While cold weather and I aren’t always exactly friendly, there is something I definitely do love about cold-weather outfits in the wintertime. From cozy sweaters to elegant wool coats, winter (at least in the Midwest) provides plenty of opportunities for layering chic looks all season long. And the best part is, a capsule wardrobe provides the perfect ingredients for creating these looks. The 12 women winter outfit ideas below are easy to recreate using your favorite seasonal staples!
1. Wool Coat
wool coat + sweater + jeans + socks + loafers + scarf
coat | jeans | socks | scarf | shoes | bag
If you live anywhere like the Midwest, where temperatures frequently drop below zero in the wintertime, a cozy wool coat is probably one of the first pieces you unpack from storage when the season starts to shift. When it comes to styling chic women’s winter outfits, you need pieces like a wool coat that give you both the elegant look you’re going for, in addition to extra warmth. Winter is when fashion most definitely needs to meet function!
A wool coat is one of my personal favorites to reach for in the wintertime because it’s not only super warm, but also elevates any outfit by giving it a classic look with added structure. I’ll wear it with joggers and a sweatshirt as often as I’ll style it with jeans and a nice sweater, it’s just that versatile!
2. Fair Isle Sweater
fair isle sweater + jeans + gloves + handbag + boots + earrings
sweater | pants | boots | turtleneck | bag | gloves | earrings
A Fair Isle sweater is another winter staple that you’ll never have any issues styling when the weather turns cold. And it’s not just a comfy piece to add to your outfit rotation either – it also gives you that perfectly festive après ski aesthetic that works both leading up to and following the holidays.
When it comes to women’s winter outfits, there’s no limit to the ways that you can style a Fair Isle sweater. Pair it with white jeans and ankle boots for a casual weekend fit, or dress it up with a slip skirt and heels for a cocktail hour with friends. And if you’re working from home this winter, try styling it with a pair of leggings or sweater pants for a super comfy look that still feels put-together.
3. Loafers
sweater vest + jeans + t-shirt + wool coat + loafers + tote bag + socks
coat | cable shell | tee | jeans | bag | shoes | socks
While boots are always a popular choice for winter footwear, especially in cold climates, don’t store away your favorite pair of loafers just yet! I love to style mine all year round – all it takes is a little creativity. In the wintertime, you’ll want to keep your feet warm by wearing them with socks or tights, which just add another chic layer to your winter outfit.
Loafers can also add a preppy, polished touch to all of your winter outfits. Whether you’re wearing a low-key outfit for running errands or dressing up a bit to head to the office in a sweater vest and Oxford shirt, I love how loafers make any outfit look that much more elevated, while still being plenty comfortable.
4. Leggings
leggings + poncho + shirt + handbag + gloves + boots
poncho | leggings | shirt | bag | gloves | boots
Even though many of us intend to dress up all winter long and reach for long-sleeve dresses or a faux fur coat on a regular basis, the truth is, there’s just something about cozy leggings that are extra fitting for winter’s frigid temperatures. But don’t worry, there’s nothing wrong with that! With the right styling, black leggings can look just as chic as your more elevated pieces.
For a casual chic vibe inspired by the trending equestrian aesthetic, pair your leggings with knee-high boots and a neutral turtleneck. On top, add a poncho or sweater for extra warmth and an elegant touch. Then, accessorize with equestrian-inspired pieces like a pair of leather gloves and a saddle bag. Now you have a look that’s as classy as it is comfortable!
5. Dark-Wash Jeans
jeans + wool coat + sweater + scarf + belt + handbag + boots
coat | boots | jeans | sweater | belt | bag | scarf
Dressing up for date night this winter? Just reach for your favorite pair of dark-wash jeans! No matter the cut, the darker wash is universally flattering and tends to be more suited for nighttime than lighter washes. The darker wash also looks more elevated than most lighter washes, which makes this style ideal for wearing on casual Fridays to the office, too.
On top, add a pop of color with an emerald green sweater, or a jewel tone of your choice! Then accessorize and layer with neutral pieces to complete the classy look for your nice dinner. A leather bag and ankle boots, a wool coat, and a leopard print scarf round out the outfit idea.
6. V-Neck Sweater
sweater + coat + t-shirt + pants + tote bag + earrings + sneakers
coat | sweater | tee | pants | sneakers | earrings | bag
If you’re really embracing a layered look this winter, a v-neck sweater might just be your perfect style of pullover. The v-neckline is perfect for showing off a bright pop of a white t-shirt underneath, which gives your look interest and dimension. Not to mention, a v-neckline is ideal for opening up the chest and giving your top half a slimming look.
To style a casual chic look that feels fresh and modern to meet friends for coffee, pleated pants and sneakers make for an unexpected but fashionable combination. A leather tote bag, silver hoops, and a wool wrap coat complete the look that feels style-forward (and warm) for winter.
7. Knee-High Boots
coat + turtleneck + mini skirt + tights + watch + handbag
boots | turtleneck | skirt | coat | watch | bag
Knee-high boots aren’t just a sleek, chic choice for footwear – they also double as leg warmers when the temperature really starts to take a turn! And whether you live in a cold climate or not during the wintertime, this style of boot is always a great choice to pair with a shorter skirt for additional coverage.
The knee-high boots can make a statement on behalf of your whole look, so you can keep the rest of your outfit simple. If you’re meeting friends for lunch, add a striped sweater, wool coat, and a structured leather bag, and you’re ready to head out the door in no time.
8. Scarf
scarf + coat + shirt + sweater vest + jeans + socks + boots
jeans | cable shell | button up | boots | coat | chelsea boot | scarf
As I mentioned before, great winter fashion is all about style meeting function! And while a silk scarf might be one of my favorite Parisian-inspired accessories to reach for, I also love opting for a warmer wool version in the wintertime.
Triangle wool scarves have been everywhere this year, so there’s plenty of great inspiration to be found out there, with ideas to style them! They look great in both neutrals and as a pop of color to your winter coats and jackets, or worn over a sweater and tied in the front.
9. Ankle Boots
ankle boots + coat + sweater + scarf + jeans + belt + handbag
coat | sweater | bag | jeans | belt | boots | scarf
Ankle boots are one of my favorite styles to wear in the wintertime because of how easy they are to style. If you’re wondering what shoes to reach for when you want to wear your wide-leg, straight-leg, or boot-cut denim, ankle boots are the obvious choice! And while I love a classic black pair in leather, ankle boots are also a perfect opportunity to add color or pattern to your look. Whether you want to go for a cherry red or leopard print, they can take your winter looks to the next level.
10. Cable Knit Sweater
cable knit sweater + t-shirt + coat + pants + tote bag + socks + oxford shoes
coat | sweater | tee | shoes | bag | socks | pants
Is there any piece more cozy for fall and winter outfits than a cable knit sweater? The thing about this sweater is that it works for so many different types of aesthetics, so no matter what you’re feeling in terms of style personality for the day, a cable knit sweater can complement your look with ease!
For a Parisian-inspired outfit idea in the winter, pair your sweater with black and white pieces for a high-contrast, effortlessly chic look that will never go out of style. Classic staples like lace-up Oxfords, a printed canvas tote, and a wrap-style coat will give you the perfect French vibe.
11. Cardigan
cardigan + coat + scarf + earrings + jeans + handbag + ankle boots
coat | cardigan | jeans | scarf | bag | earrings | boots
A cardigan is one of the best capsule wardrobe pieces when it comes to versatility. Whether you wear it buttoned up, unbuttoned, or tied around your shoulders, this is a great piece to wear when you’re dealing with fluctuating temps throughout the day. It also adds a classic touch to any outfit! For a timeless look that will never go out of style, pair it with your favorite denim, ankle boots, a wool coat, and minimalist accessories.
12. Leather Gloves
leather gloves + coat + hat + earrings + jeans + boots + handbag
jacket | jeans | hat | boots | gloves | bag | earrings
When it comes to luxe accessories that don’t break the bank, just reach for a pair of leather gloves! There are plenty of affordable styles out there to shop, and they’ll instantly elevate your whole look and give you that “old money” vibe, even on a budget. When paired with other timeless accessories, they really make a statement and can transform any winter outfit idea into a warm, vintage-inspired look.
Making the Most Out of Your Winter Staples
You don’t have to spend hours thinking up new winter outfit ideas to get great style this season! Instead, rely on your favorite basics to stay comfy and chic all winter long. You’ll get more wear out of the pieces you already own, and appreciate the styling power they give you all that much more!
Looking for more winter outfit ideas to put together? Up Next: 7 Winter Looks You Can Recreate Right Now
