How To Look Chic When It's Cold

Winter dressing isn’t exactly synonymous with chic. We begin the season with the best intentions, but practicality inevitably takes over, and before long, style starts to feel like an afterthought. Still, dressing for warmth doesn’t have to mean sacrificing polish. With a few thoughtful choices, it’s entirely possible to look chic, even when it’s cold. In this post, I’m sharing my best tips and tricks for dressing chic in cold weather plus some chic winter outfits for inspiration.

How To Look Chic When It’s Cold

1/ Layer base layers under your clothes instead of adding a thicker coat

Some days, a puffer coat is a must – I get that. But if the weather is hovering around 20 degrees, you can absolutely get away with a wool coat. The trick is adding warm base layers underneath your clothes. For me, I have a couple tops and a pair of bottoms from Uniqlo that have served me well this winter. They work wonders in cold weather and allow me to wear my more chic outerwear options without sacrificing warmth.

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2/ Style your puffer coat as part of a complete outfit

If you must wear a puffer coat – and, believe me, many days you will – think of it as part of the outfit, not just a functional layer. Style it with ankle boots, chic accessories, and even sunglasses to elevate the look. It’s often tempting to default to sneakers (which I absolutely do, too), but pairing a puffer with sleek boots or adding a polished scarf instantly balances the outfit and makes it feel far less sporty.

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3/ Wear shearling-lined Chelsea boots instead of snow boots

On snowy days, instead of automatically reaching for snow boots – which, unless you need them because you’re trudging through several inches of unplowed snow – are not the chicest piece of footwear. Instead, if snow is minimal, I often grab my shearling-lined Chelsea boots. Mine have a substantial platform that keeps them up out of the snow, plus good tread so I’m not slipping around. Admittedly, this category of shoe is limited – here is a similar, better stocked boot from the same brand I own. And here is another, albeit more expensive option.

Styling chunky Chelsea boots is understandably more challenging than styling regular ankle boots which are significantly sleeker and more versatile. I usually opt for a straight, cropped jean rather than a wide-leg or full-length style. It keeps the overall look from feeling too bottom-heavy.

4/ Wear a hood instead of a beanie

I like beanies, but if chic is the goal, try a hood or balaclava instead. They keep your ears warm without the sporty vibe that beanies tend to give.

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5/ Wear chunky socks with ankle boots

You don’t always need chunky boots. If there’s no snow and the weather is decent, a thick sock with ankle boots will usually do the trick. I do this often here in Chicago, and my feet stay surprisingly warm despite the cold. If you live in a cold climate, I recommend going up one size in your boots to allow for heavier socks.

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6/ Invest in a quality wool coat (or two!)

A good wool coat is a must for cold climates, and, in my opinion, there is no outerwear option more chic than a long wool coat. I prefer styles that are slightly oversized and fall to at least my lower calves. In most cases, something longer and more relaxed will look more chic than something that is fitted with few exceptions. You’ll definitely want one that’s lined for more warmth. This is one category of clothing I highly recommend investing in if you live somewhere cold.

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7/ Add a long wool scarf

A long wool scarf is such a chic winter accessory. Choose one in a color you love, neutral or otherwise. It keeps your neck and lower face warm and instantly elevates a winter look. If you can, try matching your scarf to your beanie or hood for a pulled-together feel.

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8/ Choose cashmere or merino wool over cotton

Not only are wool sweaters more functional for cold weather, they’re also very chic. Wool, including cashmere, is far more insulating than cotton. If you live in a truly cold climate, skip the cotton (for now) and opt for wool instead. Cashmere and merino wool, which comes from finer Merino sheep fibers, are also less scratchy if you’re sensitive to natural materials.

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9/ Wear a turtleneck sweater or layer a slim-fitting one underneath

A turtleneck paired with a long wool coat is an elegant, refined winter look, and it’s incredibly warm, too. Depending on your climate, go with cotton or merino wool, with merino being the better option for colder temperatures.

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10/ Carry a nice bag

If you’re wearing something sporty or casual, like a big puffer coat, it’s tempting to grab a nylon sling bag or canvas tote. But if you want to up the chic factor, choose a nicer bag instead — think leather or suede with top handles or a sleek shoulder bag. It balances out the casualness of the coat and elevates the entire outfit.

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