30 Winter Outfit Ideas That Will Make Anyone Look Like a Fashion Person
If there is one season in which I am bound to find myself in a style rut, it would be winter. Living in the Northeast means blistering cold weather that leaves me often wanting to just throw in the towel and live in sweatpants with hoodies, puffer coats, and boots until the cold weather passes. Thankfully, the fashion editor in me often resists the temptation and leads me down the path of finding the chicest winter outfit ideas that will keep me warm without sacrificing style.
As always, Instagram is my first stop when looking for fresh outfit inspiration. There is nothing like a quick check-in with my favorite fashion people to invigorate my resolve to keep stylish no matter the weather. A variety of looks stood out, ranging from elevated, minimalist ensembles to casual-cool denim outfits and fun, fashion-forward options. Key pieces that kept popping up were long coats, leather jackets, slingback heels, black trousers, and square-toed shoes. I was pleased to find that I already had many of these in my closet, which sent me on my way to piecing together some new winter looks.
Ahead, check out 30 chic winter outfit ideas that will have you fitting right in this season in a variety of climates, including Los Angeles, New York City, Amsterdam, London, Paris, and more.
1.
A stylish mix of two major trends of the moment—red sweaters and maxi skirts.
2.
Baseball caps add a casual-cool feel to any look, especially this leather jacket–and-jeans combo.
3.
The textured sweater worn over the shoulder gives this all-black look a cozy boost.
4.
It's sweaterdress season, and the addition of sleek boots is an easy way to dress up the piece.
5.
Sherpa toggle-button coats have been trending. Wear with jeans and heeled black boots for the ultimate chic winter look.
6.
A winter uniform to try: cozy layered sweater, black leather jacket, dark-wash jeans, and loafers. Add colorful socks for a trendy touch.
Dark-wash jeans are perfect for the season.
7.
Outerwear with a contrasting collar makes for an interesting outfit element. Bring in the wide-leg jeans, and you have a cool-girl vibe.
8.
If classic and cozy is your thing, then this oversize neutral cable-knit worn with white straight-leg jeans and Birkenstock clogs will hit the spot.
9.
For the office or dinner out with friends, this French-chic outfit fits the bill. All you need is a vibrant sweater, baggy trousers, and suede pumps.
10.
Tell me this outfit wouldn't have your head turning thanks to the mix of classic pieces like a black sweater and button-down with an edgy leather skirt and fashion-forward flats.
11.
It doesn't get more minimal and chic than a sleek trench coat worn over a black sweater, a black miniskirt, and black knee-high boots.
12.
Here's a super-simple way to look elevated without much effort. Try a belted coat, ankle-grazing jeans, and a pair of black ballet flats.
13.
Europeans always seem to get elevated dressing just right. Here, it is all about the statement yellow-gold necklace, slouchy V-neck sweater, baggy black trousers, and square-toed shoes.
14.
Socks worn with loafers is a trend-forward styling choice I can't get enough of this season, especially with cool jeans and a chic coat.
Long coats are always chic.
Cuffed jeans are trending.
15.
Just take a look at this unforgettable silhouette. All it takes is an A-line trench coat, classic jeans, black tights, and pointed-toe slingback heels. Don't forget the elegant earrings.
16.
We all know sporty-chic vibes are being embraced this season. One great way to pull this off is with a leather maxi coat, a sheer black top, smart trousers, and cool sneakers.
17.
I'm very into this monochromatic brown look with a slouchy turtleneck top and silky pants. I'd consider topping it off with slingback pumps, ankle boots, or Adidas sneakers in a similar hue.
18.
Another incredibly cool sherpa-jacket outfit on the list made even cooler with a woven bag, vintage-looking wide-leg jeans, and pointed-toe shoes.
19.
In case you're in need of some denim winter outfit inspiration, this look is a no-brainer: a long black coat, a classic gray tee, a black belt, distressed jeans, and two-tone loafers.
20.
Major French-girl vibes happening here with a knit jacket with contrast trim, polished jeans with a trouser-like fit, and timeless black ballet flats.
21.
This powerful yet simple look demands attention with an elegant gray coat, a bold red scarf, easy black trousers, and designer ankle boots.
22.
This cute outfit reads as a prep-school look that's all grown up. Re-create it with a long black coat, a neutral sweater and matching scarf, a pleated miniskirt, gray ankle socks, and classic black loafers.
23.
Here's another chic way to wear black trousers this winter. Throw them on with a neutral oversize coat, simple black top, a black belt, and square-toed boots.
24.
I am signing up for flared-legging outfits after seeing this look, where they are perfectly paired with a vintage-style brown leather jacket and kitten-heeled black ankle boots.
25.
For those bitterly cold days, it's all about mixing cozy-chic pieces that keep you warm and stylish. Here we have light-gray winter accessories paired with an oversize dark-gray coat and trendy black Adidas Samba sneakers.
26.
This might be out of left field for many, but just because it's winter doesn't mean you can't attempt a cheeky yet elevated look. This one mixes a long leather coat with a neutral turtleneck top, satin hot pants, sheer black tights, and ankle-strap pumps.
Fashion people have been wearing sheer tights all season.
27.
To pull off this smart, polished denim look, you'll need to reach for a checkered trench coat, a neutral turtleneck top, a statement belt, slightly flared jeans, and super-sleek gray pumps.
28.
This fun look continues the fashion-forward sock theme we've seen throughout this story. Take a prim trench coat and wear it with a woven bag, bright-blue ankle socks, and kitten-heel slingbacks.
An oversize version to hold more of your things.
29.
I am fully embracing this '90s-inspired look with a mid-length black coat, a gray vest layered over a white button-down shirt, black pants, and black loafers.
One Nordstrom reviewer shared, "Perfect cardigan sweater. The right length and weight. I will be wearing this one for years to come."
30.
This everyday winter outfit is on-trend and easy to put together. Start with a sleek black leather jacket, a warm black scarf, a brown woven bag, straight-leg jeans, and black lug-sole boots.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Jennifer Camp Forbes is currently an editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities for over a decade, including creative director and various editor roles. She’s well-known as a shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups, digital moodboards, and extensive knowledge of up-and-coming brands, plus the new arrivals sections of the chicest retailers. Jennifer has had a lifelong interest in fashion which led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion. While she has called Los Angeles and New York City home in the past, she currently works remotely from Massachusetts. When she’s not obsessing over and writing about her latest fashion finds, she is delighting in raising two little ones with her highschool sweetheart, perusing TikTok religiously, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, creating abstract photographs, and eating the best Mexican food she can get her hands on.
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