As the air gets crisper and the temperatures drop, women have more wardrobe options. Layers help us transition from outside to indoor gatherings, and winter styles give us more freedom over how much we showcase our silhouettes. There’s often just one thing keeping us from re-creating the styles we see in magazines and online: they take too much effort to put together. When we’re usually in a rush to get out of the house, an outfit that requires extra accessories is never going to get worn.
Thankfully, it’s still possible to look our best on days when we didn’t want to leave the house at all. These winter outfits are easy and stylish, and they also use a lot of the same pieces. That means you can spend less time looking for the perfect hat or scarf to go with the rest of your look – they’re the same ones you’d wear with any other outfit! The outfits shown here aren’t just casual. Party and business attire can use some of the same pieces from your casual wardrobe. It’s time to cut back on the time it takes to get ready!
10 Warm Winter Outfits That Are Still Chic
1. Long Sweater & Leggings
A black pair of fleece-lined leggings can go a long way! They’re just as versatile as regular leggings, but they’ll keep you warm this winter. Pair them with an oversized beige sweater. You’ll want the sweater to be long enough to end past your behind. The neutral colour makes the sweater easy to wear with your favourite pair of snow boots. On snowy days, you’ll be glad you brought your puffer coat with a hood. If it’s too warm outside for a jacket, make sure you bring a bag – most leggings don’t have pockets! This lazy day outfit is great for coffee runs or last-minute grocery store trips.
2. Thermal Shirt & Jeans
This outfit works best for days when the temperature is above freezing, but it still feels like winter. A thermal can keep you warm without making you overheat, and the puffer vest will add some warmth while you’re outside. Choose a light-coloured neutral vest with a black, dark grey, or jewel-toned shirt to add contrast. Because thermals are designed for athletes, you can wear this outfit on hikes and as you walk your dog around the neighbourhood.
3. Sweater Dress & Leggings
Headed to a casual party or to the mall? Wear a sweater dress with your fleece-lined leggings and some matching booties (or your winter boots). An infinity scarf with some fringe works the same as a statement necklace would, but it will keep you warmer. This outfit is also suitable for women with somewhat casual dress codes at work, like teachers.
4. Polished Party Outfit
If you’d be underdressed at a party in the outfit above, swap the leggings for black tights and the scarf for a statement necklace. Wear black shoes or a pair that matches the dress. To spend less time getting ready, wear the casual version of this outfit during the day before changing into this more polished upgrade. Women who work in office settings could wear this outfit during the day.
5. Casual Striped Sweater
A bold sweater is the statement piece of this everyday outfit. Wear a colour-blocked sweater with jeans for a brunch meet-up with friends or a weekend with your family. Pair it with a matching infinity scarf and your everyday winter boots to keep the outfit fashionable and functional. No one will know that you just rolled out of bed in this low-effort ensemble!
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6. Soft Coloured Sweater
Keep things light in a pink, turquoise, or lavender sweater under a white or off-white puffer vest. Since the sweater will likely keep you warm inside, you’ll only need the vest while you’re outdoors. Most vests don’t come with a hood, so bring a matching beanie to cover your head. This outfit is great for errand runs and causal gatherings.
7 Grab-And-Go Business Attire
Business attire can be hard to work with when there’s snow on the ground. It’s easy to get snow and slush inside your shoes, and thin heels are dangerous to wear on icy sidewalks. Lift your pants (and ankles) out of the snow with a work shoe that has a thick, supportive heel. By wearing a blouse that hides the collarbones and has contrasting colours, you won’t need to worry about jewelry. Instead of your regular winter gloves, opt for a pair with touchscreen capabilities. You’ll be able to update your boss on weather delays without taking your gloves off!
8. Knits & Pinstripes
Who says that pinstripe pants are only for work? Tuck a sweater into a pair of pinstripe pants with an elastic waistband (find a reasonably priced pair at your local department store). Then, pull the sweater out slightly to create a silhouette that’s both relaxing and form-fitting. Repurpose your work pants for casual parties and gatherings!
9. Floral Blouse
If you’re looking for a polished outfit to wear at the Christmas dinner table or the holiday work party, pair a floral blouse with black pants. This mature look works well with modern pieces, like heeled booties and dark-coloured denim. If you’ll only be outside while walking from the house to the car, you won’t even need a scarf! To re-wear this outfit, prepare it for your office job or business casual workplace.
10. Black Denim For Warmth
Fleece-lined leggings are warm and form-fitting, but denim will keep you even warmer. With so many styles to choose from, your black denim pants don’t have to be skinny jeans. Pair black jeans with any sweater you’d wear with your leggings for extra cold days. You can even wear the leggings under looser fitting jeans! This casual outfit can be worn on a day filled with errands – unlike with some leggings, you won’t have to keep adjusting your pants if you wear a belt.
While winter outfits can include jewelry, accessory layers, and tops that can’t be thrown over your head, why make it harder than it has to be? By keeping your wardrobe light and easy, you can hide the fact that you were nowhere near prepared for your day. If people still comment on your tired appearance while you’re wearing one of these outfits, simply tell them that the bags under your eyes are designer – it’s all part of your lazy day look!