Staying warm and stylish during winter can feel like a tricky balancing act, especially if you live in a cold climate. We’ve all had those moments when practicality takes over, and we pile on extra layers to fight the chill—only to end up feeling more bulky than chic. But who says you have to choose between warmth and style? With the right tips and wardrobe essentials, you can stay cosy without sacrificing your look, even on colder days.
Make Your Layers Show
One of the best things about winter fashion is the chance to embrace layered outfits—not just as a necessity for warmth but also as a way to add depth and sophistication to your look. Layers can instantly make an outfit more interesting and stylish, so let them show! For example, a t-shirt collar peeking out from under a cosy knit or a turtleneck layered beneath a half-buttoned shirt creates a chic yet effortless look. The key is to make your layers part of the outfit, not just hidden underneath. Keep these ideas in mind when getting dressed this winter! For more tips on mastering the art of layering, check out this blog post.
Elevate Your Look With Winter Accessories
Winter accessories, such as scarves and beanies, do more than keep you warm. They also serve as stylish extra layers, visible even when bundled in a heavy coat. That’s why it’s worth paying extra attention to them. A well-chosen scarf or beanie can add texture, personality, or a pop of colour to your look, instantly making it more polished.
Similarly, your bag and shoes play a key role in elevating your winter outfit. They allow you to make a statement without needing to overthink what’s underneath your coat. These small touches can make a big impact!
Balancing Proportions
Wearing heavy layers and oversized coats can make you feel bulky in winter. To avoid this, focus on creating balance with the other pieces in your outfit. When styling an oversized item, avoid pairing it with overly fitted clothing, as this can emphasise the bulkiness. Instead, opt for other oversized pieces. These can include wide-leg jeans, a chunky jumper, or boots, creating a cohesive, relaxed silhouette.
Another trick to balance proportions is by adding length to your look. Try leaving your coat open or layering it with a long scarf, like in the photo below. Additionally, tucking your top into your trousers can help define your waist. This will add shape and create a more proportionate, polished outfit.
The Power of a Good Coat
A winter coat can truly make or break an outfit. The ideal winter coat not only keeps you warm but also makes you feel effortlessly stylish. Coats come in various shapes and sizes—a topic worthy of its own blog post. However, if I had to choose one coat, it would be an oversized wool coat. Classic and versatile, this coat can remain a wardrobe staple for years. My pro tip: choose a coat with a high wool content (at least 50%). This will ensure you remain cosy on even the coldest days.
For lower temperatures, I recommend investing in a puffer coat or an aviator coat. While these chunkier options are designed for freezing or sub-zero weather, they can still look chic with the right styling. When choosing a puffer coat, consider neutral tones other than black to create tonal looks that instantly elevate your outfit. To make it even more stylish, use my accessories and proportion tips mentioned above.
As for the aviator coat, it has recently become my go-to alternative to a puffer coat. It provides the same level of warmth while aligning more closely with my personal style. Ultimately, finding the right coat style and silhouette is essential. It helps you stay true to your style, even on the chilliest winter days.
Mixing Textures
Winter is the perfect season to elevate your style by playing with textures. Mixing different materials—like wool, leather, suede, and denim —adds depth and sophistication to your outfit, making even the simplest looks feel more polished. If you love tonal dressing, incorporating a variety of textures prevents a monochrome outfit from looking flat, adding dimension and visual interest. Thoughtfully combining fabrics can transform your winter wardrobe, making every outfit feel effortlessly chic.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Thermals
If you live in a cold climate, you already know how essential good thermals are for staying warm and cosy in winter. As the base layer of every winter outfit, quality thermals allow you to be more playful with your style, even in freezing temperatures. They come in a range of thicknesses and silhouettes, allowing you to get dressed for different levels of cold. I highly recommend Uniqlo’s thermals (adlink)—I have them in every thickness! On days when I want to wear a lighter knit, I simply layer a warmer thermal underneath. Thermals make it easier to maximise my winter wardrobe while staying warm and comfortable.
I hope these tips show you that staying stylish and warm in winter is possible. It only requires the right mindset and a few layering tricks.
Which tip are you planning to try in your winter wardrobe? Let me know in the comments!
And most importantly—stay warm, cosy, and effortlessly chic this season! ❄️✨
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