:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-2117544782-6a92973dd14741bbbe65a8a6e0c4effe.jpg "15 Cozy Winter Outfit Ideas for Women")
Like it or loathe it, shiver-causing winters will come around once a year. If we’ve learned anything about swapping wardrobes in preparation for chilly weather, it’s this: Layering may be the key to fall dressing, but all things cozy are the key to warm winter outfits for women. And assessing the items in your closet is the first step to styling winter outfits ahead of the season.
The goal is to stockpile stylish ensembles that protect you from brisk winds, dipping temperatures, and wet conditions like hail and snow. Heavier pieces like faux fur and weighted knits, warm fabrics (think: wool, down, silk, and even leather), long sleeves, long hemlines, and accessories that provide additional coverage (gloves, scarves, and ear muffs) will likely make up the majority of your winter wardrobe.
If you’re not sure how to style these garments in a way that’s functional and fashion-forward, find 15 ways to do so, below.
Chic Pajamas
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There are plenty of stylish, cozy pajamas that can easily double as going-out ensembles. Pair your pieces with a classic wool coat and sneakers for casual occasions (or booties to dress things up). As far as accessories go, opt for dainty jewelry and a scarf or beanie to keep you warm. You’ll have a sleep-to-street ‘fit appropriate for winter outings.
Jumpsuits
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These one-and-done ensembles make layering that much easier because they’re sleek and adhere to your body’s unique shape to act as a true base. They’re also comfortable, with a level of versatility that can’t be matched. They can be worn on the slopes, to the office, or for happy hour.
Head-to-Toe Tweed
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Tweed is a staple in our winter wardrobes. The material is warm and durable, and while not completely waterproof, it can hold its own against poor weather conditions (within reason, of course). In addition to its functionality, it holds an elegance that oozes style.
There are myriad tweed pieces you can incorporate into your winter outfits: jackets, full-length coats, long-sleeve tops, and even accessories like baseball caps.
Teddy Coats
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When it’s particularly chilly and you know you’ll be outside for most of your outing, a teddy coat can be your best friend. It’ll keep you warm and is a fashion statement all on its own. That said, you can easily take it off for an outfit reveal that’s worthy of being on Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
Velvet Elements
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We love all things velvet for winter. Velvet dresses, velvet suits, velvet tops, velvet bows—this ’80s staple stands the test of time. Velvet is an excellent fabric to have hanging in your wardrobe in the wintertime, as it’s thick, soft, and oh-so-warm. Pair a maxi velvet dress with thick stockings, boots that climb at least knee-high, and a long overcoat. You’ll have yourself a suit of armor to protect against whipping winter winds.
Leather Looks
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This is another material that’s going to keep you warm throughout the winter months, and there are a few ways to execute the look in your winter outfits. Leather leggings and pants have cycled in and out of fashion since the 1970s. However, this kind of bottom has become a staple in many modern closets. You can also swap a down jacket for a leather option, and trade your fuzzy booties for a sturdier leather pair.
Faux Fur Accents
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Fur is a common shield against harsh temperatures in the wintertime, and thanks to some innovative designs, there are plenty of faux options that offer the same levels of warmth and comfort. Fuzzy coats, hats, leg warmers, earmuffs, gloves, and more make for excellent additions to cold-weather wardrobes as they trap heat so efficiently.
Maxi Hems for Maximal Coverage
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Now that we’ve done all things cozy, let’s talk about coverage. Maxi hems have been around for ages because they’re stylish and practical. The longer the hemline, the less skin that’s exposed to Mother Nature. Of course, depending on the material of the skirt, you’ll want to invest in some quality tights for an extra layer of warmth, but the pairing is a classic all the same.
Over-the-Knee Boots
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Another clever source of coverage that might already be in your closet is a trusty pair of over-the-knee boots. When it’s chilly (not freezing) outside and you want to wear a mini dress or skirt, use your favorite pair to shield your legs from any brisk winds blowing through your neighborhood. Then, when temperatures turn frigid, you can swap leggings for a pair of faux suede or leather boots under a maxi dress. You could also layer them over skinny jeans for additional warmth.
Opera Gloves
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When you think of gloves for winter wear, mittens and tech-touch pairs probably come to mind before opera looks. However, opera gloves trail up the arm and are generally made with leather materials—sometimes velvet—making them not only stylish but also incredibly warm. All we’re saying is, you might want to consider a swap this season.
Big Blanket Scarves
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We have Lenny Kravitz to thank for the blanket-scarf phenomenon. Blanket scarves are the epitome of cozy and versatile. You can wear them over your shoulders, around your neck, or over your head like a hood if your ears start to freeze in low temperatures. They also come in an array of colors and patterns, so you can pick and choose which you’ll wear based on your ensemble.
Cozy Sweaters
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While sweaters are introduced into our wardrobes in the fall, these pieces shine their brightest in the wintertime (especially if you live on the East Coast). The chunkier, the better in our book. We love an oversized knit tucked into trousers—or a satin maxi skirt for contrast—and you can’t go wrong with a classic denim pairing. Complete the look with a puffer vest over top, some high-top sneakers, and a ball cap. For oversized options or tunic styles, swap traditional bottoms for leggings or yoga pants and lean into the lounge look.
Chunky Cardigans
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While we love a good overcoat, chunky cardigans make for a fantastic layering piece on a cold winter’s day. Beyond the fact that cardigans are super cozy, they’re also highly versatile. They can be worn with trousers and loafers to the office or as loungewear with flare leggings, a basic long-sleeved shirt, and slippers.
Matching Knits
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Matching sets make perfect winter outfits for women because they’re a ready-to-go ensemble option. The time that you’d normally spend piecing together a top and bottom is now freed up for fine-tuning your accessories game. Think outerwear, footwear, jewelry, and any layering pieces required to keep warm throughout the day.
Sweater Dresses
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Let’s face it: Cold mornings make getting dressed difficult, which is where one-and-done winter outfits, like sweater dresses, come in clutch. Sweater dress outfits will never go out of style for the cold weather months, because they’re classic and easy to put together. You can dress them up with booties and heels or dress them down with flats or sneakers. You’ll want a pair of quality tights at the ready—whether your hemline is mini or maxi length—once weather conditions become unbearable.
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