(Fashion)

Here's What To Wear To Look Effortlessly Chic This Winter

by Carina Finn
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Winter dressing can be tricky to master—you want to feel cozy and warm without resorting to living in sweats or wearing a bulky coat every time you leave the house. Fortunately, there are a few key elements to creating effortlessly chic cold-weather outfits. It’s always smart to start with breathable, temperature-regulating materials like wool and cotton that will keep you warm but not too warm. Choosing loose, drapey styles that allow for freedom of movement while creating a sophisticated silhouette is also a solid strategy, especially when layering. And when it comes to shoes, go for something comfortable like a stylish pair of sneakers or leather boots you can walk around in all day. The pieces on this list are curated to prioritize warmth and comfort without sacrificing style, so you can create endless elegant looks all season long.

The essential slouchy bag

Coach’s Brooklyn bag has become an it-girl essential for a reason. The oversized design makes this an ideal replacement for your giant canvas tote bag, with a roomy interior that’s big enough for a 15-inch laptop plus an interior pocket for your phone, keys, and beauty essentials. It has a wide 12.5-inch handle that’s comfortable to wear and is made from natural grain leather with brass hardware.

A fuzzy cashmere hood

If beanies aren’t your style, it’s time to start experimenting with chic winter hoods. This fuzzy brushed cashmere piece from Cos will keep your head, neck, and ears warm while giving major old movie star energy. It also converts into a neck warmer, and comes in beige and chocolate brown.

Square-toed suede boots

These brown suede boots are versatile enough to wear with practically any outfit, and they have a zipper closure on the inner calf that makes them easy to get on and off. The flared block heel and square toe details keep them from feeling too basic, and they come in a variety of calf widths so you can find the perfect fit.

A classic wrap coat

This wrap coat feels like a cozy robe but is stylish enough to toss over an evening gown or a simple jeans-and-sweater outfit. It’s made from a warm blend of recycled wool and polyester, and features an oversized, wide lapel so you can show off your favorite scarves and turtlenecks.

A calming pendant necklace

Add a grounding element to your ensemble with the ultimate emotional support necklace. These subtly sculpted pendants are designed to look and feel like a worry stone, so they’re perfect if you tend to fidget with your jewelry. It comes in sterling silver and gold vermeil, and you can choose from two chain lengths.

A fluffy cashmere cardigan

This cardigan is made from 100% cashmere, so it will quickly become the piece in your winter wardrobe that you reach for over and over. The brushed finish makes it ultra-soft and warm, and the ribbed trimming and oversized horn buttons add some extra sophistication.

Drapey wool trousers

Made from 100% wool with a breathable organic cotton lining, these wide-leg trousers are the definition of effortless chic. They’re tailored but easy to move around in, and have practical details like a hidden button and slanted side pockets. They’re dry-clean only, but because they’re made from naturally water- and odor-resistant wool, you can wear them a few times before taking them in.

A classic tartan dress

I personally own several of nap dresses because you can wear them year-round and style them so many ways, but the blackwatch tartan pattern is especially good for winter. Wear this one with heels and a little jacket for holiday parties, or style it with tights, boots, and a cute cardigan for winter weekend outings.

A sheer cashmere top

Intimissimi’s lightweight cashmere pieces are perfect for layering, so you might want to stock up. This boat-neck long-sleeve top is made from a cashmere and modal blend with a touch of elastane for added softness and stretch. It’s slightly sheer—so you can show off a pretty bralette underneath—but it’s also surprisingly warm.

Barrel leg fleece pants

The barrel leg silhouette is here to stay, and these fleece pants from Beyond Yoga take the trend in a soft yet structured direction. These pants are made from a thick, comfy cotton fleece blend and have vertical front seams, patch pockets, and tapered ankles. Style them with a chunky knit sweater or an oversized blazer for going out, then wear them while you watch your favorite comfort show on the couch.

A moisturizing tinted balm

In case you haven’t heard, this winter is all about butter skin—and Jones Road’s Miracle Balm is one of my personal hero products. It’s formulated with moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil and Vitamin E that help combat winter dryness, and the wide range of sheer, buildable shades makes it easy to enhance the natural flush that comes with being outdoors on a blustery day.

A pair of suede sneakers

The Adidas Speziale is a sleek alternative to the ubiquitous Sambas. Made from two-toned suede with a thick, supportive gum sole and extra interior padding, these shoes are comfortable enough for all-day wear right out of the box. The rounded toe and minimalist aesthetic make them a great pick to style with everything from trousers and maxi skirts to cute sweats.

A pleated wool skirt

Buck Mason’s high-quality California-inspired basics are always a good place to start when you want to look put together without thinking too hard. This ankle-length rib-knit wool skirt is perfect for winter date nights or events. Pair it with their featherweight silk cashmere long sleeve for an elegant monochromatic look.

A big cozy wrap

Nothing says “I woke up like this” like showing up swathed in cashmere. This oversized wrap can be worn as a scarf or shawl, but you can also use it as a lightweight blanket for those times when you need to curl up and be cozy without sacrificing style.

A soft, slouchy tee

When it comes to dressing for cold weather, it’s essential to have soft base layers. This knit tee is made from 80% alpaca and has a slouchy fit with elbow-length sleeves that make it the perfect piece to style under wrap coats and blazers, or with slip skirts and dresses.

A lounge dress you can wear out

One-and-done outfits can be tricky to pull off during the colder months, but this dress is an exception. It’s made from a comfortable, curve-hugging modal and spandex blend that’s equally great for a night out or hosting an intimate dinner party at home. Little extras like a silk lapel, lettuce edges, and a dramatic side slit make it feel more elevated than your average lounge dress.

A preppy quarter zip sweater

This versatile sweater can go from laid back to sophisticated with a quick zip. It’s made from a thick rib-knit Mongolian cashmere to keep you from feeling the chill if you’re doing something outdoorsy, but it’s elegant enough to style for casual cocktails or an afternoon spent watching the snow from your window.

An elegant knit blazer

This knit blazer has a split waist that makes it especially great for styling with high-waisted bottoms. It fits close to the body, so it’s easy to wear under a dressier coat, and the tiny front buttons and princess seams give it a refined look.