It seems like, without fail, the night before, I’ll set out my outfit for my alter ego: a mini skirt (with fleece-lined tights, mind you) with something stylish, something cute. Then morning arrives, and with it comes the dark morning and the too-warm bed that I don’t want to leave. When I look in my closet at the outfit I picked out the night before, I think, that girl last night was ambitious – and despite living here all her life, doesn’t really understand what below-zero temps feel like. Let’s put pants on.
Now, you can definitely wear short skirts and dresses with the cult-favorite fleece-lined tights and call it a day, but lately it’s been too cold in the Midwest to even do that. I’ve been wanting to feel covered, cozy, and chic while resisting the urge to throw on joggers every morning. If you, too, want to dress cozy while still feeling put together, scroll on for winter looks that are chic and cozy!
1. leopard print faux fur coat + white tee + jeans + loafers + socks + bucket tote
It doesn’t get much cozier than faux fur! And while some people don’t love wearing jeans in cold weather, I don’t find them to be that bad if you’re just darting in and out of places. Plus, who can resist the chic contrast of a long faux fur coat paired with classic jeans? The juxtaposition creates a perfectly casual-chic look – ideal for running errands, shopping, and more.
For light snow days, I’m still getting the most out of my loafers by pairing them with cashmere or cable-knit socks. It’s a great way to add extra warmth while dialing up the cozy factor even more.
2. burgundy cardigan + leopard print pants + loafers
Velvet pants are ideal this time of year – can you say cozy? I love these leopard-print velvet pants because not only are they comfy, but they’re chic, too. Pairing them with a burgundy cashmere sweater makes the outfit look expensive while still being something you wouldn’t mind wearing all day.
Add a matching burgundy bag for a coordinated, elevated look. For heavy snow days, pair this outfit with ankle boots, or if you have light to no snow, loafers work perfectly here, too!
3. turtleneck + belted houndstooth blazer + slip skirt + knee-high boots
For days when you want the elevation of a skirt but more coverage, opt for a midi slip skirt. This length is perfect – especially when paired with tall boots – for offering both coverage and coziness while still looking chic. Plus, elastic-waist bottoms are one of my secret weapons for dressing nicely without sacrificing comfort. A pull-on slip skirt (like this one) adjusts to your body throughout the day and skims beautifully without feeling restrictive or like you have to keep adjusting it.
A stretchy turtleneck on top paired with a loose blazer creates an outfit you wouldn’t mind wearing to the office all day. The belt cinches the outfit (quite literally), but it can be omitted for peak comfort.
4. cashmere turtleneck + barrel leg pants + burgundy socks + brown loafers + watch
This is another classic outfit that looks dressed up, and though it is, it’s not uncomfortable to wear either. The key is all about the materials and fit! These barrel-leg pants have a loose fit around the waist and throughout the leg, so they feel roomy to wear. Though they have belt loops, I opted out of one to make the waist feel even more relaxed. On top, the cashmere turtleneck is roomy and cozy – not scratchy at all.
Once again, I love wearing socks with loafers. Sometimes the weather calls for it, but other times it just feels cozy to have that extra layer – especially when they’re cashmere, wool, or soft cotton. With loose pants and a loose sweater, this is a great, polished outfit to wear when sitting down in your office chair all day.
5. midi slip skirt + burgundy cardigan + suede knee high boots + barn coat
Recognize some of these pieces? A midi skirt, cashmere top, suede boots, heavy barn coat, burgundy suede bucket bag… together, they have all the makings of a winter look that’s both cozy and chic. With layers, classic silhouettes, and luxe fabrics, this is an outfit combination you could easily rinse and repeat all season long!
I wore it to a holiday train ride, but it could look just as great worn to the office, church, or even on a dinner date.
Related: Dressing for December: Christmas Outfit Inspo for Every Event on Your Calendar
6. turtleneck + sweater vest + leggings + wool coat + riding boots + beanie + gloves
It’s giving casual day. It’s giving après-ski. It’s giving cozy. It’s giving chic! This outfit perfectly encapsulates cozy-chic winter style. A base of a turtleneck and (quality) leggings creates the ideal foundation for layering, which adds both warmth and – yes – style. Borrow from your fall capsule wardrobe and layer a sweater vest over your turtleneck. Ideally, the turtleneck should be longer than the sweater vest so it peeks out at the bottom.
Gloves are both practical and elevating, while a beanie adds much-needed warmth (and helps with any bad hair days). Riding boots are perfect for stomping through the snow. The star of this outfit, though, is the wool coat. A wool coat – especially in a neutral tone – is a beautiful investment piece you’ll never regret owning and can wear for years to come.
Related: 12 Winter Coats That Will Keep You Warm Without Sacrificing Style
7. turtleneck + black pants + wool coat + oxford shoes
Simple yet stylish, this Parisian-inspired winter outfit makes great use of your basics. Add interest to classic black pants by pairing them with a leopard-print turtleneck for both style and warmth. We’ve already covered how a long wool coat is the ultimate winter piece for warmth and sophistication – and this look proves that your wardrobe can benefit from having multiple neutral options. Oxford shoes add the perfect French-inspired finishing touch!
Winter Looks You’ll Want to Wear on Repeat
I may be biased because these are my looks (wink wink), but with stylish leopard print, weather-proof tall boots, and beautiful outerwear, who wouldn’t want to keep these winter looks on an outfit rotation?
Speaking of winter outfits you’ll want to wear again and again, check out these 13 Winter Fashion Looks You’ll Want to Wear on Repeat
