Embrace More Than Black This Winter
Just because you need to bundle up in layers in the winter doesn't mean you can't look your best. There are lots of ways to look stylish while staying warm once the temperature drops. You can mix formal and casual elements, play with hem lengths, or simply choose high-quality fabrics. Here are 20 ways to still look fashionable in the winter.
1. Invest in a Statement Coat
A great winter coat can make you feel stylish all winter long. Go for a coat with a bold color or a distinctive silhouette, and stay away from a plain black coat. You can also go for a tailored wool wrap or a belted trench.
2. Layer Thoughtfully
Dressing stylishly for the winter is as much about texture as it is about warmth. You can pair a longline coat over a chunky knit, or a leather jacket over cashmere. Mixing materials and having fun with varying lengths creates visual interest.
3. Embrace Color
People often default to black in the winter, but a shift to neutral colors like camel, grey, or ivory, or rich jewel tones like navy and emerald can energize a look without sacrificing warmth. Look for hues that flatter your natural look and stay away from the safe choice of wearing all black.
4. Use Standout Accessories as Focal Points
Scarves, hats, and gloves are practical accessories but also easy style touchpoints. Consider wearing a bold cashmere wrap, leather gloves in a fun color, or a playful beanie. These accessories can brighten the winter while you wait for spring to arrive.
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5. Mix Dressy and Casual Items
Despite popular belief, dressing for the winter doesn't have to be rigidly formal or totally casual. There's a nice middle ground that will have you looking great during the cold season. You can go with relaxed jeans and a knit, or a dressy skirt with tights and chunky boots.
6. Play with Hem Lengths and Layering Proportions
You can easily lose your shape in bulky winter clothing. To counter this, experiment with a midi skirt under a long coat or ankle boots with cropped blouses and a long top. The goal is to create visual breaks and proportions that are on trend for contemporary fashion.
7. Choose High-Quality Fabrics for the Foundation Pieces
Choose high-quality clothing to wear this winter. Upgrade jumpers to cashmere, and go for wool trousers instead of cheap synthetics. These choices will elevate your outfit while making sure you're comfortable.
8. Add a Pop of Pattern
Don't let your personality slip away just because it's cold outside. Inject some personality into your winter wardrobe with fun prints and patterns. Even a simple plaid scarf can do the trick.
9. Stick to a Cohesive Color Palette
Instead of mismatched items, build outfits with a unified color pattern or a palette of two to three colors. This will give your layering more polish and make each element feel intentional.
10. Wear Proper Winter Boots
Boots are an essential winter item, but you can find a pair that's sleek and practical. There are stylish riding boots, lug-sole Chelsea boots, or heeled ankle boots with grip soles.
11. Layer Realistically
You can layer appropriately to stay warm without looking like you're carrying a ton of extra winter weight. Start with a fitted thermal turtleneck and then wear a mid-weight sweater before putting on your coat.
12. Incorporate Statement Outerwear
Keep your puffer jacket in the closet, and instead go with a belted wrap coat, a cocoon-shaped wool coat, or a leather trench. Any of these will elevate your winter look while providing enough structure and bulk.
13. Let Your Underlying Clothes Peek Out
Don't hide under a giant, bulky coat. Show your cuffs, collar, or hem to hint at your layering and outfit. A crisp white shirt over a turtleneck can also look quite nice in the winter.
14. Use a Monochrome or Tonal Dressing
Dressing head-to-toe in various shades of one color in the winter establishes a strong visual impact for your outfit, even in heavy layers. For example, you can wear varying greys from light to charcoal to keep your look streamlined and stunning.
15. Don't Retire Skirts or Dresses
With the right support, like tights, boots, and long coats, skirts and dresses can become winter chic. Mini skirts with tights or knitted midi skirts under coats are fun and valid winter options.
16. Balance Volume
When wearing an oversized item, pair it with a more fitted bottom. Also, when bottoms are oversized, keep the top more streamlined to create a balanced look.
17. A Neutral Base Allows For One Statement Piece
Start your outfit with a neutral base in black, beige, or grey, and then wear a statement piece. The neutral parts of your outfit will let the statement piece shine and turn heads.
18. Mix Textures
Winter layers look heavy, so you want to inject some texture to add interest and look less bulky and boring. Texture shows that you have style beyond just an ability to bundle for warmth.
19. Keep Proportions Long and Lean
Longer coats, slim trousers, or boots that hit mid-calf offer a sleek silhouette. A coat that covers the hips or thighs provides shape and much-needed warmth.
20. Plan Around the Outer Layer
In cold weather, you'll often alternate between indoors and outdoors, so plan your outfits to work for both temperatures. Choose coats that look good when open, functional yet stylish boots, and layers that are easy to remove without disrupting your style. The dual-purpose mindset for the winter is to look good and stay warm.
