Cold, Colder, Coldest: 4 Layered Looks for Winter
Autumn is quickly turning into winter, which means that it’s time to start dressing for colder weather! Depending on where you live, though, your idea of cold weather could mean a lot of different things. For example, someone from SoCal might think that 60 degree weather is “freezing”, but a Midwesterner wouldn’t even call that temperature chilly.
So, whether you experience mild winters or live someplace where -15 °F is the norm, we’ve got you covered. Scroll on down to check out four multi-layered, stylish and cold weather-ready outfits for winter:
Cooling Down
Product Info: Sweater- H&M, Dress- ModCloth, Ring- Betsey Johnson, Scarf- Wet Seal, Tights- Piperlime, Boots- Debenhams
If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where the winter weather tends to stay somewhere between brisk and slightly chilly, this outfit is for you!
Start by pairing a pretty printed dress with a cozy knit sweater and some sturdy riding boots. Next, add some colorful tights, which pick up on the purple hues on the dress, then layer on a light gray scarf. For the finishing touch, add a fun piece of jewelry, like this owl ring.
Getting Colder…
Product Info: Coat- Anthropologie, Sweater- Forever 21, Hat- Shopbop, Boots- Amazon, Shorts- Mango, Tights- J. Crew
This outfit is a great way to experiment with different textures and layers during winter. These wool shorts are warmer than your average pair of cutoffs, and by adding some thick opaque tights you create a look that’s perfect for colder weather. Pair the shorts with an adorable pullover sweater, then add some edgy-yet-practical lace-up boots. Finally, add a lightweight cape coat and a beanie and you’ll be ready to face some winter weather.
Brrr, It’s Cold In Here
Product Info: Sweater- Old Navy, Shirt- Bloomingdale’s, Coat- H&M, Jeans- American Eagle Outfitters, Moccasins- Piperlime, Earrings- Madewell
If you’re looking for a simple and super-warm winter ensemble, look no further than this outfit! Start by layering a cable-knit sweater over a cozy flannel shirt, letting the collar peek out. Add a pair of basic skinny jeans and some comfortable moccasins. Finally, put on a classic and structured pea coat, then add a pair of earrings for interest.
Absolutely Freezing!
Product Info: Coat- Uniqlo, Thermal- J. Crew, Tank- Victoria’s Secret, Scarf- Topshop, Gloves- Target, Boots- Piperlime, Leggings- Aerie, Jeans- Levi’s
Live somewhere where the temperatures can reach sub-zero status? Try out this multi-layered look this winter.
Start by creating a base layer consisting of a tight tank top and a pair of leggings, as this will add an extra layer of warmth without adding a lot of bulk. Next, add a cozy striped thermal and a pair of thick, straight-leg jeans. Add some warm outerwear, like this puffer coat, then wear a pair of insulated, waterproof and super-stylish winter boots. Finally, add some warm gloves and a mustard yellow scarf for a cute and practical look for freezing cold temperatures.
What do you think?
How to you dress for winter weather? How cold does it get where you live? Would you wear any of these looks? Which outfit is your favorite? Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
 |
Posted on on November 20, 2011 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Cold Weather, Fall 2011, Featured, Layering, Outfits, Winter, Winter 2011
Like this post?
Comment Rules: CF is a positive place and our comments section is no different. Constructive criticism is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your comment. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. For more info, see our 
Sarah May
I have that fox sweater and its so comfy and adorable!
Hannah
Cute outfits! Really digging the third & fourth since they actually look warm enough for winter up here. I live in an area where its freezing already, so I’ve had the multiple layers pilled on for awhile now.
Nat
That’s really very helpful. I’m living in Finland and I find the combinations very pretty and useful.
Mayra
I love this! Utah weather can go from ~20F to 50 degrees in one day so this is perfect.
sarah
Can you guys do a post on winter boots? I’m having such a hard time finding cute winter boots that actually keep my feet warm/last for a while. Uggs are not cutting it. Plus, Uggs are really not that cute.
cg
great post! the cable knit sweater in outfit #3 is gorgeous..
i think it’s important for readers to keep in mind that they should make modifications to ALL outfit posts, based on their comfort as well as the weather. :)
miah
i love that this post incorporates stylish outfits that can accommodate this unpredictable michigan weather. we’ve been fluctuating between the 50s and low 30s where i am all week. thank goodness i’m a penguin and absolutely love cold weather, haha.
Shortstories
Love the third outfit, so stylish yet comfty! Great job on this post!
And where I live it reaches -25 grades Celsius in winter sometimes so yeah, it’s really hard helping it if not layering, like, five sweaters under your coat, the difficult part is to stay fashionable while having half of your closet on.
Jessica
Love love love this post. I hope similar articles keep coming! Minnesota is freezing in the winter and it’s hard to keep toe outfit ideas fresh. I agree that an article on winter boots would be helpful too. Thank you!
irina
This post was absolutely amazing and so so useful! I will def be referring to this as the winter gets colder.
C
This is a great post! Especially since everywhere gets different versions of cold and you fit the post beautifully to that! My favorites the Brr it’s cold in here! And I’d just like to say to the people who think 60s freezing that 60 degrees is when us Wahingtonians break out the shorts! :D
Em
Great post! It’s nice to see some warm looks on CF. Sometimes it’s not even that cold outside, but I’m freezing! Hah :)
I would really like to see a similar post on “How to Add Color to a Winter Outfit.” So often the expensive pieces — like coats, boots, snow gloves — are black, navy or brown for practicality’s sake.
Thanks for this article!
shablog
is the h&m peacoat only available in europe?? so sad :(
Tiffany
I’m a SoCal girl going to Reno, NV for Thanksgiving, where I’ve heard it can range from 50*F to 25*F.. which of those outfits should I wear? haha
Nadja
More posts like these! For me, two last outfits fit well. It is usually around zero and colder here.
Jessica - UCLA
I love all of these looks! Glad to see you are helping our readers who live in cold areas because as a SoCal girl I’ve rarely experience temperatures below 50 degrees. I can’t even fathom sub-zero weather let alone what to wear in those conditions. haha. Great job!
Morgan
Does anyone know where I can find some stylish yet warm boots for this winter. I’m an east coast girl that has just moved to the midwest; I’m used to barely freezing or just below freezing temps and am now faced with -15F temps. So, I want some boots that are chic but will still be practical (not too big of a heel because of ice, etc.). Thanks everyone!
Ashley - Flagler College
Thanks for all the feedback! I love reading each and every comment.
For everyone asking about winter boots– CF has done some posts about stylish and warm winter boots in the past, which you can check out here and here. I hope this helps!
@shablog- Unless you live near an H&M store, yes.. unfortunately H&M still doesn’t have online shopping available in the US :(
@Tiffany- I think outfits #2 & #3 would both work for that temperature range, although you might want to add gloves and/or a scarf if it goes down to 25*F. Have fun on your trip!
Kenadie
I like this article. But do you have any ideas on keeping warm without being too warm? My buildings like to crank the heat up when it gets cold any it takes to long to take off multiple layers. Any ideas on staying warm outside but nice and cool inside?
aish
I love the first and second looks. The dress and sweater look amazing!!!! Great job
Erika
@shablog-
Just wanna say that sadly H&M won’t have online shopping for US customers until spring/summer of next year :(
But, the H&M jacket featured is more like a thick blazer than an actual pea coat.. It’s rather thin and won’t do much to keep you warm. It is super cute though!
Dani
I have that second look’s cape! :D
Deanne
These outfits are so cute! I love getting bundled up for the cold weather! I’m from Canada, and it’s always below 0 F up here, with wind chill making it feel like the arctic sometimes… One can always add more layers to make them even warmer.
@Morgan: In order to trek through the snow and ice, practical always wins over cute or trendy. Buy something with a sturdy rubber sole, warm inside, and waterproof outside. Brands like Columbia, North Face, LLBean, and many athletic brands make good quality boots that will last several winters. That being said, there are cute options among the good quality, you just have to be willing to search for them. For optimal warmth, wear thermal socks with wool in them, and toe warmers. Good luck! :)
Marianna
It gets to -40/50 where I live a few days a year… The average for winter in -23 I think. Brrr. Too cold!
Liz
I LOVE the last look! I live in northern Minnesota, and it gets cold – today it was 10 degrees f! I think that creating the base with the leggings is genius, and I’ll definitely give it a shot this winter.
Jenny in Jacquard
I’m all about all things cozy, comfy, and layered for winter. I especially love the cable knit sweaters and infinity scarves/snoods. Need need need!
Ashley
I love these outfits! Where I live, it doesn’t get sub zero, but I’m from a really warm place- so anything colder than 60 is freezing for me!
Sheila
I especially like the flannel shirt under knit sweater look :). Keep the practical posts and cute outfits coming!
Lee
Cute but a little unrealistic, it is still fall and yet where I am people are wearing the third outfit already.
Morgan
@Deanne Thanks a bunch for your help. I’ve been looking through the websites for those brands and am finding a bunch of options that are both cute and practical for the ice and snow.
b
The first two outfits look like fall or early spring styles where I live!! The last one is basically what im wearing nowadays! I always have a pair or two jeans that are a size too big so they can go over my leggings comfortablely !
Kati
I go to school where it most defiantly gets well below zero. The absolutely freezing outfit is perfect. I defiantly have rocked leggings under jeans on more than one occasion!
Kim
leggings under jeans is the best trick up north. tights work too.
brittany
i love this article. Being from New England it kinda blows my mind that some other areas don’t have such dramatic seasons. I recently visited my mother who lives in California and was completely thrown for a loop when it was time to pack. The same thing happened to me when I went to Europe a few summers ago. I did it as cheaply as possible so I was trying to not pack a whole lot of stuff but my New England brain kept urging me to pack everything from sweaters to sundresses!
Marianne
As a norwegian girl that has to deal with temperatures at -15 degrees Celcius (that is 5 Fahrenheit), I can tell you that outfit “Brr it is cold” desperatly needs a scarf/something in the neck area. You will freeze to death walking to and fro with that sweater/coat-combination. And the last one needs a cardigan, something for those coooold lecture halls!