Presentable/smart WFH top layer

[BlooberryBiskits]

Please help 😞😭😞

I am looking for a warm top layer to wear when WFH - functionally an ‘oodie’ or dressing gown would fit the bill (I.e. a warm, soft/flexible/moveable top layer to wear over other long sleeve tops) but this is definitely not appropriate for my work: a long cardi or smart zip through jacket might work

I work in a smart casual office & wear a blouse/smart knits if I have video calls or meetings but would like a respectable looking top layer to wear when I am wfh otherwise… being comfy and warm is the priority but I’d like something that looks smart as sometimes have short video calls with colleagues.

I do have a grey long wrap cardigan (it looks like a dressing gown) which I sometimes wear but isn’t warm enough really). I am currently wearing a teddy bear fabric fleece that I bought at the supermarket… please save me from
looking like a slob/frump!

Ideally blue/grey/black/wine red & slightly longer line (bum covering at least) would be great). I like the look of the attached but not sure it’s warm enough/smart enough/long enough. Has anyone found something you could suggest?

I'd buy some thermal base layers to go under your usual knitwear/blouses. Add in a blanket and slippers and you should be toasty

What about a smart black polo neck jumper in pure wool with thermal layers underneath

Can you just wear a nice thick jumper?

A nicely draped scarf can cover up all sorts of comfy, cosy clothes that you might not want to have on show on your video calls and also stops neck drafts too.

That's nice and is probably warm but it looks more casual than what you're asking for.

How about a knitted jumper with a heatech base layer underneath - they sell these in Uniqlo and M&S (and maybe other places in at least two levels of warmness)?

I sometimes wear a men's lambswool v neck jumper, it covers my bum and the sleeves are long so also act as wristwarmers

But unless you're talking to high level professionals, you'll probably find you're talking to a lot of people in Oodies this winter.

Once I made a special effort to dress a bit smarter for a client call on Teams only to find I was talking to two unshaven blokes in hoodies. I felt somewhat overdressed.

Last summer I also discovered that another client had a rather elaborate sleeve tattoo which surprised me somewhat, but I'd only ever seen him in long sleeved business dress and here he was on Teams in a t-shirt.

How about a poncho? I have a lovely black wool one from jigsaw I keep in the office for when it's cold. Quite often wear a polo neck under it for max warmth. I've worn it to many online calls and in person meetings.

Poncho is a great call, this one is lovely , and thermal base layers from M&S are brilliant under everything

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?  https://www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-stitch-eyelet-knitted-poncho-dark-blue/p109298146?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappios&size=one-size&&_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

Thanks for the speedy comments and the ideas! I do have some thermal layers & wear those with something on top … my problem area keeping warm is tops of thirds so usually have a little blanket too!

I am curvy (size 16) & pretty busty so high neck jumpers aren’t v flattering (but I guess it matters less in a all)

The poncho is a brilliant idea …. I haven’t had once since I was about 5 (but remember loving it) so I will definitely look into that …

PS - also own many scarves/pashminas so will pull those out of hiding for tomorrow, thank you for reminding me of what I used to wear pre-pandemic!

Lands End used to do fleece blazers. Looked like normal blazers, but made of microfleece. Cosy, and definitely worth a look.

They normally have decent sales as well!

I second (or even third, fourth??) the thermal underlayer. I like the really fine ones from m&s - they don't look thermally at all.

Our house is freezing and I really feel the cold when I'm sitting still. I find that a hot water bottle on my lap really helps. Am also thinking of getting some really fine knit wrist warmers / fingerless gloves! Turtle Doves (I think??) do some nice ones.

I'll look like an old lady but I'll be warm!

And yes to scarves!

A bright scarf and you can get away with anything on camera tbh. If I don't have customer/ exec calls scheduled I usually wear a longline plain hoody in the winter (with a thermal layer underneath if its cold) and keep a few scarves in the office. The bulkier pashmina type covers the hoodie neckline perfectly.
If I have smart calls, I have a couple of fleece blazers from Lands End which look like normal jackets but are really warm and stretchy

I wear my dressing gown but shrug it off when the Teams line rings - can't you just do that??

I would forget!! Having just answered a call in a pink oversized hoody I think I need to get shopping 😂

Off to look at Lands End .. thank you @CMOTDibbler and @geminiflanagan

I've invested in a black poncho and white poncho as I figured they'll go over anything. Also have put my selection of pashminas to use already this year which make a big difference

Def pop a hot water bottle inside your clothes. I like tucking it round my back! Keeps me warm and helps backache from too much sitting staring at screens!

Thanks for all the tips … also trying the hot water bottles!!

I love the M&S extra warm thermals with a cardigan on top. I get them 2 sizes bigger as they are very tight.

These are comfortable and warm

I have a charcoal poncho with a wide polo neck. It’s easy to wear and looks fine on camera. Was from Tesco a couple of years ago.

I absolutely love these cardigans from H&M. I have the beige and just ordered the cream one. Very soft for around the house.