3 Winter Outfits That Look Ultra Dressed Up But Are Actually So Simple

Winter style doesn't always mean sparkles and large statement coats—for many people, it looks more like layering wardrobe pieces in new and fun ways. Cammie Scott is forced to get creative with her winter outfits because days swing from bone-chilling desert cold to sudden hot beach weather during the winter months in Los Angeles, where she's been quarantining with her girlfriend, Taryn, for nearly the entire time they've been dating(!) and accidentally adopting dogs they were only meant to be fostering. Scott's styling method? "Layering has been key for me recently," she tells me while chatting about how we transition our fall wardrobes into winter. "Rather than putting jumpsuits and dresses into storage for the season, I layer turtlenecks underneath and a jacket, or sometimes two, on top. It not only warms up the outfit, but it also adds interesting textures and prints that can really elevate a look."

Scott is on camera a lot—whether she's posting about getting out to vote or uploading videos from her new Uneducated podcast to open up discussions on difficult and important social topics—and even though it's her job to look good, she has such a unique way of spinning on-trend pieces into personal looks. I tend to stick to basics to create an effortless, simple winter vibe, but I'm inspired by how Scott stretches her wardrobe into the new season, so I asked her to show me how it's done. We both agree the best pieces for layering are from AG, so Scott put together three outfits from the retailer that look dressed up but in reality are so simple and easy to recreate.

A Little Bit of Beige

"Recently, I've been really embracing monochrome outfits, building them not only from the same color but also from the same color family," Scott mentions when I bring up her nack for making neutral colors look dynamic. Playing on different beige tones, from dusty shades of brown to true ivories, is perfect for making an outfit go from basic to elevated and chic. I always appreciate the touches of gold jewelry in Scott's outfits; even when she's having a heavy moment on her podcast, which tends to happen with topics like mental health and coming out in the Christian faith, that pop of shine never gets past me. What can I say? I'm always down for some gold jewelry and a fully neutral outfit.

The Uniform

My style is definitely more on the classic and timeless side, which is why a typical fashion uniform like a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, and a black blazer speaks to my soul. Scott had sustainability in mind when she was styling this look. "I've been working to be more conscientious of lowering my waste, and a large part of that focus is on my wardrobe." A uniform like this one basically has no season, which is why having this exact ensemble on hand is perfect for stretching the mileage of your wardrobe. And in L.A., it's perfect for the winter months. Not on the west coast and need to bundle up? A long coat as a final touch will do.

Matchy-Matchy

Blue is the only color I'll accept as an option for winter—not sorry about it. I don't add much color to my looks, but a denim-on-denim jumpsuit situation with a lightweight turtleneck styled underneath could change my mind. Scott's first outfit proved this isn't her first foray into pulling off head-to-toe looks in one color or fabric, and as she recently pointed out on her Instagram, it's a style that made a lasting impression on her as a kid. "I remember my mom always loving this look, and as a bratty kid I would say she looked 'too matchy-matchy.' Surprise, surprise: Mom knew best, and now I wish I lived closer to her so I could raid her closet." As a mom, I'm keeping this one in my back pocket.