As someone who has a love/hate relationship with winter—I love roast dinners by a fire, but I hate having cold hands—my opinion on the season can vary by the day depending on my mood and circumstances. What I am, however, a fashion editor who likes nothing more than a brilliant new coat and jumper, so winter outfits are where I put most of my focus. As I'm sure we can all agree, a good outfit is one surefire way to make yourself feel good. So instead of thinking about how my ideally sandal-adorned feet will be stuffed into woolly socks for the foreseeable future, I’m now considering how chic the new boots will be. This mindset is what's going to get me through it.
In preparation for cold-weather dressing, I took it upon myself to do some research. Sifting through hundreds of outfits created by my favourite fashion people, seven stood out to me. Why? Well, they’re not just any old outfits; they’re easy but incredibly chic outfits. This is important because, I don’t know about you, but I feel like everything is just a bit more effort during winter. As such, I’m all about easy formulas that work no matter the occasion and aren't totally boring either: think V-neck sweaters teamed with long leather gloves or animal-print jackets with jeans.
These looks are going to fool my friends into thinking I’ve spent hours getting ready, when really, I just pre-planned and drank my coffee extra fast. Scroll to see my foolproof formulas and shop any pieces you need to re-create them that you don't already own.
7 Easy Winter Outfits That Just Work
1. Maxi Coat + Jacket + Smart Trousers
Style Notes: Never let anyone tell you an all-black outfit—or a monochrome one, for that matter—is boring. When an array of sleek separates comes together as one cohesive look, it never fails, and I love how Ingrid has worn her frog-button jacket with a long tailored coat. Note to self: remember to buy a tassel scarf.
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You'll wear this for years to come.
The jacket I haven't stopped thinking about since I tried it on in Selfridges.
Guaranteed to always look polished.
A fringed scarf is the only finishing touch you need.
2. Animal-Print Jacket + Jeans + Flats
Style Notes: It’s the outfit formula dominating our feeds, and long may it continue. The timeless pairing of an animal-print jacket (or a coat, once it gets cold) plus classic jeans and a white T-shirt is so effortless—just take a look at Aimee Song (pictured above) for further proof.
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Yep, you've probably seen this one on your FYP.
The cropped length will show off a great pair of flats.
For milder days when boots are too much.
I'm loving all the rodeo style belts around right now.
3. V-Neck Jumper + T-Shirt + Tonal Trousers
Style Notes: The COS V-neck knit (in brown or "Cadbury" purple—you know the one) has already become a staple. Timeless, classic and easy to layer, I can’t get enough of Sarah Lousie Blyth’s addition of long leather gloves. Would adding a ring on top be too much? I’ll let you decide.
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The higher neckline is so good.
I stand by the fact this Uniqlo crew neck is the best white T-shirt around.
I'm into the utility edge.
These also come in bold purple.
4. High-Neck Knit + White Shirt + Barrel-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: There's something that looks instantly expensive about a navy knit, isn't there? Especially when worn with black as a slight contrast. I'll be copying this jumper-over-shirt look for the office when the air con is inevitably still on.
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I'm all about the cropped length to show off a shirt underneath.
COS will forever be the destination for the best cotton shirts, in my opinion.
I have these, and they're the dream fit.
I'm a big fan of the heel on this Topshop pair.
5. Fair Isle Jumper + Column Skirt + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: When I think about winter outfits, my mind sees Fair Isle jumpers and mulled wine. Instead of wearing them with cosy trousers, though, Marilyn illustrates how to elevate the knit by layering it over a shirt with a pencil skirt.
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It's not winter without one of these sweaters.
I appreciate that this has belt loops.
The wearable heel height sold me.
Pretty much every outfit can benefit from gold hoops.
6. Faux-Fur Coat + Pencil Skirt + Slingbacks
Style Notes: Winter isn’t winter without a sprinkling of faux fur, is it? Whilst I’m enjoying all the collar-and-cuff-only iterations, a full coat never fails. Sylvie Mus adds that Parisian touch by pairing it with a sleek skirt and slingbacks. I would also wear it with baggy indigo jeans and loafers.
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This looks so much more expensive than it is.
This comes in every classic colour you can think of.
The pencil skirt is back.
Parisians add slingbacks to tights.
7. Checked Shirt + Trench + Utility Trousers
Style Notes: I already own far too many plaid shirts. Why? Because they’re so versatile. Add one over a T-shirt with a trench, with leather trousers and Western boots or even as a "just in case" layer around your waist or shoulders.
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This is perfect, in my opinion.
Funnel-neck iterations are everywhere.
These look equally as good with heels as they do with flats.
DeMellier's latest style is just as good as I expected.