How to Stay Warm in a Cold Office

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cold businesswoman glares at camera wearing a hat, scarf, and gloves with her blazer

I don't know about where you live, but we just had our first “frost warning” of the season, which made me think about the quickly approaching winter. For a lot of readers, that means the freezing office A/C temps will soon switch to a heat-not-high-enough environment, so today we've talking about how to stay warm in a cold office.

Readers, is your office too cold when it's chilly out, or stifling, or just right? What do you do to be more comfortable?

Did you know that workplace thermostats are typically based on (suit-wearing) men's comfort? Interestingly, in one study, researchers found that women participants' performance on math and verbal tasks increased at higher temperatures, while men's performance declined. Not quite a surprise — being cold is so distracting!

Fun fact: OSHA recommends indoor workplace temperatures be in the range of 68-76 degrees.

How to Stay Warm in a Cold Office Without a Space Heater

Dress Strategically

Go beyond that trusty black back-of-the-chair cardigan and plan ahead. This will make for more interesting outfits anyway! Focus on warm fabrics and layers before you leave the house, like cashmere sweaters, wool sweaters and trousers, tweed, corduroy pants, and more.

Merino wool is great for warmth without bulk, and one source of affordable merino workwear is Uniqlo. Also check out their HeatTech line, as some pieces can coordinate with work outfits. Another option for a thin layer of warmth is silk long underwear — check out Lands' End and L.L.Bean for prime prospects.

Depending on your office's dress code — and whether your shoes are roomy enough — wear wool socks, like the high-quality ones from Smartwool, or fuzzy, comfy ones. Last time we discussed this topic, one reader suggested Sock Dreams for items to layer under workwear, such as leggings. Don't forget the reader-favorite FLEECE TIGHTS (all caps required).

Speaking of cold feet, some readers have said they keep warmer footwear in their offices for discreet under-the-desk wear, such as Uggs or warm slippers.

The extra coverage provided by bodysuits, turtlenecks, and knee-high boots can help, too, as can cozy scarves and layering camisoles.

Keep a Warm Wrap Handy

A step up from the office-chair cardigan is a wrap/shawl/pashmina in a warm fabric like wool or cashmere. (If you do warm up with a cardigan, know that black, beige, and cream are versatile colors.) If you're extra cold, go with a throw from Barefoot Dreams or the like.

Some of our favorite office shawls as of 2025 include ones from J.Crew, Nordstrom, Tuckernuck, Quince, and this super affordable one from Amazon. If you're looking for more of a ruana jacket, I highly recommend the Brooks Brothers' ones!

woman wears office shawl, aka pashmina — Amazon

woman wears oversized cashmere wrap like a ruana — Amazon

Bring Your Own Warming Gear

Your office may or may not foot the bill for all — or any — of the items below, but as the classic mom advice goes, “You won't know unless you ask!” (The corollary “The worst they can do is say no!” may not apply in certain toxic offices, sadly.)

Kat likes USB-heated fingerless mittens and heating pads designed for chilly feet (her review). Sitting on top of a heating pad can help, either lap ones or ones designed to cover a chair.

And while my dad has Raynaud's, which makes fingers and toes cold and numb, anyone with or without the condition can benefit from USB-chargeable hand warmer in the office. The one I bought him from Amazon is not currently available, but there are a ton of options.

**If Your Office DOES Allow Space Heaters…**

Things that can boost your warmth at work include, of course, a space heater. (My son has this one in his room.) A heater makes a huge difference, and if you like white noise, that's a bonus. Just make sure you turn it off before you leave, and don't place it close to another coworker's space — they may already run hot!

Readers, what's your workplace like in cold weather? How do YOU stay warm in a cold office? Any recommendations for cozy workwear or accessories?

The Best Warm Layers for Winter Work Outfits

If you're hunting for winter blazers in tweeds or other warm fabrics in 2025, check Uniqlo, Ann Taylor, Boden, Smythe, J.Crew, Veronica Beard, Tuckernuck, and L'Agence. Some recent ones we've featured:

woman wears wooly blazer that looks like it has a sweater layered beneath it — Favorite Daughter

Boden tweed blazer with check pattern; she is wearing the checked pattern with a red stripey top — Favorite Daughter

Some of our latest favorite lady jackets for work include sweater jackets from ba&sh, Boden, and J.Crew. (M.M.LaFleur just got some also!) On the budget side of things, check out Mango, Tuckernuck (XXS-XXL), and CeCe. If you prefer a lined, more Chanel-style jacket for work, do take a look at IRO and L'Agence; Mango, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell often have them at budget-friendly prices.

all cotton lady jacket sweater in a black and white stripe — J.Crew

pink sweater Chanel-style jacket; woman wears them with ivory jeans — J.Crew

Hunting for warm dress pants for winter? We like fabrics like wool flannel, wool blends, corduroy, and velvet — but know your office before wearing pants cut like denim, with five pockets (especially corduroy and velvet). In 2025, for wool flannel, check Aritzia, Loft, Talbots*, and Nordstrom. For great wool and wool blends, check out Banana Republic, J.Crew*, and M.M.LaFleur. (* = plus sizes)