Winter Outfit Ideas: How to Dress Warm and Stylish

Words by Ellie Hibberd and Sophia Miller

Baby, it’s cold outside. In chilly temperatures, our fashion priorities tend to change – and getting dressed can feel uninspiring when it becomes a step-and-repeat of knitwear and outerwear. Luckily, there are a few subtle ways to freshen up your winter formula without letting the cold cramp your style. Spring, who?

Outerwear as the Outfit

We’ve all been there – dark, early mornings that begin with a frantic rummage through your wardrobe in search of something both cosy and cool. These are the times to bring out the one-and-done solution. With a couple of statement coats or jackets in your arsenal – see Loewe’s brushed check number or Nour Hammour’s vintage-inspired shearling overcoat – the rest of your look can be stripped back to basics. This formula works for evening, too – just swap the boots for a pair of metallic heels, layered with cashmere hosiery to ward off the chill. Socks and sandals never looked so good.

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Choose the Right Base Layers

Fashion and function can go hand in hand – just ask those well-accustomed to sub-zero temperatures. Any Scandinavian worth their salt swears by cleverly concealed thermals, but the truly style-savvy go one step further by employing their base layers as an important outfit detail. Think a merino wool rollneck peeping out from a chunky knit, or a cashmere cardigan offering a pop of colour under a jacket. The key? Light layers in naturally thermoregulating fibres offer maximum warmth with minimum bulk.

Pick a Colour Palette

When it comes to colour in winter, it’s all about layering a palette. The millefeuille nature of cold-weather dressing allows for plenty of interest through tones and textures, and combining different shades of ecru, tan or khaki will create an instantly put-together effect. Elegant wrap coats or wool blazers offer a way to do it without concealing all the hard work underneath – Max Mara, Brioni and Blazé Milano are just a few of the names making masterful outerwear in a carefully considered colour scheme.

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Make Knitwear the Focus

Thick knitwear provides the foundation to every winter wardrobe, but how you layer it is the real game-changer. Right now, heritage appeal reigns supreme: think chunky cable knits and Fair Isle jumpers that wouldn’t look out of place on a far-flung Scottish isle. For added insulation, wear yours with a collared polo shirt, midi skirt and boots fit for a Highland stomp. Extra style points go to those whose skirt of choice is a kilt – another heritage piece seen at Burberry, Loewe and, most recently Johnstons of Elgin, in collaboration with independent brand Le Kilt.

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Embrace Cosy Accessories

When the January frost really starts to bite, there’s only one thing for it: it’s time to bring out the hats, scarves and gloves. Practical as they may be, these knitted staples are far from an afterthought – chosen correctly, they can inject even the simplest looks with a dose of personality. The trending pieces of AW25? Scarf-hat hybrids that serve face-framing Little Red Riding Hood chic, and fun, fluffy accessories (think earmuffs and mittens) that dial up cosy to the highest setting.

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Your Questions Answered

The key to layering winter clothes without looking bulky is to choose light layers. Contrary to what you might think, several thin layers of fabric can actually keep you warmer than a single thicker layer, as they trap pockets of air which insulate your body and slow down heat loss. Start with merino wool or cotton base layers, then add a jumper and your choice of coat. If it’s very cold, you can layer on a cardigan or gilet to keep your core extra toasty – and don’t forget a pair of thermal leggings!

Natural fibres like wool (including lambswool, merino wool and cashmere), silk and flannel work well to keep you warm in the winter, trapping heat between their fibres while wicking moisture to help you regulate your body temperature. Equally, thick, textured fabrics like corduroy, tweed and denim are insulating choices for winter trousers or outerwear. On the technical side, fleece and synthetic down are often used in sportswear and skiwear for their lightweight yet ultra-warm properties.

For temperatures that dip more than a few degrees below zero, puffer jackets are undoubtedly the warmest choice, whether filled with down or its synthetic equivalent. Elsewhere, wool coats are both warm and durable – make sure they’re made of a heavyweight variety or double-lined for the most insulating result.

There’s no need to give up your beloved dresses in the wintertime – with the right layers, they can be warm enough. Firstly, invest in a good pair of high-denier tights – wool versions are particularly cosy and nod to this season’s preppy, heritage-inspired trend. Longer dresses can even be worn with cleverly concealed thermal tops and leggings underneath. Knee-high boots are a chic and snug footwear option, and more elegant wrap coats can be a good alternative to oversized puffers if your dress leans towards the feminine.