40 Easy Outfit Ideas For a Night Out in the Cold

Updated on 2/2/2023 at 3:36 PM

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Planning a going-out look when it's cold is headache-inducing. Cold-outfit conundrums to consider: How do you show off a little leg without freezing as soon as you walk out the door? How do you shield yourself from a brisk temperature drop while confidently showing off a plunging neckline? The temptation to resort to wearing your go-to sweatpants and winter parka can be very strong. But never fear — there are several ways to style a long-sleeved party dress or chic miniskirt that still look good with tights and a jacket.

The 40 ensembles ahead provide fashionable foundations for pulling off the task. These outfits work for many going-out destinations, from restaurants and bars to concerts and clubs.

Whether you're wearing your favorite silk slip dress over a turtleneck or finishing a minidress with tights and Mary Janes, you're sure to appreciate the addition of these warm layers to your winter wardrobe. Throwing on a furry coat atop your classic skirt set, for example, brings your look even more texture and dimension. And wearing your leather pants with a long-sleeved ruffle blouse — instead of a corset or tank top — could just be the party-ready combo you've been searching for.

Ahead, browse through examples of outfits to wear in the cold straight from the feeds of our favorite fashion content creators, models, and influencers. These expertly put-together looks will help inspire a different approach to how you get dressed for an evening out in the cold. Then shop winter fashion essentials to keep in steady rotation.

Going-Out Outfit: Oversize Fur Coat and Gold Jewelry

Gemstone-encrusted jewels add a touch of glamour for a night out.

Going-Out Outfit: Varsity Jacket, Crop Top, and Cargo Skirt

Style the look with a square-toe boot in a neutral color.

Going-Out Outfit: Leather Pants and White Ruffled Blouse

Finish the look with dramatic waterfall earrings.

Going-Out Outfit: A Statement Coat and Lace-Up Boots

Break up your winter going-out look with a pair of jewel-toned pants.

Going-Out Outfit: A Fuzzy Leopard Coat and Turtleneck

Wear the combination with anything, from a denim miniskirt to jeans.

Going-Out Outfit: A Ribbed Skirt Set and Knee-High Boots

Style your ribbed sweater set over a long-sleeved button-down to give your winter going-out look extra layers.

Going-Out Outfit: Shearling Jacket and Mules

Style a winter going-out look with your favorite white tee and leather miniskirt.

Going-Out Outfit: Studded Minidress and Blazer

Add more coverage to a winter going-out look with a pair of knee-high boots.

Going-Out Outfit: Long-Sleeved Tee Over a Graphic Skirt

Go bold with a pop of neon and a pair of leather stiletto booties.

Going-Out Outfit: Chunky Cropped Knit and Miniskirt

Add a little glam moment with oversize metallic hoops and leather platform boots.

Going-Out Outfit: Cozy Sweater and Bootcut Jeans

Show off a sleek loafer and structured handbag.

Going-Out Outfit: Tailored Shirt Under a Long Trench Coat

Finish the look with floor-skimming pants that come with a side slit for a shoe moment.

Going-Out Outfit: Fuzzy Cardigan and Colorful Pants

Keep the rest of your basics to muted tones, including a tank or tee, boots, a bag, and sunglasses.

Going-Out Outfit: Blazer Dress and Knee-High Socks

Finish out the schoolgirl-inspired moment with lug-sole shoes and mixed-metal jewelry.

Going-Out Outfit: Ribbed Turtleneck and Leather Miniskirt

Don't shy away from bright colors that light up the room in a dark restaurant or bar.

Going-Out Outfit: 3-Piece Pantsuit With Pointed-Toe Flats

Accessorize with a shimmering choker necklace and leather envelope clutch.

Going-Out Outfit: Feathered Minidress and Tights

To create a '90s moment, finish the look with combat boots or a pair with a chunky sole.

Going-Out Outfit: Longline Cardigan and Crochet Hat

Show off some of your coziest and most colorful winter staples on a cold evening out.

Going-Out Outfit: Cropped Sweater and Over-the-Knee Boots

Belted skinny jeans tucked into your boots work best to round off this ensemble.

Going-Out Outfit: Tie-Dye Sweater and Leather Pants

Revel in neon by finishing your look with a matching bag that offers yet another color pop.

Going-Out Outfit: Cinched Puffer With a Scarf and Hat

Style the combination with jeans, thick socks, and lace-up boots.

Going-Out Outfit: Bodysuit and Slit-Front Pencil Skirt

Play up the slit with knee-high slouch boots.

Going-Out Outfit: Sheer Glitter Top Under a Zip-Up

Style the combination with your go-to denim and jewelry.

Going-Out Outfit: Oversize Moto Jacket and Maxi Dress

Ground the winter-ready look with lug-sole Chelsea boots.

Going-Out Outfit: Coords and Thigh-High Boots

If the pattern on your skirt set is busy, opt for a neutral tee or bodysuit underneath.

Going-Out Outfit: Intarsia Hooded Jacket and Denim

Add height in a pair of platform brogues and carry your chain-strap bag.

Going-Out Outfit: Graphic Sweater and Flares

Elevate your cool-weather basics with a pair of vibrant patent boots.

Going-Out Outfit: Bootcut Denim and an Oversize Blazer

For polished yet practical footwear, finish your outfit with Mary Janes.

Going-Out Outfit: Baseball Cap and Skinny Jeans

For a casual bar night, play up the look with heeled boots.

Going-Out Outfit: Brown Wool Coat Over a Chunky Turtleneck

Play up the lighter tones in a pair of white jeans and neutral combat boots.

Going-Out Outfit: Plaid Trench Worn as a Dress

For yet another '90s moment, "Clueless"-inspired yellow plaid always looks punk-rock chic finished with combat boots and a chain necklace.

Going-Out Outfit: Cutout Sweater and Sport Trousers

These dramatic, slitted sleeves give this otherwise sporty outfit an on-trend feel. Swap out the sneakers for platform boots to bring this athleisure look into the evening.

Going-Out Outfit: Ribbed Midi Dress and Slouch Boots

Accessorize with a choker necklace and textural bag that adds dimension.

Going-Out Outfit: '80s Minidress and Power Pumps

Let a loud pattern speak for itself, and opt for minimal jewelry.

Going-Out Outfit: Slick Black Cape and High-Waisted Pants

This all-black 'fit can be rounded out with stilettos and a geometric bag.

Going-Out Outfit: Slip Dress Over a Printed Turtleneck

Go all out with mixed prints, and finish the look with colorful socks or a kitschy earring that plays into the vibe.

Going-Out Outfit: Tights, High Socks, and Mary Janes

Wear your LBD over the sheer separates to provide a finishing touch.

Going-Out Outfit: Luxe Velvet Pantsuit Over a Button-Down

Style the outfit with a mini bag and oversize aviator sunglasses.

Going-Out Outfit: Oversize Hoodie and Ripped Jeans

Make it sleek from head to toe with heeled boots and a glitzy handbag.

Going-Out Outfit: Cropped Tee With Leather Trousers

This classic look always feels sophisticated with pointed-toe pumps.

Shop Winter Going Out Essentials

Zara Straight Cut Wool Blend Coat ($199)