Winter fashion can be tough, sure. But not totally dreadful. In fact, we'd go so far as to say that dressing for the cold is one of our favorites. Why?! Because it leaves tons of room for creativity. A skill that remains at the crux of said creativity? Layering! But before you get overwhelmed or pigeonhole layering as totally pragmatic, believe us when we say that there's a certain artistry to it that makes Winter dressing fun. Truly!
The genius of layering lies within those out-of-the-box, clever, and sometimes quirky whims. An extra sweater styled as a scarf here. An unexpected pop of glitter via sparkly socks there. Fitted mock-neck tops worn beneath lower necklines to ward off chill. And so forth. Since these layering hacks aren't always the most intuitive, we viewed it as our duty to bring you some creative Winter outfit ideas that are A) stylish (duh) B) incorporate layers, and C) are easy to pull off (phew!). Does it get any better? We think not.
Whether you're already growing tired of tights, craving easy-but-warm combos that go beyond a sweater and jeans, or simply need some fresh color ideas, ahead, witness seven layering hacks we love for Winter, as illustrated by some of our favorite fashion influencers. Shop each layered look head to toe, including some of our favorite new pieces from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's.
Transform a warm-weather miniskirt into a Winter staple by layering a cozy sweater over top and adding in a pair of tights for extra warmth. A colorful quilted bag, a pair of Western boots, and a bandana tied in your hair achieves a result that we happily refer to as quirky-chic.
A beloved fashion-girl hack for staying cozy sans a scarf? A second sweater styled as a scarf. Whether you choose to wrap a second knit around your neck or simply drape one over your shoulders, this look is supereasy to pull off with either matching sweaters or a mix of colors. Go for a pair of utility trousers tucked into slouchy boots for an unexpected finish.
kensie Kenley Bootie ($77, originally $129)
This outfit is actually quite simple: a cozy teddy coat, jeans, and ankle boots aren't exactly groundbreaking. The secret and rather subtle sauce, however, is a pair of sparkly tights (or knee-high socks) that peak from beneath the hem of the jeans. Not only do they make cropped denim more wearable in the cold, but they're just plain fun when the rest of your outfit is rooted in basics.
If you're the type to rock a base layer beneath your knits, go the extra mile with a pop of neon. Keep the color coming with bright tube socks and coordinating sunnies (pink hair not required, though totally encouraged if that's your jam).
Apt. 9 x Cara Santana Faux Leather Cargo Pants ($34, originally $68)
Embrace the athleisure look by layering a cozy turtleneck underneath a cropped sweatshirt. Then, take your look in an edgy direction with a pair of utility pants and chunky combat boots. For a fashion-girl finale? A designer bag! Preferably one that can be worn crossbody.
OK, so you're not into a super bundled look. That's cool. Instead, team together cozy textures for a warm-ish outfit like a sweaterdress and trendy sherpa jacket. For a feminine finish, give snakeprint knee-high boots and hoop earrings a try.
We love a plunging neckline, but when there's a risk for frostbite, we're very much here for layers. A fitted mock-neck tee instantly makes a V-neck wrap dress Winter-proof (the same goes for a cool pair of combat boots).