Whether you like to spend most of your winter days inside or you prefer to venture out in cold weather, you probably need something cute to wear besides sweatpants [1], PJs, and a big puffer coat [2]. The good news is that you don't need to buy any more wardrobe essentials [3] than what's already stocked in your closet to construct stylish, comfortable, and functional looks this season. Most of the outfits here consist of basics such as live-in denim; quality, versatile boots [4]; ribbed knits and sweater dresses; turtlenecks that work as the perfect foundation; and tights, a must-have outfit accoutrement this time of year. Piling on these simple pieces with a trendy coat [5] you've invested in is really all you need to do before heading out the door.
If you need a travel outfit for a long drive, we've got your back, from cozy joggers [6] to accessories like fuzzy bags and bucket hats. And if you just want to zhuzh up your walk-around-the-block attire, we're here to offer subtle tips and tricks for making your outfit feel more considered, even on a bleak day when the effort is minimal. If you refuse to slip into a pair of rigid jeans this winter and you're just trying to look polished in leggings [7], we promise it's doable with the right jacket, a baseball cap, and a pair of lug-sole waterproof boots [8].
Ahead, determine which outfits speak to your mood this winter, courtesy of some of our favorite industry creatives, then get inspiration for what to wear to work in the cold [9] when you need something a little more sophisticated.
Cute Winter Outfits With a Belt
While you may at first consider a cute winter outfit with a belted coat, try wearing your waist-cinching accessory under an open jacket, rather than on top as the final piece. You can layer with a turtleneck and tights to provide ample warmth. Use your belt to create dimension and break up separates such as a pleated skirt, a sweater, and leather boots.
Cute Winter Outfits With Plaid
To construct a cute winter outfit around your plaid skirt that isn't full-on prep, add a sporty touch with the help of a striped crewneck shirt or puffer jacket. Futuristic sunglasses, a shoulder bag, and hoop earrings also lend a chic update to the traditionally classic and refined print.
Cute Winter Outfits With a Bright Coat
Keep the rest of your accessories rather muted if your cute winter outfit revolves around a neon coat. A gray turtleneck or sleek black pumps are accessories you may want to employ to ground out your look.
Cute Winter Outfits With Animal Print
You'll want your cold-weather outfit to revolve around the pièce de résistance (aka the animal pattern). Choose all black for your other outfit pieces, and add a trendy touch of leather if you can, which will offer dimension and edge.
Cute Winter Outfits With a Skirt
Throw your thick, winter-appropriate wool jumper over a trendy midi skirt, and complete your cute cold-weather outfit with sock boots.
Cute Winter Outfits With a Knit Dress
Rock that cute winter ribbed knit dress you've been wearing as loungewear inside the house with suede over-the-knee boots, a dramatically oversize cardigan, and a mini statement purse.
Cute Winter Outfits With Tall Boots
Wear your knee-high boots in the winter over tights with a miniskirt and lots of layers up top to complete your cold-weather outfit.
Cute Winter Outfits With Pumps
Wear an ankle-grazing pant that allows for a cute shoe moment, and complete with a slick winter coat you can cinch at the waist in cold weather.
Cute Winter Outfits With Sneakers
Allow your sneakers to provide your winter neutrals with a needed pop of color. The cold weather is the optimal time to wear comfortable walking shoes [11] like trainers.
Cute Winter Outfits With Leggings
Yes, leggings can be cute as part of a cold-weather outfit. Tuck them into lug-sole boots, and style with a long winter puffer jacket [12] and retro sunglasses.
Cute Winter Outfits With White Jeans
Cap off cropped white denim you might have worn in the summer with a tough combat boot to play up the winter vibes. Tuck a pair of cozy socks underneath, and your cold-weather outfit is complete.
Cute Winter Outfits With a Waist Bag
When it's the season to go hands-free or perhaps make use of your jacket pockets, we love the idea of layering a turtleneck, a long trench coat, then your waist bag swung around over your shoulder as a finishing touch. It's the perfect functional and cute winter outfit.
Cute Winter Outfits With a Newsboy Cap
Let the color of your hat — newsboy cap or otherwise — set the tone for a monochromatic cold-weather outfit with plenty of winter layers.
Cute Winter Outfits With Dr. Martens
Try layering thick ankle socks over your tights, then finish with your trusty Doc Martens [13] to keep your toes extra warm in the cold weather.
Cute Winter Outfits With a Blazer
Try layering a wool peacoat over a blazer in a contrasting color. Extra warmth, extra dimension this winter.
Cute Winter Outfits With Tights
A classic cold-weather outfit combo is opaque black tights, a go-to LBD, and a long, checked coat with a shoulder bag. A knee-high leather slouch boot makes for the perfect finishing statement in the winter.
Cute Winter Outfits With a Beanie
Go hands-free in the winter by swinging your waist bag over your shoulder and turning it toward the front for easy access. Always finish your cold-weather outfit with a beanie for that on-the-go vibe.
Cute Winter Outfits With Sweatpants
Curious how to style gray sweatpants [14]? We have plenty of ideas. For one, give your sweatsuit a touch of class with a long, wool winter jacket. Keep things sporty on the bottom in white sneakers and thick ankle socks as part of this on-the-go, cute winter outfit.
Cute Winter Outfits With Mom Jeans
Coordinate your baggy or '90s bootcut denim with a turtleneck and cropped winter jacket. Finish with a messenger bag to hit the cold weather in style.
Cute Winter Outfits With PJs
You better believe you can sneak a cozy PJ set underneath your cocoon coat and button it up to appear polished on the outside. A quirky-colored statement bag keeps things light on a cold, wintry day when you want to be comfortable and effort-free.
Cute Winter Outfit For Traveling
Layer up with any wardrobe essentials [15] you may need to mix and match on your trip, like a lightweight turtleneck and shirt jacket.
Cute Winter Outfits With a Puffer Coat
Zip (or button) your winter puffer to the top, and complete with a rolled trouser and your classic, go-to sneaker for a cold-weather outfit that's rooted in the '90s.
Cute Winter Outfits With Loafers
The shoe du jour is a flat loafer, and it looks just right through winter styled with tights, plus a throw-on-and-go coat dress that does all the talking.
Cute Winter Outfits With a Miniskirt
Utilize the coord skirt set you wore all fall, but this time start with a long-sleeved shirt underneath. Naturally, a miniskirt will call for tights during the winter months.
Cute Winter Outfits With a Maxi Dress
Choose a floor-length winter coat of the same length — but with much thicker fabric, especially if your maxi is breezy — and coordinate with a leather boot that rises underneath your hemline.
Cute Winter Outfits With a Leather Bomber Jacket
This cute cold-weather outfit simply requires your favorite leather bomber or varsity jacket and a matching maxi skirt in the same hue. You can layer tights and thick socks underneath and finish with a simple slingback pump.
Cute Winter Outfits With a Boyfriend Shirt
Rather than tucking one in, try wearing your oversize button-down long in length with a '70s-style flare pant and a fuzzy statement coat. It's a fun, relaxed take on the decade that you can try for weekend brunch in the cold weather.
