8 Winter Outfits That Are Simple, Stylish and Guaranteed to Earn You Compliments

However well-intentioned I may approach the winter months (from a sartorial point of view), waking up to it still being dark and worryingly cold means I inevitably leave getting out of bed to the very last minute, leaving me in a bit of a time crunch when it comes to getting dressed. The result is that, more often than not, I rely on the easiest outfit I can put together. Luckily for me, simplicity is very much in—especially if you lean more towards the minimalist aesthetic. And if I really think about it, the outfits I tend to admire and save on my Instagram feed are those that look effortlessly thrown together. In other words, I'm more convinced that ever that this winter I can find some fresh looks that tick the boxes of being both easy and gorgeous.

Well, mission accomplished. After much extensive scrolling, I've found eight looks that are easy, in that they are built around wardrobe staples, are comfortable, unfussy, and not made up of multiple complicated elements. But they're also undeniably cool, feeling both on trend (note the inclusion of some very on-trend staples like riding boots, suede jackets and a jolt of red) and effortlessly cool. So come and join me on this lazy dresser's journey...

See 8 Basic Winter Outfits That Are Still Chic and Impressive:

1. Straight-Leg Jeans + Layered Knit + Suede Jacket

@amaka.hamelijnck wearing jeans, jumper and suede jacket

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Style Notes: If there's one denim style I'm loyal to, it's straight-leg jeans. They always give a great silhouette and are endlessly versatile. Give yours a fresh spin with this season's must-have outerwear: the suede jacket. Just make sure you save this look for a non-rainy day.

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2. Knit Dress + Colourful Trench Coat

@dawn.tan wearing grey knit dress with burgundy trench

(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

Style Notes: We'll never stop singing the praises of the knitted dress, which is so versatile, cosy and chic. This season, our favourite trendsetters are giving their minimalist ensembles a fresh twist by swapping their classic trench coats for a version in a rich colour, such as the very on-trend burgundy or deep olive greens.

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3. White Jeans + Long Wool Coat + Birkenstocks

@aimeesong wearing white jeans and long brown coat

(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Style Notes: Aimee's outfit is a masterclass is embracing tonal dressing for winter. This mix of creams, taupes and browns creates an outfit that is undeniably chic yet understatedly cool—thanks in large part to the Birkenstocks.

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4. Barrel-Leg Jeans + Shirt + Jumper + Ballet Flats

@brittanybathgate wearing blue shirt under grey v-neck jumper with barrel-leg jeans

(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

Style Notes: Barrel leg jeans are the marmite style of the season, and up till now I'd been slightly too intimidated to give them a go. But Brittany makes it look so easy—I love how she uses the tailored shirt and jumper combination to make the whole ensemble appear minimalist and elevated.

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5. Tailored Trousers + Sweater Vest

@symphonyofsilk wearing black tailored trousers, sweater vest and red heels

(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

Style Notes: We all know when it comes to winter dressing these days, layering is key. Opting for a sweater vest over a t-shirt is a great option for when you're running between meetings and navigating the brisk outdoors and the overheated indoors. Plus, who can resist a pop of red in the form of a pointed-toe heel?

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6. Textured Leather Skirt + Turtleneck Jumper + Boots

@modedamour wearing croc leather skirt and black turtleneck

(Image credit: @modedamour)

Style Notes: I used to think leather skirts were relegated to my early twenties nights out, but trust @modedeamour to prove how to make them look seriously elevated. The textured croc leather, the elegant black turtleneck—this is a Parisian-inspired dream. Gloves, of course, are entirely optional.

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7. Breezy Dress + Cable Knit Jumper + Boots + Country Jacket

@claudia_berresford wearing a jacket, jumper, dress and boots

(Image credit: @claudia_berresford)

Style Notes: Good news—you don't have to abandon your favourite summer dresses just because the seasons have changed. Claudia's outfit is a masterclass in how to take your breezy white summer dress into the colder months—and this countryside-inspired look just so happens to be very on trend right now.

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8. Column Skirt + Red Jumper + Heels

@femmeblk wearing a red jumper and black column skirt

(Image credit: @femmeblk)

Style Notes: Red is undeniably the colour of the season, and this is a brilliant example of how to inject it into your winter wardrobe. A column skirt can be dressed up or down for every occasion, and a court heel means you can take it from day to night with ease.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Jess Kelham-Hohler is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. She has been a contributor for Who What Wear UK since 2023. Currently based in London following six years in Washington D.C. and New York, she was previously the Digital Editor for Soho House & Co, an international group of private members’ clubs for creatives. She has interviewed a range of artists, creators and more, including Alighieri founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Misan Harriman and fashion editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Today, she writes primarily about fashion, travel and culture for various publications, and has worked as a copywriter and content strategist for brands such as Belstaff, Olivela and Equinox.