Now that the sun is setting even earlier each night, it’s the perfect time to prioritize rest, cozy hobbies, and slowing down. The colder weather means a lot of us start to spend more time indoors right about now, and after a busy summer and start to fall, it’s a welcome chance to recharge and reset before the bustle of the holiday season kicks in! I don’t know about you, but I’m all about curling up with a good book under a blanket and staying home when the temperature starts to drop. And if you’re looking for the perfect at-home outfits to enjoy a little me-time this fall and winter, all you have to do is keep reading.
1. Work from Home
slippers | leggings | sweater | earrings
For those of us who have a hybrid work schedule or who work completely remote, the flawless at-home work outfit balances comfort and chic style. You want to look professional enough to take a Zoom call, but also be comfortable enough to work from the couch or kitchen table when you need a change of scenery from your office!
On the days when I want to feel a little bit more put-together, I always reach for a monochromatic look. It doesn’t have to be a matching set you purposefully bought, either! Two pieces in the same shade will still look intentional, even if you didn’t buy them at the same time. To elevate the look even more for a productive work day, I like to stick to classic neutrals. A black turtleneck and leggings make me feel polished and professional, even though it’s a super cozy look. Plus, it’s even comfortable enough to wear while using a walking pad. I’m always most productive when I feel at least a little bit dressed up, and studies show I’m not alone in this!
2. Movie Day
clogs | leggings | socks | t-shirt | fleece | claw clip
Is there anything better than a cozy movie day spent curled up on the couch? It feels like the ultimate fall or winter treat – a chance to grab a warm throw, maybe some sweet snacks, and throw on a comfort movie. Our lives are busy enough, so a movie day is a great opportunity to zone out for a bit and enjoy our favorite films with our friends, kids, spouse, etc. It might just be one of my favorite stress-relievers after a long week!
A movie day is all about sitting back and relaxing, so your outfit should be all about comfort. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be cute, too! Leggings are an obvious choice, but on top, a quarter-zip fleece sweatshirt or sweater is the perfect way to upgrade your worn-out hoodie. It’s like wearing another blanket!
3. Hosting a Weekend Brunch
sweater blazer | pants | shirt | slippers | watch
Hosting a weekend brunch might just be the ideal cozy activity for the colder months. You get to enjoy your friends and family, all without leaving the comfort of your own home! And while you might think you need to dress up to play hostess, that rule doesn’t apply here. Once you change out of your pajamas, you can switch into something that’s just as comfortable, but might feel a little bit more elevated for hosting.
Even if you want to dress up at least a little bit, don’t give up your elastic waistband to host a casual Saturday or Sunday brunch! Instead, reach for staple pieces in lightweight fabrics. They’re easy to move around in as you shuffle from the front door to the stove. A sweater blazer is the perfect example. It’s as comfy as your favorite cardigan, but the blazer elements give it a little bit more structure and polish. Add a pair of Easy pants and a neutral tee, and you have a winning recipe for an effortlessly chic fall or winter look to host a meal like a boss.
4. Virtual Meeting
pants | shirt | sweater | shoes | watch
Your boss just informed you about a last-minute virtual meeting – but you don’t sweat it, because you’re all ready to go with a work-from-home look that’s Zoom-approved! When you need to look a little extra professional on camera, a button-down shirt and sweater vest are a great combo. Light layers will keep you cool and comfortable, and the collar on your button-down gives you that professional edge for a big meeting.
On the bottom, you can opt for something a little more casual and comfortable. Gray sweater pants have that stretchy waist that we all know and love, but still look close enough to a pair of work pants if they’re caught on camera (you can never be too safe, if Covid times taught us anything!). Your accessories can make you look and feel the part of an in-office employee too. Loafer mules are a sophisticated take on your fluffy slippers, and a gold watch will make sure you’re always logging on right on time.
5. Outdoor Decorating for the Holidays
boots | socks | leggings | sweater | jacket
For all of my fellow homeowners out there, yard work might need its own category when it comes to at-home outfits. No matter the time of year, there’s always something to be done! Planting in the spring, landscaping in the summer, yard clean-up in the fall, Christmas decorating in the winter… these are the joys of owning a house, I suppose! And while it might not be at the top of my list when it comes to cozy weekend activities, it does always give me a warm and fuzzy feeling when it’s all done.
Whether you’re starting to decorate now that Halloween is over or you wait until after Thanksgiving, this next look will have your neighbors admiring how productive (and stylish) you are while organizing Christmas lights. A thick sweater and barn jacket will keep you plenty warm while working, and a pair of Hunter boots will keep your feet nice and dry if you’re dealing with any muddy ground or snow.
6. Cozy Pinterest Day
clogs | socks | jeans | t-shirt | sweater | glasses | watch
Whenever I have a day at home to myself, I love to grab my laptop and pull up Pinterest. I always feel my most creative in the coldest months of the year. It’s my favorite time to try out new recipes, crafts, etc., and a Pinterest day is the perfect reason to stay inside and search for new inspiration to celebrate the changing seasons.
If you’ve ever been a little bummed about the dropping temperatures, organize your own Pinterest day! You can combat your winter blues by baking a new seasonal treat, finding a new go-to coffee recipe, or finding fresh inspo to decorate your house for the holidays. And while you’re browsing online, it never hurts to wear a casual chic outfit idea that’s also Pinterest-approved! Baggy denim looks put-together but is more comfortable than your tight skinny jeans, and a cozy sweater on top is the perfect complement. Don’t forget your blue light glasses either, they’re great for days when you’re spending a lot of time staring at a screen.
7. School Drop-Off or Coffee Run
sneakers | sweatpants | socks | sweatshirt | wool coat | earrings
To all of the moms out there: You deserve outfit inspiration for school drop-off that’s as comfortable as your PJs, but also has you feeling polished and ready to tackle the day! Enter joggers. They look a little more tailored than your traditional sweatpants, and the fitted ankle silhouette might just be the best choice for tackling a busy morning running around getting everyone ready to head out the door.
One of the easiest ways to make sweatpants look a little more polished is by styling them as part of a tonal look. Add a wool coat on top from your winter capsule wardrobe, and you instantly look more put-together! Chunky gold jewelry is the cherry on top.
8. Cookie Baking Day
clogs | socks | pants | t-shirt | sweater | necklace | earrings
When you’re looking for a reason to stay inside this winter, a cookie baking day is just what the doctor ordered! Or at least, what I would prescribe if I were an M.D. Sweater pants, a wool crewneck, and leopard print cashmere socks are the perfect pieces to style for a low-key day spent at home baking. And if you want to add a few dainty accessories, try a pendant necklace and a pair of gold huggie hoop earrings.
9. Sunday Reset
slippers | pants | sweatshirt | baseball cap | earrings
There’s no better way to start off the week than with a Sunday reset. A little cleaning goes a long way to beginning your work week on the right note. After all, a clean home means a clean slate, and a tidied house helps to take some of the stress off your plate! Even though a “groutfit” (all-gray outfit) might get a bad rap, I think it still looks put-together as a tonal look. And if you’re staying home to clean, you can add a chic vibe to your sweatshirt and sweatpants with a few accessories – a pair of faux-fur slippers, a baseball cap, and gold jewelry.
10. Board Game Night
shoes | socks | sweater pants | t-shirt | sweater | earrings
Fall color combos have to be my favorite. They’re just as warm and cheerful as they are rich and moody! Like a spiced chai or a pumpkin spice dessert, they’re the ideal balance of sweet and spicy. Camel brown and black are a great example! Camel and chocolate brown help to ground the color black with a bit of earthiness. Style this classic fall color combo for game night with a timeless cardigan, soft sweater pants, and a pair of effortless clogs.
At-Home Outfits for Fall & Winter
Even if you’re more of a summer fan than a winter one, there are still so many things to look forward to about the colder seasons! From curling up in front of the fire with a new book to hosting a game night with friends, these seasons are the perfect excuse to turn to creative, indoor hobbies to get through the frigid temperatures. And even better, you can spend the chilly days cozied up in these at-home outfits!
Looking for more inspiration for all of your fall outings? Up Next: 11 Popular Pinterest Outfits You Can Recreate Without Buying Anything New
I just love your commentary on every outfit. So many good choices!!! I would love to see some outfits for us outdoor girls in the chilly months ahead 🙂
Thank you so much! And I live in Iowa, so I definitely have learned to dress for chilly months. (Though I admit my outdoor gene could still be developed ;))
LOVE…LOVE…LOVE… your emails! Your style is what I strive for, and I’m so grateful to receive your notes in my inbox. As always, these are great outfits, but I think it would be fun to add a bit of festive or happy color, perhaps, in this line-up? For example, I’m planning a casual brunch, and I love the comfort focus of your outfit here, but a little color would be great, I think?
Thank you so much for your kind words, Laurie! Also, I appreciate your feedback. And as winter goes on, I am craving a bit of color – so be on the lookout for those outfits!
These are some great ideas for home outfits. I usually just wear leggings or jeans, a tee shirt and flip flops around the house. How boring is that! I especially like the idea of clogs with socks at home; it seems so cozy. Thanks for the great article, Carolyn!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Gloria!
Simply but brilliant ideas. Thank you. Stay warm!!!
You too!