As If Work Wasn’t Bad Enough: How To Cope With A Freezing Office

There are few things in this world that make me truly angry: tourists who stop in the middle of a busy sidewalk to look at a map, going Dutch on dates, and offices who insist upon cranking up the AC in the summer to the point that their employees must bring a portable heater to work to keep warm (this article may be old, but it haunts me to this day). With the current energy crisis, wouldn't lowering the AC be a simple course of conservation action? Who exactly benefits from a seemingly 60 degree work environment? (Pardon my rant, but I am currently sitting in the office with a wool cardigan and scarf on while the hot summer sun beams at me mockingly outside.)

We asked a few of our writers – who all work elsewhere when they are not toiling away spotting fashion must-haves for you all – if their offices are cold and if so, how they cope. A resounding brrrrrrr rose up from all three, along with their suggestions for how to stay warm in the dead heat of summer.

SheFindsKristin:

In my office, we just had a discussion as to whether or not breaking the furniture apart for firewood would constitute a terminable offense because it's just that freaking cold. Preferring to keep my day job, I tend to turn to the usual suspects to get the circulation flowing: hot herbal tea, Hollywood fashion news online, and my trusty Victoria's Secret Cotton and Cashmere Sweater Wrap ($58). I have one in every color in my desk and it's more stylish than bringing a down comforter to work. 

SheFindsChristine:

I won't say I don't mind the first blast of ice cold air after trekking it from the subway, but after the sweat has turned to icicles I turn to my stash of trusty pashminas. They're a great way to keep warm under the most fickle of climates. It's small enough to toss in a drawer or in your purse if you don't need it, but nice and toasty warm for when you're chilly. Bluefly.com has a great selection of cashmere pashminas for hefty discounts. Check out this khaki cashmere silk wrap on sale for $60. 

SheFindsCatesby:

It's so cold in my office that our recent July 4th party looked like a New Year's celebration. Everyone in sweaters and gloves, shivering over their (catered) hotdogs and hamburgers. That's why I keep two blazers on the back of my chair, one black and one grey, to complement any outfit and keep me warm. A fitted 3-button Elie Tahari ($239) can look chic and summery over light colored clothes, while this black stretch Robert Rodriguez ($144, was $180) brings sophistication (and warmth!) to almost any outift. 

Is your place of work causing you to shiver? How do you stay warm come August? Share your secrets in the comments section below.