Style Rescue: How To Amp Up Your Work Wardrobe This Winter

If blouses aren't your thing, you might consider wearing a sweater to work. Whether it's crew, V or turtle neck, a sweater can be a great alternative to a blouse, because its material says workwear, but the fit hugs your body more easily than a blouse. When choosing a sweater, steer clear of anything that resembles a hoodie or that is oversized, as these tend to look much more causal and less work-appropriate. We love this mock neck oatmeal sweater (Wilfred, $84) that could easily be worn with a skirt, trousers or dark denim on causal day.

If you've always wanted to try the layered look but don't like the added bulk, consider a two-in-one top. Yes, not all two-in-ones are as horrible as the shampoo and conditioner combos. What's great about this "fooler" sweater (Le Chateau, $39) is that it truly is just a sweater with an added collar and bottom portion to make it appear like a blouse is being worn underneath. This prevents any puckering or pulling to occur, especially in the chest area. As this sweater looks very polished on its own, there's no need to gamble with lengths, or colours. Just pop this one on in the morning with your favorite skirt or trousers, and you're ready to go.

Dressing for work doesn't have to be complicated...it can be as easy as tossing on a dress, a pair of tights and calling it a day. If the structure of blouses feels uncomfortable to you or you're just sick of wearing the same thing over and over, a fit and flare dress in either a knit or stretch fabric is a great choice. While its silhouette is the most figure-flattering for all body types, this ribbed knit dress (Club Monaco, $289) is the perfect day-to-night dress for workdays. All you have to do is swap out your accessories and change up your makeup, and you'll be set for dinner and after-work drinks.

Tees have really come a long way. What was once thought of as piece exclusive to weekends and workouts is now a staple item in any work wear wardrobe. We love the idea of pairing a tee with formal pieces (think blazers, skirts and trousers) for a nice effortlessly chic look. Don't be afraid to experiment with different prints and patterns, such as stripes or polka dots. Steer clear, however, of anything with flashy logos or catch phrases. We love the look of this lightweight wool blazer paired with this striped tee (Banana Republic, $240).

With the cold weather approaching, don't forget to explore textures. There are so many shirt options that extend beyond the blouse. For instance, a lace top can be as equally work appropriate as a blouse (just be sure to layer appropriately). Classic and feminine, lace is always a great choice, and often times the fabric contains a bit of stretch, cinching your curves to perfection. We love this crochet lace top (Banana Republic, $95) especially in navy, as this neutral hue can be paired with almost anything in your closet.