Let's face it, dropping temperatures can send you into a style rut, no more so than when dressing for work. When it's barely light, freezing cold and probably wet outside, all we really want to do is wear a duvet for the day. But someone has to pay the bills, and that means heading to the office while doing your best not to look like an Eskimo that got lost.

So how on earth do you stay smart and on trend while keeping warm against the chill? Luckily, this season's street-style photographers have captured the most stylish of people doing what they do best: proving that winter weather is no barrier to good fashion sense. And we're going to shamelessly follow their lead.

There's inspiration aplenty for winter workwear, from clever layering to statement coats and, to help you get the look, the BOSS Autumn Winter 2017 collection is a one-stop shop, with stylish silhouettes, colours and prints that work for the office, as well as the evening. Getting dressed and ready for work on those dark early mornings will be a bit more bearable when you have an outfit set to impress.

1. Wide Leg Trousers

We love a wide-leg trouser. Teamed with a brogue or loafer and oversized shirt or jumper it offers serious Annie Hall vibes and who wouldn't look to Woody Allen's feminist icon for style inspiration?

Street-stylers are clearly following Hall's lead, and thankfully the new season's offerings are filled with options so you can do the same. BOSS' monochrome gingham pair are undoubtedly a favourite. Keep your top half pared-back and let your trousers do the talking.

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SHOP THE LOOK: Roll-neck sweater, £149; Wide-leg trousers, £270; Shoulder bag, £425; Double monk shoes, £315, all BOSS

2. Winter Whites

White shouldn't be resigned to the summer months. An all-white outfit, particularly when consisting of tailored pieces, can make you look instantly pulled together.

Separates can work just as well as an all-white suit. The key for winter months is to opt for softer, warmer tones and more heavyweight fabrics. Pair with black accessories for a streamlined monochrome style that will look like you mean business.

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SHOP THE LOOK: Tailored jacket, £270; Stretch trousers, £159; Pumps, £285; Leather bag, £695 (in store); Laceless trainers, £285, all BOSS

3. Mixed Separates

While summer might be about simple lightweight fabrics, winter offers the opportunity to combine styles and textures. It's a chance to dress down your eveningwear and dress up your cosiest pieces for a look that sets just the right tone for smart daywear.

We love the combination of a silk skirt or dress worn with a chunky knit, no more so when the colours are kept tonal. Winter boots worn with the look add extra edge. And the best part? You can skip straight from the office to evening plans without changing in between. It's undoubtedly a 24-hour look.

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SHOP THE LOOK: Crew neck jumper, £159; Staple work bag, £625; Pleated metallic skirt, £189; Loafers, £315, all BOSS

4. Sports Luxe

Leisurewear won't be the first thing that springs to mind when choosing what to wear to the office, but new season styles can be smart enough when put together well. And let's face it, when you have a long day at your desk ahead of you, it's a bonus to wear something comfortable.

Colour is your friend, as are co-ordinating pieces. The trick is to look like you've made a bold sartorial decision rather than thrown on your tracksuit for work. Consider mixing genres, pairing relaxed sports luxe trousers with loafers rather than trainers, and adding the antithesis of leisurewear to the look: a high impact handbag.

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SHOP THE LOOK: Turtle-neck sweater, £220; Metallic trainers, £215; Relaxed-fit trousers, £169; Velvet bag, £499 (in store), all BOSS

5. Millennial Pink

It's time to think pink when dressing for the office this winter. While once you may not have dared go near the saccharine hue, it is now firmly back in fashion, seen washed across the catwalks and on the street.

Show your confidence by colour-blocking, opting for separates in different fabrics and textures but the same shade. We love the pale bubblegum pink that BOSS uses in its new collection. It may be soft and feminine, but don't think for one minute that you can't own that look straight into the boardroom.

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SHOP THE LOOK: Relaxed-fit coat, £700; A-line sweater, £350; Stretch trousers, £159; Lace-up check trainers, £240, all BOSS

6. A Statement Coat

Set the tone the minute you step into the office with a statement coat that screams style and individuality. Choose a bold colour or an interesting print, and for extra edge, follow the fashion influencers' lead and belt it around the middle.

This is the time to invest. If you're considering cost per wear, your winter coat will be the hardest working piece in your wardrobe. Let's not forget what weather the British winter months actually bring. The best part about BOSS' checked options is that they will pair as well with tailored separates as jeans and a jumper.

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SHOP THE LOOK: Houndstooth coat, £430; Checked coat, £550, all BOSS


Shop your winter workwear wardrobe at BOSS

Join us on 5 October as ELLE's fashion editors host a special evening of style advice and shopping, exploring how to make the most of your winter wardrobe. Find out more information here.