extra shine so you don’t have to wear jewelry. ($13.99, Walmart)

Buy it

Live Smarter

Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes.