I recently took some time to review all of this year’s content here on Atlantic-Pacific. After looking over the posts with the most interaction, I quickly realized how much you all value our styling posts. These are the posts where I’m able to share my thoughts on how to wear a trend, highlight ideas on styling a piece multiple ways, or present potential head-to-toe looks for a specific season or destination. And not only does everyone seem to love reading these posts, but I enjoy making them as well! So today I am coming at you with a very broad and fun topic – winter outfit ideas!
I think we can all agree that dressing for cool temps can be a challenge. After living in NYC for many years, I can completely relate to getting in a fashion funk. It’s so tempting to stay bundled up at home in your loungewear. However…it is possible to put together winter outfits that are both chic and warm!Today I’m going to break down five of my go-to winter styling formulas as well as touch on a few other looks that I love. I’ll also share some of my current favorite pieces to achieve these ensembles. But, as I always say, fashion is meant to be fun and to reflect your personal style. So feel free to put your own spin on these looks!
Throughout this post click on each outfit image to see and shop all the pieces!
5 Favorite Winter Outfit Ideas
As with any season, there are endless ways to mix and match your closet staple pieces. In the wintertime, the overall goal is to be confident and comfortable (aka, not freezing!) These are a few of my favorite formulas to achieve this goal.
1. Mini Skirt + Boots
First up, a cold-weather combination that is quite possibly my most-worn pairing…a mini skirt and boots! This combo is an example of a winter look that is easy and comfortable, yet also chic. And the great news is that you can wear these pieces for almost any occasion. Just change up the styling!
For a casual take on this pairing, you could wear these foldover shaft brown boots with this pleated wool skirt and this classic cable knit sweater. I own and love this skirt, which is an excellent price. I’ve already worn it about a dozen times this season! Wanting a look that’s a bit dressier? You could pair these under $100 boots with this gray mini skirt and this peplum cardigan.
For additional winter outfit ideas featuring mini skirts and boots, check out my post on how to style a mini skirt. You can also browse my recent looks here, here, here, and here for more options!
2. Monochromatic Winter Outfit Ideas
It is no secret that I love a pop of color, and I tend to embrace this each season. However, I will say, during the fall and winter months I find myself reaching for tans, browns, blacks, and grays much more often than I do the rest of the year. One popular neutral look that comes to mind in the wintertime is a monochromatic pairing. Just like everyone else, I love a soothing neutral tone-on-tone outfit during the cool months. But, I would be remiss if I didn’t share a reminder not to limit yourself. It’s always nice to add a little pop of color every now and then!
This skirt outfit is an example of a really fun monochromatic look in a bold color. On the other hand, this cozy outfit is an example of a neutral pairing that is anything but boring. The mixing of textures and oversized pieces adds a lot of interest, which is a great way to play up a tonal look.
Burgundy is the color of the moment, so if I were putting together a bold monochromatic outfit, I’d go for a head-to-toe oxblood look. These metallic pants would look amazing with these velvet shoes, this crewneck sweater, this wool coat, and this tote bag, (which I own in raffia).
3. Blazer + Cropped Pants
When pondering fall and winter outfit ideas, one of my never-fail formulas is pairing cropped pants or jeans with a great blazer. I’ll typically pair these with a turtleneck and fun flats or a pair of low pumps. I’ve worn this outfit combination an embarrassing amount of times, but it never lets me down! You can see some examples here, here, here, here, and here.
My all-time FAVORITE cropped pants are these. I own them in five colors and I get so much wear out of each. When it comes to denim, cropped MOTHER denim styles are my go-to!
And as for blazers…I consider myself a bit of a fanatic. There is hardly an outfit I dream up that wouldn’t look chic with a great blazer. Veronica Beard continues to be one of my favorite blazer brands. The Miller is a classic style that I love, but in terms of winter styles, this blazer and this one are at the top of my list. You can find even more outfit ideas in my post about how to wear blazers.
4. A Matching Set
Well, well, well…you didn’t think I’d get through a styling post without sneaking in a matching set, did you? Winter is the perfect time to don a coordinating set topped off with a warm overcoat or a cozy scarf. I even shared a few that I love in this NYE outfit ideas post!
This look features one of my favorite matching sets for winter. It uses color, print, and different textures to add interest. And if you’re in the market for a new set, I would check out this jacquard set, (styled here), this dark floral set, (styled here), and this animal print set. I just bought this last one from Tuckernuck, and I plan to style it with these classic riding boots (on sale) and these oversized gold earrings!
5. Fair Isle Sweater + Skirt
Pairing a fair isle sweater with a skirt is such a great way to merge cozy and feminine during the winter months. When creating this combination, I typically opt for a midi skirt, as seen here and here. But, it also looks equally as chic with a mini, (check out this ensemble for an example).
If skirts aren’t your thing, the great news is there are tons of winter outfit ideas featuring fair isle sweaters with different bottoms. I would highly suggest pairing these sweaters with plaid bottoms, as seen here. This is such a great way to feel festive and add a bit of pattern mixing to your look. But, if that feels a bit too bold, you could always ground your look with a neutral, like I did in this black pants outfit.Speaking of pattern mixing, I will admit that I am quite picky about patterns and prints. This can sometimes make it tough to find a great fair isle sweater. In my humble opinion, Boden has the best options right now. I love this metallic fair isle that I styled earlier this season and this multicolored fair isle, which can easily be worn with so many different bottoms. A few other pieces that have recently caught my eye include this baby blue number, this exaggerated fair isle and this super unique color combo.
Additional Winter Outfit Ideas
While these are my personal top five winter outfit formulas, it goes without saying there are many, many more possibilities! I wanted to briefly touch on a few other great options, just in case one or two of the above doesn’t really match your vibe.
1. Pattern Play
Wearing lots of layers in the cold months does more than just keep you warm. It also provides many great opportunities for pattern play! Personally, I wear A LOT of stripes, so I am constantly dreaming up new ways to style them. Winter is the perfect chance to mix stripes with other fun prints. For example, you could combine stripes with plaid or stripes with camo print.
2. Oversized Sweater + Leggings
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, choosing the right proportions is essential when it comes to styling. So when the temps dip and you reach for a cozy oversized sweater, be sure to pair it with something more fitted on bottom. There are tons of chic and easy winter outfit ideas that can be made from a great sweater and fitted leggings or jeans. For example, this leather pants outfit from last year was one of my favorites. The juxtaposition of loose and fitted makes it feel super editorial.
3. Maxi Dress + Boots
Talk about the world’s most comfortable outfit! Pairing a maxi dress or a prairie dress with boots is a great way to get more mileage out of styles that are oftentimes thought of as warm-weather pieces. And don’t forget that you can also add layers to your dress for additional warmth! For example, you could layer a turtleneck underneath, a sweater on top, or leggings hidden on bottom. This outfit is just one of many dress and boot combos that I love to wear.
Winter Clothing Essentials
While these winter outfit ideas are all great looks, let’s not forget about the cold weather essentials that are nonnegotiables in my closet. Last year I shared a post that included all of my winter staples. Today I am going to touch on three of these essentials and share some updated favorites for each category!
1. Sturdy Boots
While I love a pair of sky-high heeled boots, they aren’t always the most practical for every winter situation. Therefore, I like to have a sturdy pair of boots on hand to grab when I know I’ll be walking a lot and/or there may be a winter storm coming. These boots should be a flat pair that can be worn for long distances without causing a tumble. This year I bought these black riding boots, and I can’t wait to wear them!
2. A Winter Hat
When the temps really dip, you’ll want to have a great hat and a pair of gloves. If you’re wanting a style that is warm, practical, and well-made, I love this hat. However, I feel like it can be a bit too casual for some of my dressier looks. So on those occasions, I opt for this cashmere beanie, which is currently on sale! I love that it is non-branded, a little less bulky, and has a finer rib.
3. Warm Gloves
As I just mentioned, gloves are also a must for me in the wintertime. My favorite styles, by far, are cashmere-lined leather gloves. This pair is the best bang for your buck that I have found. If leather isn’t your thing, J.Crew has a great selection of knit gloves like this super soft pair and these metallic gloves that feel festive without being cheesy!
Chic & Easy Winter Outfit Ideas
If you find yourself in a bit of a fashion slump this season, I hope these winter outfit ideas helped spark some inspiration. For even more options, be sure to check out my posts on how to style wide-leg jeans, my sweater outfit guide, NYE outfit ideas, and my Après ski clothing favorites!
