Winter Outfits: A Guide to Cold-Weather Style

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

Joanna Elizabeth

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Updated February 18, 2024

Winter Outfits
Layer up in these winter outfits.

The arrival of winter doesn’t necessitate a compromise between comfort and fashion. By thoughtfully selecting and coordinating winter outfits, you ensure that you remain not just warm but also stylish, regardless of how frigid the temperatures become.

These trendy outfits for women are curated to offer both warmth and style during the colder months. They often feature layered pieces, insulating fabrics, and functional accessories to fend off the chill when fall outfits need to be edited.

Winter Outfits for Inspiration

Everyday Outerwear

Puffer Jacket Winter Outfits Banana Republic
The puffer jacket can be dressed up or down in winter. Photo: Banana Republic

The cropped puffer jacket is a modern winter staple that marries warmth with style. Pair it with wide-leg pants to counterbalance the jacket’s bulk, creating a harmonious silhouette. 

Choose high-waisted pants to elongate your figure and add a touch of sophistication. Complete the ensemble with chunky sneakers or Chelsea boots for an effortlessly chic look.

The Casual Look

Turtleneck Sweater Jeans Winter Outfit
A turtleneck and jeans combination is always a classic. Photo: Ralph Lauren

A cozy turtleneck paired with jeans is the quintessential winter outfit that exudes comfort and casual style. Opt for a fitted turtleneck to tuck into high-rise jeans, creating a sleek and elongated silhouette. This look offers a canvas for versatility-dress it up with heeled boots or keep it casual with white sneakers.

Faux Fur Glamour

Faux Fur Coat Winter Outfits
Keep it cozy in a faux fur coat that can be worn almost anywhere. Photo: Alo Yoga

A faux fur coat is the ultimate statement piece for winter, creating unparalleled warmth and a dash of glamour. This coat pairs well with almost anything but shines brightest when layered over a simple outfit, like a little black dress or a top and tailored trousers.

Finish the look with ankle boots or stilettos, a minimalist clutch bag, and jewelry to let the coat take center stage.

Dressing for the Office

Wool Blazer Trousers Winter Outfit
A wool blazer and trousers look is perfectly at home at the office. Photo: J McLaughlin

A wool blazer paired with matching trousers is the epitome of winter sophistication. This ensemble is perfect for the office or upscale events, offering a polished look that doesn’t compromise on warmth. 

Opt for a monochromatic color scheme to elongate your silhouette, and complete the look with a pair of pointed-toe heels or loafers. Add a silk blouse or turtleneck underneath for a touch of texture.

Embrace Plaid Print

Plaid Coat Jeans Winter Outfit
A stylish plaid coat is always on-trend for the winter season. Photo: Ralph Lauren

The plaid coat is a timeless winter piece that adds a pop of pattern and color to any outfit. Pair it with a simple jeans-and-boots combo to let the coat be the star of the show. 

Select dark-wash jeans and sleek, black leather boots to create a balanced look that complements the boldness of the plaid.

Mixing Textures

Leather Shearling Jacket Winter Outfits
A shearling and leather jacket can be paired with a skirt, dress, or jeans. Photo: Anthropologie

For a look that’s both edgy and cozy, pair a shearling leather jacket with a long maxi skirt. The shearling adds a soft, wintery touch to the rugged leather, creating a balanced aesthetic and mixing different textures. 

Choose a skirt in a neutral or earthy tone to keep the focus on the jacket. Complete the look with tights and ankle boots for added warmth and style.

Cute Date Night Option

Sweater Dress Winter Outfit
Keep toasty in a fitted sweater dress paired with over-the-knee boots. Photo: Anthropologie

A sweater dress paired with boots is a winter outfit that combines comfort, warmth, and style. Choose a dress that hits below the knee to create a balanced look when paired with knee-high or ankle boots. 

It’s a cute look perfect for a chilly date night or any outing where you want to feel stylish. The knit texture of the sweater dress offers a cozy feel, while the boots add a touch of sophistication. Add a belt to cinch the waist and define your silhouette for a polished finish.

Dressing for the Festive Season

Party Dress Winter Outfits
The winter holiday season allows you to have fun with your dress options. Photo: AllSaints

For those special winter occasions and festive attire, a dress made of metallic lace is a showstopper. The shimmering fabric captures the essence of winter festivities, and the lace offers some elegance. 

Puff sleeves or ruffles can bring more luxury touches. Given the dress’s statement-making nature, keep accessories minimal. Opt for strappy heels and a simple clutch to complete this glamorous look.

New Year’s Eve

NYE Sequin Dress Winter Outfit
Turn up the shine factor in a gold dress during New Year’s Eve. Photo: REISS

As New Year’s Eve approaches, a party dress becomes the pinnacle of winter outfits for a night of celebration. Whether it’s a sequined mini, velvet midi, or a metallic lace gown, the key is to choose a dress that embodies both the festivity of the season and your personal style.

Pair it with elegant heels and sleek accessories to let the dress shine, ensuring you welcome the New Year in unparalleled style.

Christmas

Christmas Sweater Winter Outfit
From snowflakes to snowmen, Christmas motifs are excellent for the winter season. Photo: J. Crew

In the holiday season, dressing for Christmas offers a unique opportunity to blend the warmth of winter attire with festive flair. Traditional winter staples like cozy turtlenecks and wool trousers can be elevated with holiday magic.

Think red and green accents or a tasteful snowflake or reindeer pattern. Pair a cozy knit sweater with a plaid skirt for a look that’s both seasonal and festive.

Essential Winter Clothing

Coats & Jackets

Coats Jackets Winter Outfit
Coats and jackets for winter are the foundational pieces of many outfits. Photo: Madewell

Winter outerwear comes in various styles, each serving a unique purpose. Parkas are your best bet for ultimate warmth, featuring fur-lined hoods and insulation. Trench coats offer a classic, tailored aesthetic and are great for layering.

Puffer jackets are ideal for a casual, sporty look and provide excellent insulation, while wool coats add sophistication. When styling these essentials, layering is key. Add sweaters or turtlenecks for extra warmth, and consider the impact of scarves for both style and comfort.

The coat’s length also matters. A longer trench elongates the body, whereas a shorter puffer adds volume. Don’t overlook the power of bold colors or patterns to make a winter-style statement.

Dresses

Velvet Winter Dress Outfit
For formal events, a velvet dress is a top option in winter. Photo: Reformation

Winter dresses offer both warmth and style, making them a versatile choice for the colder months. Sweater dresses, made from cozy materials like wool or knit, are perfect for layering and pair well with leggings or tights.

Long-sleeved options offer added protection, keeping your arms warm. If you’re looking for a hint of luxury, velvet dresses deliver both warmth and glamour. To elevate these winter dress styles, consider adding opaque tights or thermal leggings.

Finish off the look with a chunky scarf, a beanie, and warm boots for a cozy yet chic ensemble.

Jeans & Trousers

Jean Pants Corduroy Winter Outfit
Embrace corduroy trousers during the cold months for a trendy look. Photo: Gap

Jeans and trousers are winter wardrobe essentials, offering warmth and versatility for a range of stylish outfits. To maximize their potential, pair them with appropriate tops like chunky sweaters or stylish blouses for jeans and turtlenecks or button-up shirts for trousers.

Opt for thicker fabrics or those with a higher percentage of natural fibers like wool or corduroy for added warmth. Complete the ensemble with ankle or knee-high boots to tie it all together and keep cozy.

Sweaters

Sweaters Winter Outfit
A vibrant sweater can easily upgrade your outfit. Photo: Banana Republic

Sweaters are indispensable in a winter wardrobe, serving as warm essentials and stylish centerpieces for your outfits. They add not just warmth but also texture and style to your winter looks.

Whether it’s the timeless appeal of cable-knit sweaters, the practical style of turtlenecks that offer extra neck coverage, or the luxurious comfort of cashmere cardigans, sweaters come in various types to suit different needs and tastes.

Styling Tips: For sweater styling, layer with a bodysuit, collared shirt, or jacket for added coziness and interest. Experiment with textures and patterns, like pairing cable-knit sweaters with plaid skirts or turtlenecks with printed trousers, to elevate your look.

Cold Weather Accessories

Boots: Step Into the Season

Boots Winter Outfit
Finish your outfit with boots, whether casual or dressy. Photo: Free People

From ankle boots that offer a chic finish to knee-high boots that provide extra coverage, boots are a winter shoe staple. Don’t overlook snow boots. They combine functionality with style, ensuring you stay warm and dry.

Ankle boots are versatile, pairing effortlessly with dresses, skirts, or jeans. Knee-high boots elevate to elegance when worn with dresses or skirts. For a cozy vibe, snow boots are best matched with jeans, trousers, or even leggings and tights.

Scarves: Stylish Layers

Scarf Winter Outfit
Add a pop of color to your outfit with a vibrant scarf. Photo: Net-a-Porter

Scarves are more than just a winter accessory; they’re a necessity that adds both warmth and a style statement to any outfit.

Whether it’s the touch of a wool scarf, the luxury of cashmere, or the convenience of an infinity scarf, each type serves a unique purpose and style.

Experiment with different knots, loops, or drapes to bring a fresh twist to your winter look. How you tie your scarf can transform your outfit from ordinary to extraordinary.

Hats: A Chic Cover

Beanie Winter Outfit
A timeless essential, the beanie is a winter must-have. Photo: Free People

Beanies offer a casual look and are perfect for everyday wear. Knit caps are another cozy option, while berets add a touch of European flair to your winter ensemble.

The right hat can flatter your face shape and elevate your style. Consider the shape and structure of the hat in relation to your face and coordinate its color or pattern with your other accessories for a cohesive look.

Socks: The Toasty Finish

Winter Socks
Keep your feet warm with plush socks. Photo: Free People

Socks are unsung heroes, offering warmth and a splash of style beneath the winter layers. Opt for thick, wool-blend socks to keep your feet toasty, or choose cashmere blends for a touch of luxury.

For a playful twist, seek out socks in vibrant hues or with intricate patterns to subtly add personality. These cozy companions are an essential, yet often overlooked, element of cold-weather fashion.

Outfitting the Season

Winter Dress
A turtleneck sweater dress is a classic winter style. Photo: Gap

Curating the perfect winter outfits is an art form that balances both form and function. It’s about braving the cold with flair and finesse. As you navigate the winter season, remember that your style doesn’t have to hibernate until spring. 

From casual weekends to festive celebrations and formal events, each occasion offers a unique opportunity to showcase your fashion sensibility. With the right pieces, thoughtful layering, and a bit of creativity, you can make this winter stylish and beautiful.


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