Back to the Office? Let's Make Your Schlep a Little Chicer

I'm here to help take the edge off winter's sartorial bummer of trekking to the office in the cold or rain with your laptop in tow. Commutes may vary, including crowded subways, icy driveways, or chaotic daycare drop-offs (doggy or human). Needless to say, there's always some practical hindrance to our commute that cramps our (otherwise excellent) workwear style.

There are a handful of fashion items I deem capable of entirely changing the weekday game that are so good I'm betting they'll also find their way into your weekend wardrobe. I'm talking waterproof footwear (no duck boots, I promise), warm coats (no puffer jackets, I swear), and one somewhat controversial cozy accessory (I'm telling you, it will save your hair from the wind better than any hat ever could). Whether you can justify spending large on your workwear—I love this for you—or are on a strict budget for the New Year, there's an option here for you that will put the "cute" back in your commute. 

As ambitious as it might be, I highly recommend saving your back (and your evenings) by doing everything in your power to leave your laptop at work. But on the days when that's just not a thing (and knowing you still have your day planner and your phone charger and perhaps a change of shoes to bring along), there are some very chic alternatives to that beat-up New Yorker tote.

If your coat is hoodless (as so many great coats are), these chic balaclavas will earn their keep whether they're keeping you cozy or saving your hair from the elements. They may not have been on your shopping list, but I swear you'll wonder how you ever did without one.

A good long, wool coat has the energy to make even sweatpants and sneakers feel easy and chic. Double-breasted, robe-style, wide lapels, extra long—even hoods! I'm here for them all over a puffer jacket any day of the week (but especially Monday through Friday).

Saddle up—we're entering the footwear section of this story. I'd argue that what's below your ankles is the most important part of any commute outfit, so we're going to get into all the options, starting with trending flats that will see you through the milder weather and are polished enough to wear in the office all day long.

When the weather is really harsh, there's just no way around wearing appropriate boots. If you're anti–duck boots but still partial to arriving at work with dry feet, these non-hideous, secretly waterproof styles will be your new best friends.

Maybe you can't quite get away with wearing them in the office, but great sneakers are still here to be sneakily slipped on under your desk before your journey home. Tap these styles to transition your work look into something a little cooler and a lot more commute-friendly.