How to look fashionable in winter – Which of these 10 ways do you use?

Winter can be one of the most challenging seasons to consistently wear winter outfits for women that are both weather appropriate and figure flattering.

When the primary motivation is keeping warm while facing dreary days, the temptation is there to simply throw on as many pieces as possible and get out the door. But, putting together chic winter looks doesn’t have to be a challenge.

Simple planning can actually keep you both warm and stylish through the winter months without having to sacrifice function or aesthetically pleasing looks.

In today’s post, I go over 10 easy tips that can turn around a less-than inspiring-wardrobe into one that excites you about getting out of your warm bed and braving cooler temperatures.

10 ways to stay chic with the best winter outfits for women this winter

1. Layer, layer, layer for winter style points

Style tip: Purposeful layering is the perfect way to achieve warmth while putting together a chic look.

Layering allows you to play with a mixture of patterns or textures, while being functional enough to support all the varying temperatures you encounter on a winter day (from frigid cold outside to overheated offices and cars).

The key is to get thinner pieces that offer maximum warmth (such as cashmere), layer on scarves to pull the looks together, and play with varying lengths to flatter your body shape

Elke (above) opts for a cropped sweater worn over a longer shirt, and topped with a wool coat.

Steal her look with this similar white buttoned shirt, crop turtleneck, coat, leather leggings and sneakers.

More winter outfits for women featuring layering

Treasure & Bond blanket wrap – Everlane cashmere sweater – Boyish Jeans drop flare jeans – Sarto by Franco Sarto boot – Gorjana hoop earrings – Michael Kors crossbody bag

Cupcakes and Cashmere coat – Rebecca Minkoff crop sweater – Treasure & Bond classic shirt – Eliza J wide leg pants – Eugenia tweed beret – Kensie loafer – Kurt Geiger quilted bag

Cupcakes and Cashmere tweed jacket – Fraiche by J shift dress – Halogen faux fur scarf – Eileen Fisher velvet ankle leggings – Pikolinos bootie – BaubleBar drop earrings

2. Go over the knee

Style tip: Many women (especially those over 40) shy away from over the knee boots.

And this is definitely the perfect strategy if you happen to come across a six-inch patent leather pair that you might have been inspired by on the runway, but stick in the back of your closet when it comes time to wear them.

Instead, I recommend opting for a flat or low-heeled boot in shades and materials you feel comfortable wearing.

Get a chic and trendy look by either wearing the pair with matching pants (black-on-black, tan-on-tan, etc.), or making a skirt or dress more weather appropriate by pairing a skinnier shaft boot to cover more leg.

Tanasha (above) opts for black over-the-knee boots to make her white jeans winter-ready.

Check out this similar turtleneck sweater, leopard coat, jeans and over the knee boots.

Coconuts by Matisse brown boot – Blondo waterproof grey boot – Jeffrey Campbell black boot – BC Footwear taupe boot

3. Winter wear for women: Take a walk on the wild side

Style tip: For the winter months, (faux) fur is one of those sartorial no-brainers when it comes to keeping warm.

Faux fur or Shearling, when worn tastefully, can immediately elevate your look.

Consider substituting a peacoat or jacket for a fur coat. The change in texture creates a high end look that keeps you warm and au courant.

Maria (above) opts for a faux fur collar on her coat, worn with leather pants.

Get her look with this similar blue sweater, jacket, pants, scarf and booties.

Rachell Parcell faux fur collar wool blend coat – Topshop belted faux fur coat – Maralyn & Me faux shearling plaid moto jacket – Blank NYC faux fur cuff coat

4. Make a statement with your winter looks

Style tip: If you’re willing to make a statement with shoes, bags, and necklaces, a great next step is to make a statement with a coat.

Don’t give in to the temptation to mimic less than sunny days by going with dark coats and jackets.

Skip the gray and black and opt for a statement coat in either a bright hue or a bold print.

The key to pulling this look off is by keeping the rest of your look neutral and simple. Let the coat do all the talking.

Petra (above) chooses a bold print for her coat, which she matches to her boots, while keeping the rest of her look neutral.

Check out these statement coats from Nordstrom and Amazon. crop pants and booties to recreate her look.

Blank NYC suede moto jacket – Topshop longline coat – Halogen check coat – Halogen colorblock wool blend coat

For more tips take a look at this article on how to choose a winter coat.

5. Winter attire: wear white

Style tip: Most people will shy away from white during the winter months (especially those who ascribe to the post-Labor Day rule).

Much like the statement coats above, white jackets and coats can actually brighten a look and still feel winter appropriate.

Pair your white piece with darker prints or dark solids for a contrast that is still lively.

Cupcakes and Cashmere faux shearling coat – Eliza J buttons shoulder dress – BB Dakota faux leather moto jacket – Matisse Morgan boot – Hope & Henry wrap sweater dress

6. Stylish winter outfits: Keep your head warm

Style tip: During winter, quite a bit of your body’s heat can be lost by not protecting your head.

So, a hat is absolutely essential when the temperatures get really low.

Think of this as an opportunity to invest in a hat you know you will want to wear and that flatters both your look and face shape.

Take a look at how to choose a hat to suit your face shape.

A great option for very cold weather is a quality faux fur trapper that you can keep for years. It will always be on trend for the winter and will most certainly keep you warm.

Another chic option is a wool wide brim hat. It keeps your face free, while the wool hat keeps your head warm.

Terri (above) opts for a chic beret.

You can also read a style interview with Terri.

Check out this similar beret, jacket, metallic skirt, fishnet tights and shoes.

Treasure & Bond wool felt panama hat – Nordstrom Signature knit cashmere beret – The North Face faux fur pom beanie – Brixton bucket hat

7. Winter fashion ideas: Drape and belt

Style tip: Create dramatic shapes and flow by opting for a draped cardigan or wrap.

The additional material is a great option for keeping you warm and allowing you to feel like you are wrapped in a toasty blanket.

However, to keep it closed, either opt for a belted cardigan or select a coordinating or contrasting belt.

Georgette (above) belts her stylish plaid poncho.

Recreate her look with this similar turtleneck top, plaid cardigan, belt, jeans and booties.

Pair the heavier, draped top with leggings, slim leg pants, or a sweater dress to create a more flattering silhouette that is not too bulky on the top and bottom.

Also take a look at how to wear a belt.

More casual winter outfits you could wear with a belt for a flattering silhouette

Bobeau waterfall cardigan – Caslon elbow sleeve tee – Levi’s crop straight leg jeans – Treasure & Bond leather belt – Vionic loafer – Sole Society tote

Ugg wrap cardigan – Charles Henry mock neck sweater dress – Kate Spade New York statement necklace – Sole Society bucket bag – Karl Largerfeld Paris boot – Halogen snake print belt

Rachel Parcell cable knit cardigan – 1901 turtleneck top – Madewell skinny jeans – Sole Society shoulder bag – Sam Edelman chelsea bootie – Rachel Parcell panama hat

8. Winter trends: The statement scarf

Style tip: Scarves are a winter must have and offer an opportunity to add color to a dark look.

Statement scarves can either be oversized or regular sized pieces, but they usually have a variety of textures and/or offer bright prints and colors.

If you notice that you have a very dark and/or plain look that needs a little more life to it, consider a statement scarf to create a higher impact look.

Take a look at this article for more tips on how to style a scarf.

Psyche (above) opts for a patterned scarf against her navy trench coat.

Check out this similar coat, scarf, leggings and booties.

Halogen faux fur stole – Rag & Bone classic wool scarf – Ted & Jack leopard print scarf – Kate Spade New York multi stripe scarf

9. Winter outfits for women: Put a cape (or poncho) on it

Style tip: Capes or ponchos are always the perfect choice when you want a dramatic and chic piece that requires very minimal effort.

From jeans to leggings to dresses, a cape is a nice way of pulling a look together while still keeping you warm.

Opt for prints for more unique looks that are a departure from your classic cape styles.

As usual, pay attention to proportions when styling your cape. For many body shapes, keeping the bottom leaner and less bulky is key to pulling of this look.

Julia (above) opts for a poncho worn with a dress in a similar shade.

She got her poncho from Karen Scott and dress from J. Jill. Wear them with these similar knee high boots.

Love Token faux fur trim poncho – Marks & Spencer color block poncho – Marks & Spencer split front poncho – Moss Rose poncho check

10. All you need are gloves

Style tip: Long gloves are the perfect opportunity for you to wear shorter sleeve coats and jackets.

Don’t feel confined to wearing only black pairs, opt for some color that will not simply blend in but bring a life of their own to your look.

Patricia (above) chooses a soft brown to match her boots and compliment her coat.

Check out these plaid coat options from Gal Meet Glam Collection, Guess and BB Dakota.

Complete her look with these similar leather gloves, v-neck top, pants, booties and hat.

Nordstrom dot leather gloves – Echo wool & cashmere blend gloves with faux fur cuff – Agnelle leopard print leather gloves – Kate Spade New York scallop leather gloves

Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.

Which of these winter outfits for women would you wear? How do you stay both stylish and warm during the winter months? What other tips do you have?

Continue reading:

1. Cold Weather Outfits To Keep You Warm AND Stylish
2. The Best Winter Coats For Women This Season And How To Choose A Coat
3. How To Wear Tunics Or Short Dresses With Pants

Feature image by Psyche

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