14 Winter Outfit Ideas for Women That Are Equal Parts Stylish and Warm (2024)

Ladies, it’s getting cold out there! Like it or loathe it, winter is coming. If we’ve learned anything about swapping wardrobes in preparation for the chilly weather ahead, it’s this: Layering may be the key to fall dressing, but all things cozy are the key to warm winter outfits for women.

Assessing the items in your closet is the first step to styling winter outfits ahead of the season. The goal is to stockpile stylish ensembles that protect you from brisk winds, dipping temperatures, and wet conditions like hail and snow. Heavier pieces like faux fur and weighted knits, warm fabrics (think wool, down, silk, and even leather), long sleeves, long hemlines, and accessories that provide additional coverage (gloves, scarves, ear muffs, etc.) will likely make up the majority of your wardrobe.

Once you've got all your options in front of you, if you’re not sure how to style them in a way that's both functional and fashion-forward, there’s no shame in looking to others for a little winter outfit inspiration.

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Chic Pajamas

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What’s cozier than your favorite pair of winter pajamas? There are plenty of stylish pajamas that can easily double as ready-to-wear. Pair your pieces with a classic wool coat, sneakers for casual occasions (or booties to dress things up), dainty jewelry, and warm accessories like a scarf or beanie. You'll have a sleep-to-street ensemble appropriate for winter outings.

The 20 Best Pajamas for Women To Get the Great Sleep in 2024

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Jumpsuits

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These one-and-done ensembles make layering that much easier because they’re sleek and adhere to your body’s unique shape to act as a true base. They’re also comfortable, with a level of versatility that can’t be matched. They can be worn on the slopes, to the office, or for happy hour. To style, slip into your unitard, add a chunky sweater overtop, some slouchy socks or leg warmers, knee-high boots, a long overcoat, a scarf, and a beanie.

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Head-to-Toe Tweed

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Tweed was forecast to make a comeback for fall, but we have our suspicions that the textured fabric will also be a staple in our winter wardrobes, and for good reason. The material is warm and durable, and while not completely waterproof, it can hold its own against poor weather conditions (within reason).

There are a myriad of tweed pieces you can incorporate into your winter outfits: tweed jackets, full-length coats, long-sleeve tops, and even accessories like baseball caps.

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Leather Looks

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This is another material that’s going to keep you warm throughout the winter months, and there are a few ways to execute the look in your winter outfits. Leather leggings have cycled in and out of fashion since the 1970s, but since Spanx dropped its faux-leather pair in 2015, this kind of sleek-looking bottom has become a staple in many closets. You can also swap a down jacket for a leather option, and trade your fuzzy booties for a sturdier leather pair.

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Velvet Elements

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Another comeback story this winter: all things velvet. Velvet dresses, velvet suits, velvet tops, velvet bows—the 80s staple is making a cameo in our closets once again, and to be honest, we’re not mad about it. Velvet is an excellent fabric to have hanging in your wardrobe in the wintertime, as it’s thick, soft, and oh-so-warm. Pair a maxi velvet dress with thick stockings, boots that climb at least knee-high, and a long overcoat, and you'll have yourself a suit of armor to protect against whipping winter winds.

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Faux Fur Details

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Fur is a common shield against harsh temperatures in the wintertime, and thanks to some innovative designs, there are plenty of faux options that offer the same levels of warmth and comfort. Furry coats, hats, leg warmers, earmuffs, gloves, and more make for excellent additions to cold-weather wardrobes as they trap heat so efficiently.

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Maxi Hems for Maximal Coverage

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Now that we've done all things cozy, let’s talk about coverage. Maxi hems are having a moment because they are both stylish and practical. The longer the hemline, the less skin that is exposed to Mother Nature.Of course, depending on the material of the skirt, you’ll want to invest in some quality tights for an extra layer of warmth, but the pairing is a classic all the same.

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Over-the-Knee Boots

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Another clever source of coverage that might be hiding in plain sight in your closet is your trusty pair of over-the-knee boots. When it’s chilly (not freezing) outside and you want to wear a mini dress or skirt, use your favorite pair to shield your legs from any brisk winds blowing through your neighborhood. Then, when temperatures turn frigid, you can swap leggings for a pair of faux suede or leather boots under a maxi dress. You could also layer them over skinny jeans for additional warmth.

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Opera Gloves

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When you think of gloves for winter wear, mittens, and tech-touch pairs probably come to mind before opera looks. However, opera gloves trail up the arm and are generally made with leather materials—sometimes velvet—making them not only stylish but incredibly warm. All we’re saying is, you might want to consider a swap this season.

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Big Blanket Scarves

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We have Lenny Kravitz to thank for the blanket-scarf phenomenon of the 2010s, and I guess we can credit the artist for its renaissance. Blanket scarves are the epitome of cozy. You can wear them over your shoulders, around your neck, or over your head like a hood if your ears start to freeze in low temperatures. They’re also a highly versatile accessory, as they come in an array of colors and patterns, so you can pick and choose which you’ll wear based on your ensemble.

How to Wear a Blanket Scarf

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Cozy Sweaters

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While sweaters are introduced into our wardrobes in the fall, these pieces shine their brightest in the wintertime (especially if you live on the East Coast). The chunkier, the better in our book. We love an oversized knit tucked into trousers — or a satin maxi skirt for contrast—and you can’t go wrong with a classic denim pairing. Complete the look with a puffer vest over top, some high-top sneakers, and a ball cap. For oversized options or tunic styles, swap traditional bottoms for leggings or yoga pants and lean into the lounge look.

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Chunky Cardigans

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While we love a good overcoat, chunky cardigans make for a fantastic layering piece on a cold winter’s day. Beyond the fact that cardigans are super cozy, they’re also highly versatile. They can be worn with trousers and loafers to the office or as loungewear with flare leggings, a basic long-sleeved shirt, and slippers.

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Matching Knits

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Matching sets saw a spike in popularity during the pandemic that has yet to drop off. They make perfect winter outfits for women because they’re a two-and-done ensemble option. The time that you’d normally spend piecing together a top and bottom is now freed up for honing in on your accessories game. Think outerwear, footwear, jewelry, and any layering pieces required to keep warm throughout the day.

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Sweater Dresses

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Let’s face it: Cold mornings make getting dressed difficult, which is where one-and-done winter outfits, like sweater dresses, come in clutch. Sweater dress outfits will never go out of style for the cold weather months, because they’re classic and easy to put together. You can dress them up with booties and heels or dress them down with flats or sneakers. You’ll want a pair of quality tights at the ready—whether your hemline is mini or maxi length—once weather conditions become unbearable.

As an expert in fashion and winter dressing, I have a deep knowledge of the concepts and ideas presented in the article. Winter outfits for women require careful consideration of various elements to ensure both functionality and fashion-forwardness.

Layering is a key strategy for fall dressing, but when it comes to winter, cozy pieces take the spotlight. It is important to assess the items in your closet and stockpile ensembles that protect you from brisk winds, dipping temperatures, and wet conditions like hail and snow. Heavier pieces such as faux fur and weighted knits, warm fabrics like wool, down, silk, and leather, long sleeves, long hemlines, and accessories that provide additional coverage such as gloves, scarves, and ear muffs should be the focus of your winter wardrobe.

If you're unsure how to style your winter pieces, don't hesitate to seek inspiration from others. There's no shame in finding winter outfit ideas from different sources.

Now, let's dive into the concepts used in the article:

Chic Pajamas: Cozy winter pajamas can double as ready-to-wear outfits. Pair them with a classic wool coat, sneakers or booties, dainty jewelry, and warm accessories like scarves or beanies.
Jumpsuits: These one-and-done ensembles are sleek and easy to layer. Style them with a chunky sweater, slouchy socks or leg warmers, knee-high boots, a long overcoat, a scarf, and a beanie.
Head-to-Toe Tweed: Tweed is a warm and durable fabric that can withstand poor weather conditions. Incorporate tweed jackets, full-length coats, long-sleeve tops, and accessories like baseball caps into your winter outfits.
Leather Looks: Leather leggings, jackets, and boots can keep you warm during the winter months. Swap your fuzzy booties for a sturdier leather pair and trade a down jacket for a leather option.
Velvet Elements: Velvet dresses, suits, tops, and bows are making a comeback this winter. Pair a maxi velvet dress with thick stockings, knee-high boots, and a long overcoat for a stylish and warm outfit.
Faux Fur Details: Faux fur coats, hats, leg warmers, earmuffs, and gloves provide warmth and comfort. They are excellent additions to cold-weather wardrobes as they trap heat efficiently.
Maxi Hems for Maximal Coverage: Maxi hems offer both style and practicality by covering more skin and protecting against the elements. Pair them with quality tights for extra warmth.
Over-the-Knee Boots: Use over-the-knee boots to shield your legs from brisk winds when wearing mini dresses or skirts. When it's colder, layer them over skinny jeans or under a maxi dress.
Opera Gloves: Consider swapping traditional gloves for opera gloves. They trail up the arm and are made with warm materials like leather or velvet.
Big Blanket Scarves: Blanket scarves are cozy and versatile. Wear them over your shoulders, around your neck, or over your head for added warmth and style.
Cozy Sweaters: Chunky sweaters are a winter wardrobe staple. Pair them with trousers, satin maxi skirts, or denim for different looks. Complete the outfit with a puffer vest, high-top sneakers, or a ball cap.
Chunky Cardigans: Chunky cardigans are cozy and versatile layering pieces. Wear them with trousers and loafers or as loungewear with flare leggings and slippers.
Matching Knits: Matching sets are convenient winter outfits that require minimal effort. Focus on accessorizing with outerwear, footwear, jewelry, and layering pieces.
Sweater Dresses: Sweater dresses are classic and easy to put together. Dress them up with booties or heels or dress them down with flats or sneakers. Pair them with quality tights for added warmth.

By incorporating these concepts into your winter wardrobe, you can create stylish and warm outfits that protect you from the cold weather. Remember to have fun with your outfits and embrace your personal style while staying cozy and comfortable during the winter season.