Even if you’re out of ideas on how to create a new look once the weather outside gets frightful, or if you’re wondering what to wear in winter to break out of your slump, read on for our top suggestions on what to do with your winter clothing!
Back to Basics: What to Wear in Winter
Cold-weather wardrobes aren’t always easy to build. With so many options, you could get lost under a mountain of ideas! Don’t get intimidated—just keep in mind a few basic, affordable winter clothing items that will help you through and make sure to layer up with the right materials.
Layering Up
Layers are the go-to style choice for fall and winter to help every girl stay chic and cozy at all levels of cold. It’s almost like you have three different looks in one day! Your indoor look is your base layer, your mid-way look adds a cardigan or blazer, and your outdoor look is fully covered with a coat, scarf, and hat!
Some of the best affordable winter clothing layering pieces include leggings, skirts, vests, ponchos, and tunics! Add all of these to your closet to ensure you have tons of ensemble options without busting out the dated basics!
The Right Materials
The right materials are crucial to ensuring you stay warm all winter long. When dealing with the chilly winter air, it’s best to avoid outer layers made of moisture-wicking, breathable, and aerated fabrics. Instead of keeping you cozy, these fabrics let in even the smallest of breezes. To stay toasty, go for options like:
- Polypropylene
- Wool
- Silk
- Suede (vegan)
- Velvet
- Fur (vegan)
- Down (synthetic)
- Cashmere
You may think some of these sound uncomfortable and scratchy (we’re looking at you, wool), but when you get merino wool or a wool blend, you’ll enjoy a softer touch than you’re used to. Knit wool is also an amazing option for cardigans and sweaters, while velvet, faux suede, and synthetic down allow you to play with texture while keeping your winter clothing affordable!
The Perfect Jacket
Jackets are the final piece that complete every ensemble. Stay inspired by including basic styles in your wardrobe, but adding a little twist to each one with unique colors, cuts, and patterns!
Moto Jacket
The moto jacket used to be for biker chicks only, but now its market has expanded to include anyone who wants to don something a little edgy and sharp. You can find plenty of vegan leather options in black, burgundy, and navy to add a sleeker silhouette and some rocker embellishments to your outfit. Moto jackets have definitely found their niche in the winter clothing market.
Military-Inspired
Military inspired jackets provide both casual and formal options. Choose an army-style jacket for utilitarian activities, like hiking, and go for a trench coat when you want a little more stylish protection from the elements. Both are the perfect affordable winter clothing for any outdoor occasion!
Pea Coat
While the pea coat is also a military-inspired outerwear piece, it deserves its own category simply because of all the varieties that are available today. From hundreds of prints, patterns, and colors to tons of cuts, embellishments, and lengths—the pea coat is the most versatile outerwear around!
Accessories Galore
No, we’re not talking about jewelry here—we mean scarves, gloves, hats, and socks! If you’re wondering what to wear in winter to really keep you cozy, boutique accessories are EVERYTHING. They also add the perfect finishing touch to your ensemble.
Scarves
There are so many styles, materials, and colors of scarves that you’d have to work extra hard not to find one that matches your look. For something a little lighter, choose an acrylic blanket scarf, and if the wind is REALLY blowing, always wear that large knit wool scarf!
Gloves
While not every winter needs gloves, if you’re living in a place where it dumps snow all the time, these are a closet essential. We recommend going with basic black, but if black is a staple in your wardrobe, it may be time to add a pop of color with green, blue, or burgundy in faux leather.
Hats
For affordable winter clothing that is really the MVP of cold weather accessories, you can’t go wrong with a beanie. Beanies no longer mean skater-boy chic—now they have pom poms, ears, flowers, and more to make them feminine and fashionable. You can also really step it up with a ski hat, bomber hat, or furry headband or Cossack.
Socks
You might not have considered socks as a cute winter accessory, but if you’re wearing a skirt or dress, how are you going to spice up a pair of boring leggings or tights? Patterned ankle high socks can really pump up your look, while a pair of modern thigh-highs keep you warm and chic.