Now that we’ve settled into the cold-weather season, I’ve been keeping a lookout for elevated winter outfit inspiration. I know it’s easier to while away the season in soft pants and puffer coats, but every so often, it helps to leave the house in a polished — dare I suggest sophisticated? — look to tackle the day. If you’re in the same style boat as me and are looking to add some elegant items to your winter outfit rotation, here are a few essentials to consider for staying warm and looking chic.
First up, outerwear. Sometimes, all you need to turn clothes into an outfit is the right coat. This season, to elevate a jeans and sweatshirt pairing, I’m looking to long wool coats. A longer coat can cover a less dressy ensemble, and a lean wool version provides a bit of polish, especially if you’re throwing it over something simple. I like DKNY’s Wool Wrap Coat, which comes in brown, beige, gray, and a yummy winter white. You can cinch it with the tie waist or let it hang loose. There are some other great options on sale at Loft, like the Doubleface Double Breasted Coat, in camel or peacock blue, or their Twill Patch Pocket Coat in light gray. Pair either with a knitted beanie, sweater, jeans, and sneakers for a sophisticated take on weekend wear.
Another great piece for winter is the timeless turtleneck. Whether layered under a blazer, button-down, knit, or worn alone, a sleek turtleneck makes any outfit look more elegant and elevated. You can’t go wrong with black, like Spanx’s Better Base Long Sleeve Turtleneck as a slimming layering piece. Or L.L. Bean’s Women’s Cotton/Cashmere Sweater version in navy or light ocean heather. I love the idea of going for a tone-on-tone look with the ocean-heather turtle under the peacock blue coat with navy trousers and a loafer. Or layer a turtleneck under a shirt dress with leggings and boots. You can add a turtleneck to just about any winter look to up the chic and warmth factors.
With warmth in mind, look for a large, oversized scarf to keep you cozy and add some drama to your outfit when draped over a shoulder. Consider a scarf-meets-shawl hybrid, like Chico’s Cashmere Wrap in Camel, Ecru, or Black. This wrap-able piece will add even more polish to a crisp button-down shirt, a midi flared skirt, and knee-high boots. Or go for a two-in-one garment like Free People’s Lillian Scarf Sweater with the scarf attached for built-in coziness when worn with tailored pants or a barrel-leg jean. I also am liking Eliquii’s Scarf Neck Sweater in plus sizes, especially in downtown brown, which pairs surprising well with a black knit pants and sneakers.
Speaking of brown, rich espresso brown colors are trending and give off an expensive air to any look. Whether you go for head-to-toe monochrome, mix it up with similar hues, say mocha mousse, or pair with bright pieces like white jeans, this color feels very rich and gives your basic black a break. Some pieces I’m liking are the scarf sweater mentioned above, Steve Madden’s Delvie Brow Leather boots with kitten heels and pointed toe, and Madewell’s Corduroy Midi skirt. Wear them all together in one look or coordinate with some of the other essentials listed here.
Another essential to consider for winter outfit inspiration is the aforementioned white jean. I know this may seem counterintuitive to winter dressing when darker jeans make more sense. But trust that white or off-white denim can breathe some fresh air into a dreary outfit rut in the colder months. Try American Eagle’s Stretch Mom Jean in bright white, a burgundy sweater, and a quilted jacket. Style black or brown accessories with Levi’s Ribcage Wide Leg jean in “barely freezing – white” for some effortless elegance. Old Navy’s array of white and ecru denim pairs seamlessly with henley shirts layered over turtlenecks and styled with square-toe boots.
Other accessories that can spark some winter outfit inspiration include leather gloves, like Banana Republic’s Cashmere-Lined Long Leather gloves, guaranteed to make every outfit more stylish. Two other luxurious-feeling leather options are large minimalist handbags, such as Portland Leather’s Almost Perfect Juliette tote and J.Crew’s Classic Belts in Italian Leather, to elevate any look in an instant. And a quick, yet functional outfit add-on for inspiration, are sheer tights like a pair of Sheertex’s Stubbornly Strong Sheer Rip-Resist tights that will add allure to your favorite dress or skirt.
If you’re in the market for winter outfits that ooze elegance, hopefully, you can take some inspiration from one or several combinations of these luxe essentials. To score a deal, keep an eye on end-of-the-season sales. Spring fashions are hitting stores soon, or source some pieces second-hand from your local thrift store/re-seller site online.
