Looking for some winter outfit inspiration? Or how do you dress cute in the winter?
The colder months can be challenging when it comes to stylish dressing. It’s tempting to shuffle around in the same old pair of yoga leggings and an ancient hoodie until things warm up again.
But how you dress affects how you feel. If you dress like a slob, you’ll soon enough feel like one too.
So it’s especially important to take pride in how you dress–even if you work from home and are the only one who will see your efforts.
However, we all need a little outfit inspo so we can spice it up a little! Here are the ideas and pieces getting me through this winter.
Cute Winter Outfit Ideas: Layer It Up
Layering is such a great way to personalize a look. Right now you might have to do it out of necessity. But remember that in the warmer months, this isn’t an option. So enjoy it while you can!
Love this menswear-inspired oversized look.
For a more casual look, pair a half-zip or sweatshirt over a turtleneck.
A sweater over a collared white shirt is a classic layering move. However, the boxy cut of the knit keeps things modern here.
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Cute Winter Outfit Ideas: Hoodies & Wool Coats
One specific look that I love right now is hoodies layered with long wool coats. Who doesn’t love a good casual/dressy mix? And also, who doesn’t already have a hoodie and coat they can play around with?
For bonus points, keep it monochromatic.
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Winter Outfit Ideas: Sweats + Boots
As much as I love sneakers, they just don’t cut it on snow and ice. Boots are winter classics for a reason. However, this is another point where I love unusual pairings. Specifically: the sweatpants and boot combo.
Sure this might be a holdover from pandemic-style but it still works. In fact, I see people rocking this look Sunday mornings at my favorite cafe. If the Europeans are still into it, then that’s good enough for me!
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Cute Winter Outfit Ideas: The Artizia Puffer Jacket
Look, I never thought I’d be a puffer-coat girl. They were just way too casual and outdoorsy for my life. But since moving to Europe, I’ve come around on that one. Part of that is that I’m just outdoors more often since I don’t have a car over here. But now that I don’t live in Vancouver, I can see the puffer in a different light.
The classic choice is the Aritzia puff. Look, I’m no Aritizia fan girl. I’ve had dreams that I was getting bullied by Aritzia staff. (Can you relate? lol) However, their coats (and their clothing in general) really are worth the price tag. They are well-made, last for years, and they even come in many different cuts and sizes. (Not so many plus sizes sadly, but tall girl cuts, petites, etc.)
While I’ll never be a true Aritzia girl, I’ll give props where props are due. If you’re looking for a new coat this winter, check them out! (Or also check out this cute Aritizia dupe from Amazon.)
Cute Winter Outfit Ideas: The Platform Ugg
Similarly, Uggs were never my thing. They’re far too casual for my normal looks. Plus they’re really not great in slush and snow! (Hello! They were originally designed for surfers in Australia!) But recently I saw someone wearing the platform version in black leather and my Ugg-hating heart had to admit they looked cute. Plus I think the leather is a way more practical choice than the suede. I’ve seen enough sad water-logged Uggs in my Vancouver days to last me a lifetime.
I like black (obvi) but you do you, babes.
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Cute Winter Outfit Ideas: Acne Studios Accessories
I don’t pay much attention at all to accessories, except during winter months. Face it, when your beanie or scarf becomes a Must-Wear-At-All-Times accessory, it’s worth investing in one that looks good.
They’re rather ubiquitous at this point but with good reason. The Acne beanie or Acne scarf adds some extra zing to your outerwear.
Bonus points for color! (Alas, my own Acne scarf is black and my beanie is white.) The colorful plaid scarf that Acne does is still inspiring knock-offs. But a solid pink or purple version is a fun choice.
Cute Winter Outfit Ideas: Uniqlo Heattech
As someone who lives in northern Germany, I swear by Uniqlo Heattech. Get the leggings, a long-sleeve shirt and some socks and you already have a powerful first level of warming. I love the Heattech leggings in particular because they are so thin that you can wear them under anything. I feel like everyone in Berlin is onto this secret but when I talk about it to people back in Vancouver, they have no idea what I’m talking about. So if this is news to you, trust me and get on it.
Cute Winter Outfit Ideas: Fleece-Lined Tights
One of the best tricks for women who want to keep it warm are tights that look like sheer tights…but are actually lined with a thick warm fleece. I recently got a pair and what a game changer! I usually forgo shorts and skirts over the winter months but with these, I don’t have to. The ones I got are from Aliexpress and I got the medium thickness–which is plenty! There’s another thicker version as well.
I also got the footed version (not the leggings) but FYI – the foot part is not fleece-lined. So you’ll still have to winterize your your feet by wearing winter boots with socks and insoles etc. Or maybe try some Mary Jane with thick socks if you’re braver than me!
Cute Winter Outfit Ideas: Turtleneck + Long Skirt + Boots
Finally, we have a look that’s office-appropriate. The turtleneck and long skirt is just a practical combo. They look great whether you’re going sleek and fitted or oversized.
Again, I could never do heeled boots in the darkest winter days for practical reasons. But if you don’t have snow where you live, or you have a car, the high-heeled versions would be great.
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Cute Winter Outfit Ideas FAQ
How to dress for winter 2024?
Some trends I’ve spotted recently:
Long coats – Say no to the 3/4 length! That immediately makes your outfit look like it’s from 2010.
The color red – Red anything is a way to add some pop to an outfit. An all red outfit makes a huge impact but you don’t have to take it that far. Think: bags, tights, socks.
Loafers – Yes, these are still trending. They’re cute, practical and go with almost everything. If you get a chunky sole, they’ll probably even be able to handle the snow.
Kitten heel boots – Pointy toes are huge right now. But it’s a little too cold for heels or flats. Solution: the sleek kitten heel boot. These look cute AF paired with your wide-leg jeans.
Sweater dresses – Can a warm sweater dress be–dare I say it–sexy? Yup! These sweater dresses are not knee-length or chunky! Think: long, sleek and elegant.
Chunky earrings – A nice statement earring elevates even a basic sweatshirt.
Socks + Mary-Jane’s – I’m always a sucker for this look and right now, the fashion world agrees with me.
What’s the best outfit for winter?
If you never know what to wear in the morning, rely on a few outfit formulas to get you through.
Start everything off with a base layer of Heattech. (Obviously.)
- Loafers + wide-leg jeans + chunky turtleneck
- Long wool coat, hoodie + yoga pants + long scrunched down socks + sneakers
- Long Skirt, turtleneck, + boots (see above)
What to wear in the snow and still look cute?
When it’s seriously cold, there are two things to focus on: coat and boots. Yes, winter coats are expensive. But getting a good one is important for keeping you warm. It’s worth it to invest in something high-quality (ie. real wool, down-feather, etc.) rather than go for something cheap. You will get years of wear out of it–so get something you really love!
However, dressing for the snow definitely doesn’t mean just put on a parka and call it a day! Layering is essential to keeping warm. Again, I’m a big fan of Uniqlo Heattech because it’s so thin. You can put it on under anything and it really helps. Don’t forget the Heattech socks. Or grab yourself a woolly pair.
Finally, don’t forget the hat! Hats keep your body heat in. Plus they offer another place to show off your style. Don’t limit yourself to basic beanies! Personally, I love a beret but even a regular baseball cap will do, if it’s not too cold.
How can I look girly in winter?
No need to forget your cute dresses and skirts, even during the chilly months! Again, those thermal sheer-look tights are a lifesaver. While I prefer the sheer black look, you could also get yourself a skin tone pair and then wear your regular lacy tights, thigh-high socks, or fishnets over top of them.
Accessories also go a very long way here! Even if you’re “just” wearing a warm sweater, you can experiment with cute hair bows or colorful scarves. You can also get creative with your shoes! I’ve seen some girls wearing thick woolly socks with mary-janes and it’s adorable.
What about you? Got any questions? Or cute winter outfit ideas I missed? I’d love to hear it in the comments!