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.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As a fashion expert with a deep knowledge of winter outfits for women, I can confidently assure you that layering and cozy fabrics are essential for staying warm and stylish during the cold season. When preparing your wardrobe for winter, it's important to assess the items you already have and focus on pieces that protect you from brisk winds, dipping temperatures, and wet conditions like hail and snow.

To achieve a stylish and warm winter ensemble, consider incorporating heavier pieces like faux fur and weighted knits, as well as warm fabrics such as wool, down, silk, and leather. Long sleeves, long hemlines, and accessories like gloves, scarves, and ear muffs can also provide additional coverage and protection.

If you're unsure how to style your winter pieces in a functional and fashion-forward way, don't hesitate to seek inspiration from others. There are various winter outfit ideas that can help you look chic and keep cozy throughout the season.

Here are some concepts used in the article:

Chic Pajamas: Stylish pajamas can double as ready-to-wear outfits when paired with a classic wool coat, sneakers, dainty jewelry, and warm accessories like scarves or beanies.
Jumpsuits: These one-and-done ensembles make layering easier and can be styled 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 be incorporated into winter outfits through jackets, full-length coats, long-sleeve tops, and accessories like baseball caps.
Leather Looks: Leather leggings, jackets, and boots provide warmth during winter months and add a sleek touch to your outfits.
Velvet Elements: Velvet dresses, suits, tops, and bows are making a comeback and offer thick and soft warmth. Pair a maxi velvet dress with thick stockings, knee-high boots, and a long overcoat for a stylish winter look.
Faux Fur Details: Faux fur coats, hats, leg warmers, earmuffs, and gloves are excellent additions to cold-weather wardrobes as they trap heat efficiently.
Maxi Hems for Maximal Coverage: Maxi hems provide both style and practicality by minimizing exposed skin to the elements. Pair them with quality tights for extra warmth.
Over-the-Knee Boots: Over-the-knee boots can shield your legs from brisk winds when wearing skirts or dresses and can be layered over skinny jeans for additional warmth.
Opera Gloves: Opera gloves, made with leather or velvet, are stylish and warm alternatives to traditional gloves.
Big Blanket Scarves: Blanket scarves are cozy and versatile accessories that can be worn in various ways to keep warm.
Cozy Sweaters: Chunky sweaters shine in the wintertime and can be paired with trousers or satin maxi skirts for a chic look. Oversized options or tunic styles can be worn with leggings or yoga pants for a lounge look.
Chunky Cardigans: Chunky cardigans are cozy and versatile layering pieces that can be worn with trousers and loafers for a formal look or with flare leggings and slippers for a casual look.
Matching Knits: Matching sets are two-and-done ensembles that simplify outfit planning, allowing you to focus on accessories to keep warm throughout the day.
Sweater Dresses: Sweater dresses are classic and easy to put together, making them ideal for cold mornings. They can be dressed up with booties and heels or dressed down with flats or sneakers, paired with quality tights for added warmth.

By incorporating these concepts into your winter wardrobe, you can stay warm and fashionable throughout the season. Happy styling!