How to look fashionable in winter – Which of these 11 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 11 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.

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

1. Start with the basics – thermals

It may sound obvious, but if you opt for a thin thermal layer underneath your outfit, you can then often get away with wearing what you usually would without worrying about being cold.

Andrea (above) wears a black base layer under her bright sweater.

Check out this puffer jacket that you can wear with this similar thermal top, vest, leggings, lace-up boots and hat.

Below are some more thin thermal tops you could wear. Also check out the best thermal underwear to wear under everything when the temperature dips.

Uniqlo HEATTECH long sleeve shirt

BP. thermal top

Sivvan long sleeve T-shirt

MERIWOOL thermal shirt

2. 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

Petra (above) layers a sweater over her shirt and tops her outfit off with a beautiful blue coat.

Steal her look with this similar shirt, vest, coat, jeans, booties, crossbody bag and sunglasses.

Another winter outfit for women featuring layering

An easy way to layer is to wear a poncho or wrap over your sweater.

PULI cross front poncho – Nordstrom Signature cashmere sweater – KUT from the Kloth skinny jeans – Calvin Klein knee high boot – Thacker crossbody bag – Sterling Forever hoop earrings

3. Go over the knee to create stylish winter outfits

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.

Get her look with this similar turtleneck sweater, leopard coat, jeans and over the knee boots.

Clarks over the knee boot – Aquadiva water resistant over the knee boot – Aquadiva waterproof over the knee boot – Kelsi Dagger over the knee boot

4. 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.

Terri (above) looks fabulous in a faux fur trim coat and matching black boots.

Check out this similar coat, boots, handbag and floppy hat.

Free People hooded denim jacket – BLANKNYC faux leather moto jacket – Gallery faux fur trim hooded puffer jacket – ZLYC open front faux fur trim poncho

5. Make a statement with your winter looks for women

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.

Monika (above) opts for a statement animal-print coat.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, coat, pants, booties and purse.

Boden soft wool blend coat – VERO MODA houndstooth long jacket – Via Spiga wool print long coat – Anne Klein twill jacket

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

6. Winter attire: wear white to create classy winter outfits

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.

Nadine (above) wears a beautiful all neutrals look featuring white, beige and gray.

Check out this similar sweater, vest, jeans, over the knee boots, handbag and fedora.

Patagonia hooded down jacket – ZLYC open front faux fur trim poncho – Treasure & Bond fringe scarf – isotoner cable knit gloves – Sh*t That I Knit wool beanie – Aerosoles bootie

7. 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.

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.

Or, you could pull a beret down low over your ears like Patricia (above)

Get her look with this similar sweater, cable knit cardigan, jeans, handbag, pumps, beret, leather gloves and sunglasses.

Brixton wool fedora – Brixton wool felt beret – Lack of Color bucket hat – Halogen cashmere beanie

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

8. 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.

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.

Jenny (above) cinches her poncho with a belt and wears over leggings.

Steal her look with this similar sweater, poncho, leggings, boots and belt.

LARACE flare tunic top  – Barefoot Dreams circle cardigan – Zella high waist leggings – Rebecca Minkoff calf hair belt – kensie bootie – The Marc Jacobs crossbody bag – FREIDA ROTHMAN pendant necklace

Also take a look at how to wear a belt.

9. 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.

Erika (above) adds interest and texture with her fringe scarf.

Check out this similar sweater, long coat, skirt, boots and scarf.

Halogen cashmere scarf – Tasha leopard print scarf – Tasha plaid scarf – Jocelyn faux fur scarf

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

10. 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.

Nordstrom high/low wool & cashmere sweater – Halogen V-neck cashmere sweater – Moss Rose wrap poncho – Ellen Tracy faux fur trim wool blend cape

11. Trendy winter outfits: All you need are gloves

Style tip: Long gloves are the perfect opportunity for you to wear shorter sleeve coats and jackets while shorter styles will look fabulous for everyday.

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.

Josephine (above) opts for pink leather gloves which match her paler pink jacket and hat.

Check out this similar sweater, puffer jacket, pants, booties, belt bag, beret and gloves.

Nordstrom lambskin leather gloves – COS colorbock gloves – Agnelle fringe leather gloves – Kate Spade New York colorblock gloves

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

More winter outfit ideas for women

Below, you can see a previous winter outfit capsule which should give you more inspiration on how to incorporate all of the ideas above into your winter wardrobe.

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

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