There’s something about winter workwear that demands a little more thought. Think layering, great loafers or boots, and fluffy coats that mean business. As the temperature drops, the RUSSH team is building uniforms that balance comfort with intent. Tailoring (obviously), colourful accents, heavy knits, and accessories that pull it all together. This is how we’re dressing for the office this season.
Kirsty Thatcher
Digital Editor
If I’m cold (which is pretty much all the time), I can’t concentrate, so dressing for warmth at the office is essential. Great jeans are non-negotiable year-round, but I’m loving a darker wash for winter. I have this pair by Henne, and I’m eyeing off these ones by Assembly Label. If I’m not in jeans, I live in trousers. My love for this pair by St. Agni is well documented, but I’m also quite obsessed with this pair from Camilla and Marc.
As for tops, great base layers are essential. Flore Flore is great for this – I couldn’t live without this white long sleeve, and I’m thinking of adding this style to my collection. You can layer them underneath shirting too, like this check style by Toteme.
Knitwear-wise, I’m eyeing off this fringe cape by Scanlan Theodore (although admittedly white is a dangerous colour for me). This cashmere V Neck by Venroy has also proven very popular in the office, so I think I need to jump on the bandwagon.
I’m lucky that my commute is short, but good outerwear is still essential. I love this grey wool jacket from COS – the built-in scarf is such a bonus. And for shoes, I’m either in my tabis, or these slip-on loafers by Elka Collective.
Cassandra Dimitroff
Features and Production Editor
I’m a sweater girl through-and-through, it seems. I never want to miss an opportunity to be swathed in warm, woollen fabrics – so winter is really my time to shine. I have a few ideal jumpers ready to join the rotation this season: Henne’s Calista Merino Cardigan (perfect with jeans or a black miniskirt and tall boots); ALO Yoga’s Wool Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater (I felt this at their new Sydney store and it was so incredibly soft); and ideally some Leif Cashmere Socks from Helen Kaminski. I am also obsessed with the Scanlan Theodore Knee-High 10 Boots.
Elyssa Kostopoulos
Content Director & Watch Editor
The way I dress for the office in winter is almost entirely dictated by comfort. I run cold, so warmth is even more paramount as the temperature starts to drop. With all that said, it’s also the season where I find it the easiest to dress ‘professionally’ and enjoy leaning into a more traditional work wardrobe.
My base layer almost never changes, and tends to be a rotation of UNIQLO knitwear. Some of my favourite pieces (that I own in multiple colours) include, the 100% Australian Merino ribbed turtleneck sweaters, the 100% Cashmere crew neck sweaters, and the short cardigan silhouette in the same fabric.
From there, it’s all about great tailoring. I’m really coveting great skirts this season, and I’ve been dreaming about this suede jacket and skirt set from Nour Hammour. I love wearing seasonally appropriate fabrics and there’s only a few months in Australia where you can wear a full suede look and not swelter. And because I’m all about ease, tone on tone is the way to go when I’m short on time. A heel with a bit of intrigue is great when I have meetings or events, but otherwise, you will mostly find me in a loafer or boat shoe with a contrasting sock. I also have found myself leaning more towards navy than black at the moment (perhaps because it feels softer for the daytime?) and have the Viktoria & Woods michigan wool blazer and thorpe wool trouser on my wishlist. I don’t have a pinstripe suit in my wardrobe, and I like that this suit also pairs well with the shoe options I already have. Throw on my trusty Camilla & Marc trench over either of those looks and that’s an outfit set.
But of course, an office outfit isn’t complete without accessories. I carry the same bag almost every day because it fits everything I need and still manages to look chic – a classic Mulberry Bayswater bag – and never leave the house without a pair of sunglasses, even when it’s raining. I’m thinking of adding this brand-new style from Gentle Monster to my collection. Their sunglasses are so durable and perfect for everyday wear.
Mia Steiber
Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher
I’m someone who really feels the cold so layers are quite key to office dressing in winter. My favourite jeans are my Levis 501 90s. They don’t sell the darker wash colour I have anymore, but you can still buy other colours. They’re a great cut. Sometimes I alternate with a suit pant, my favourite ones are from St. Agni or Rowie. I’ve bought a few over the years.
I tend to wear my All For Mimi tanks or my Skims tees as a base layer as they’re both so comfy and you can skip a bra if you’re really uncomfortable. A light knit is next, most of mine are from either Uniqlo, Toorallie or Country Road. Country Road in particular has really strong ethical sourcing, so I always feel great in those knits. On top I always reach for a blazer like this Elka Collective chocolatey one. Most of mine are from IRO, St. Agni, Hansen & Gretel, Matin and Sandro.
As for boots, I am actually on the hunt for a new knee high pair as my current ones are nearly dead after 12 faithful years. I really like these from The Row. Otherwise I have a chunky pair of faux monster boots that I love – these Tony Bianco ones are nearly the same. I do really love wearing them with suit pants as I think the contrast is kind of cool.
Jewellery is always my Panthere watch, simple huggies (my current are Saint Valentine) and stack rings mostly from By Charlotte. My giant carry-all office bag is Kinnon but on lighter days I have a vintage Celine that I treasure – this is similar. As for some new pieces I’m looking to buy, this Courtney Zheng Jacket and these cargo pants are both incredibly cool, they’re both on my wishlist.
Alys Hale
Music Editor and Creative Producer
Despite my heritage, I feel the cold dreadfully and find it very hard to focus if I am not warm. Most of my winter outfits centre around some Uniqlo heattech (hello, Olive Turtleneck) and Wolford tights, the velvet ones are heaven. I love a longline in all my tailoring, both blazers and coats, so naturally eyeing up the Henne Marcella Coat and the Beare Park Frederick Blazer. The Harris Tapper Sacha T shirt would be a lovely layer underneath a collared shirt for extra warmth and is ridiculously soft.
After our third Literary Showcase with Chanel, I am desperately coveting their crocodile embossed boots, and will be justifying them as a way to improve my creative writing by going on long inspiring walks in them. And whilst we are on boots, the Nokwol Dusty Chocolate Suede boots have been added to cart as I diversify from exclusively black boots to a delicious brown. However, my office is often more conducive to serious workwear so I would love to get my hands on a SUK Workwear Roper suit, they are so tough yet still make you feel good. Fortunately, you can dress up work wear with giant Tom Ford sunglasses that double as safety specs – apologies if that is not what Mr. Ford intended. Whilst we are on Mr. Ford, the Shade and Illuminate Contour Duo and Soleil Glow Highlighter can be worn to all offices on all occasions.
Sophia Serafin
Implementation Manager
How I dress for the workday is usually dictated by two things: my schedule and mood. More often than not, I’m between an effortless or tailored vibe.
For days where I’m mostly at my desk, I’ll reach for a pair of denim jeans, a colourful knit, and a leather jacket for transit. This style from Sandro is the perfect balance of timeless and relaxed.
When my day calls for something more polished, I lean on tailoring. I love the soft structure of this Friends with Frank wrap shirt, paired with pants from Elka Collective, and a well-cut jacket – something Tory Burch does exceptionally well.
I keep accessories practical – a loafer from Tod’s (which sometimes gets swapped with a sneaker), a generously sized Coach bag, and most importantly, glasses so I can actually see.
Koby Dulac-Daley
Fashion Assistant
The Henne Gisella jean is perfect for casual office attire. Being from the Blue Mountains, a puffer jacket is an absolute essential for me. I personally opt for this North Face puffer vest, layering it over a hoodie to give a little less “hiking Mount Everest” energy.
A classic trench coat is also slowly making its way into my winter wardrobe rotation. One of the only designer items my mum has ever owned is a Max Mara coat similar to this one – which I have so kindly taken off her hands.
Lately, I’m really into these ginger woven loafers for the change of season; they pair perfectly with these pinstripe pleated pants. These khaki pleated pants are another perfect example of a staple I constantly reach for. Chunky scarves are having a moment, and I’m loving it.
Finally, Uniqlo remains unmatched for affordable, high-quality winter staples – especially this sweater, cardigan, and scarf.
Serafina Angeli
Campaigns Manager
A Scanlan Theodore Babywool knit is my winter uniform. This crew sweater in Vermilion recently found its way into my wardrobe and has been on high rotation ever since. The old adage that redheads shouldn’t wear red is, in my view, entirely a myth.
A well-cut pair of black wool trousers is another non-negotiable. This pair from Beare Park is a wardrobe cornerstone, equally suited to morning meetings and after-work dinners.
I wear my Assembly Label wool coat almost daily, without exaggeration. It’s the piece I reach for regardless of the occasion, effortlessly elevating even the simplest outfit.
I’m currently in the market for a pair of knee-high black boots, and this style from STAUD has caught my eye. The heel strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication, bringing a polished finish to a workday wardrobe.
Finally, a watch, as nothing is more essential than running on time. The Serpenti Seduttori from BVLGARI’s new Gold & Steel collection is on my wish list. Equal parts beautiful and practical, it’s the kind of piece that makes keeping time feel far more glamorous. I’ll be tying my outfit together with a gold hoop such as these from Sarah & Sebastian, a spritz of my current fragrance, YSL Libre, and this St. Agni bag in hand.
Jaime Carmody
Digital Marketing Specialist
My winter wardrobe looks a lot like my weekend wardrobe these days; comfort and warmth are winning over everything else. I’ve been living in these loafers, paired with these tailored trousers from Camilla and Marc. I’m also leaning heavily into layered V-neck knitwear, particularly this style from Bassike.
When it comes to accessories, I’m gravitating towards burgundy this season (it’s also my nail colour of choice right now). This Brie Leon bag has become the perfect addition to my workwear rotation, and I’ve had my eye on these sunglasses from Poppy Lissiman for quite some time. The one thing missing from my winter wardrobe, however, is a great coat. I’ve had my eye on this Lee Mathews style and can already see it becoming a staple.
Stacey Gaskin
Consumer Revenue Manager
I very much dislike being cold, but the chills where your bones turn cold makes my eyes water. To avoid the chill at all costs, I ensure I’m rugged up pretty much 24/7.
Camilla and Marc’s Nala Furry Coat will do the job while looking très chic. A couple of other outerwear pieces I’ve been coveting are Elka Collective’s Archer Jacket and Arcaa’s Liora Fluffy Cardigan.
To add some structure underneath, this Wynn Hamlyn Shoulder Placket Top is on my wishlist, as well as the Lori Knit Top. A blazer I can’t wait to reach for all the time is this Kaia Blazer from Elka Collective. And I’m going to pick up these Glacier Chocolate Venice mule loafers from Tony Bianco. I think I could get away with wearing a chic pair of socks with them on an extra-cold day at the office.
Lastly, I like to mix metals for winter to bring some life back. Heaven Mayhem does the damn thing with their Baby Knot earrings. For something around the neck, LOVE ISABELLE’s Ophelia Necklace always wins.
