When the temperatures drop, it’s easy to resort to slacks and a bulky, warm sweater for the office.

Or perhaps you turn to tights and an oversized sweater dress, like I do.

But as cozy and comfortable as you might be, being covered in cable-knit can leave you feeling a bit frumpy.

If you’re looking for a way to feel more confident while heaters are on full blast, you can find powerful looks for winter.

The key to dressing well in the winter is finding the right fabric and print.

Velvet is a simple way to winterize staple pieces. Add a velvet blazer to a simple sheath dress, add a velvet midi-skirt to a simple knit sweater, or go head-to-toe with a velvet dress.

Loft

Alexia Admor

Adrianna Papell

Plaid is another simple, perhaps obvious, way to up your style in the winter.  A plaid dress is the easiest way to avoid over-doing the pattern. An understated, less colorful plaid works well on blazers and suits. A sleek plaid pencil skirt and a neutral turtleneck will give you a powerful silhouette.

Calvin Klein

Express

Ann Taylor