What to wear to look smart AND keep warm at work?

[NewNameforNewTerm]

I usually wear polo/roll necked jumpers and thick boiled-wool cardigan/jackets to keep warm at work over the winter. I really feel the cold. At home I'm a thick trousers and fleece type of person (i.e. pretty slobby)

However, I've been HoC-ed and had a style day. Really happy with my colours and can totally see what she means about my style and shape. I've been told that high necks are a no-no because of my neck length and shape. If I wear scarves they should be long and knotted at just above waist height, so no wrapping round my neck. At work I wear an A line skirt or tailored trousers, but what can I wear on the top? I don't like jackets as I feel constricted. So far I've been fine with a blouse or cotton jumper, but I can't wear wool next to my skin without itching and a rash. I'm dreading the winter as I get miserable when I'm cold and the heating at work is not brilliant, especially after 3pm.

Any words of wisdom mumsnetters?

I'd be interested too... I'm in jackets and best tips at the moment, but I'm freezing.

I feel the cold and have been doubling up (where possible) by putting a plain vest top underneath what I'm wearing so I have an extra layer on.

Aside from that I don't have any other tips sorry.

I have a cashmere sweater from Monsoon which I love and which is not itchy. Would that do it?

and Spencer heat gen tops www.marksandspencer.com/gp/search?field-keywords=heatgen+tops&viewID=results&intid=gnav_search&node=42966030 are your friend. Layer under existing clothes.
Some people also swear by Uniqlo's thermals.
HTH
Loads of various HoC threads on S&B if you want inspiration for top layers.

Thick skirt, thick tights, boots with socks inside.
Padded bra, vest, blouse/cotton wrap top, cardigan.
Keep all the top stuff v neck

White stuff is usually good for these

Ooh thick wool tights have also been a godsend.

I was just coming to the S&B board to start a thread about being smart, stylish and warm at work!

My work is freezing but I need to look quite professional. I usually wear a tailored skirt, with a smart blouse and heels.

I have to go outside for work sometimes so I think I'm going to need boots and tailored trousers but I don't know what style of trousers and boots will look stylish. I can't wear those tapered, slim fit trousers, they do me no favours at all.

Patra silk thermal vests, v neckline.
www.patra.com

Definitely look at Uniqlo heattech. It got me through the winter when we had no heating. They do some scoop neck ones and their "crew neck" isn't too high. I wonder if you could get away with a higher neck as a layer under a wool dress or cashmere cardigan, if you then have a long scarf over it in a more prominent colour to give the vertical line. Or just ignore the advice and wrap your scarf round your neck . Presumably it will still be in your good colours!

Kettlewell colours also have lots of scarves and tops.

Could you ring/email the consultant back and just say "one more thing" after all, you've paid for the consultation, it needs to suit your lifestyle.

I always freeze at work too (while everyone else is fine so must be me!). I've bought M&S thermal tops to wear under my dresses this year. You can also get fleece lined tights which help (M&S Tesco). sorry can't do links from my phone!
You could also try the brand Hot Squash - they do 2 ranges - a Hot and a Cold one - they have a website but also sell on the Debenhams one. Good basic work wear with thermal properties - going to treat myself to some this year. I too can't do wool right next to my skin.

M&S silk mix thermal vests - the do long sleeved and sleeveless and have a deep v neck. Wash and wear wonderfully and incredibly warm yet not sweaty. Really really long too and stretchy.

www.marksandspencer.com/Modal-Rich-Ribbed-Floral-Thermal/dp/B002I6AZWC?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_2&nodeId=42966030&sr=1-2&qid=1384072848&pf_rd_r=0VW7RX5EEVGP4DGG3MEX&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_i=0&pf_rd_p=321381407&pf_rd_s=center-3

Had mine for about 8 years have been tumble dried and allsorts, still in great condition.

Not the white stuff look.

Agree with thermals. Personally I'd ignore the scarf advice - that doesn't sound a terribly stylish way to tie a scarf to me. And surely if its a warm scarf (perhaps cashmere) in your colours it would look ok if tied round your neck. There are millions of ways to tie scarves that keep you warm and am sure one way would suit you.

a guide to scarves

Agree layering. Thick tights. Wool mix tops

Knee high socks under trousers is my secret.

Try a haramaki. I can't do links, but if you google you'l find them. It's a Japanese "belly wrap" that you wear under your clothes. I'm a very chilly person and I find them an absolute godsend - for some reason, it's cosier wearing a snugly fitting belly wrap than a thermal vest.
If you have to go outside, or stand on a concrete floor, then wear shoes/boots with a thickish sole to provide a layer of insulation for your feet, and put a thermal insole in them.

Ooh that's good. I have some fine wool ones I wear with suede boots. That would work.

Lots of great ideas. I think I'll order a haramaki. I'll report back! Also I like some of the Hot Squash stuff, so I might send for some things from them. Some of their tops colours are spot on for my HoC season.

Thanks everyone.

I do hope it helps! I'm a bit of a haramaki-maniac, they really do make such a difference to cosiness without that overheating sweatiness you can sometimes get with thermals.

I wear a haramaki at work in the winter and it's fabulous for keeping me warm when I'm outside on playground duty! Highly recommended. I got mine from ukiyo-go. ??

I have the same problem and always end up putting a big cardi or fleece on which ruins the smartness of what i'm wearing.