27 Cold Winter Outfit Ideas That Are Both Cute and Casual

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, PJs, and a big puffer coat. The good news is that you don't need to buy any more wardrobe essentials 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; 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 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 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, we promise it's doable with the right jacket, a baseball cap, and a pair of lug-sole waterproof boots.

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 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 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 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 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? 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 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.