As the chill sets in, I find myself wanting to live in sweats from December to March. Seeking inspiration, I reached out to Cup of Jo readers on Instagram to showcase the winter outfits that uplift their spirits…
Mauresa, who resides in Central Virginia, shares, “Layers! You can mix any collared shirt with a sweater and finish with a blazer for a refined touch.”
“My staple top is this cardigan, which is so adaptable that I own it in several shades. Even better, my friends have the same one, and we love coordinating our outfits.” — Sarah, London (middle)
“I alternate between two styles: all black everything or a playful yellow scarf.” — Destinee, Washington, D.C.
“I’ve resolved that the secret to surviving my first winter with a baby is to embrace the outdoors and wear joyful clothing. Here I’m sporting a floral puffer from Nuuly (I began renting clothes for maternity and haven’t looked back!), fleece-lined leggings from Prana Vida (recommended by a COJ commenter), a J.Crew beanie, and Sorel boots. A tip I picked up from my six years in Minnesota: choose your snow boots one size larger to accommodate thick socks; Darn Tough are my go-to.” — Olivia, Rockville, Maryland
“Atlanta winters are pretty mild, so I typically layer up with just a few items. I stick to neutral basics, like this grey B Sides sweatshirt, a navy peacoat, and white pants from Pistola, which have the perfect thickness. For some sparkle, I add pearls. This outfit boosts my confidence.” — Mariam, Atlanta
“My preferred winter ensemble is actually one piece: a 1960s houndstooth swing coat.” — Alice, Melbourne, Australia
“In the Bay Area, I layered coats since it could get so cold. Now that I’m in L.A., which is warmer, I still enjoy wearing this plaid coat. Its varied colors allow it to complement many outfits!” — Camille, Los Angeles
“As a stay-at-home mom to two lively little ones, my outfit consists of a cropped sweater, high-rise jeans, and sneakers. Toss on a puffy vest from the grocery store and some lip tint, et voila—I’m ready for library storytime.” — Katie, New Albany, Indiana
“I’m an equine veterinarian focused on internal medicine — essentially, I care for sick horses needing advanced diagnostics or hospitalization. In the first photo, I’m geared up to speak at a continuing education event in what I hope comes across as equestrian-chic! In the second photo, I’m bundled in insulated coveralls from Tractor Supply.” — Krista, Leesburg, Virginia
“I took my first transatlantic journey to London this autumn, and I was panicking about packing since I lacked any cold-weather attire! I ended up donning this Mango coat and a pink scarf throughout the trip. Both items enhanced anything I put underneath and kept me warm and at ease.” — Angela, San Jose, California
What’s your go-to winter outfit? We’d love to hear…
P.S. 14 readers offer their insights on winter survival, plus a Toronto professor provides five cozy looks.
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# 10 Fashionable Winter Outfit Ideas from Readers
Winter has arrived, bringing with it the chance to layer up and display your stylish cold-weather wardrobe. While warmth is essential, there’s no need to compromise on style for comfort. To motivate your winter outfits, we’ve compiled 10 trendy looks contributed by our readers. From cozy staples to striking statement pieces, these styles will help you look fashionable all season long.
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### **1. The Classic Wool Coat and Turtleneck Pairing**
Reader: *Sophia M., New York City*
Sophia swears by a timeless wool coat combined with a fitted turtleneck. She suggests choosing neutral hues such as camel, gray, or black for versatility. Complete the look with high-waisted jeans, ankle boots, and a chunky knit scarf for a chic yet warm appearance. “It’s my favorite outfit for running errands or grabbing coffee with friends,” Sophia declares.
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### **2. Monochromatic Charm**
Reader: *James L., Chicago*
James advocates for a monochrome aesthetic for a sleek winter feeling. His ideal outfit features a black puffer jacket, black slim-fit pants, and black Chelsea boots. He breaks the uniformity with a gray beanie and a textured sweater. “Monochromatic ensembles are simple to assemble and always exude sophistication,” he shares.
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### **3. Oversized Knit Sweater with Leather Leggings**
Reader: *Emily R., Toronto*
Emily adores pairing an oversized knit sweater with faux leather leggings. “It’s the perfect blend of comfort and flair,” she notes. She finishes the ensemble with knee-high boots and a crossbody bag. For added warmth, she layers on a long coat and a plaid scarf. This outfit is perfect for relaxed outings or cozy evenings by the fire.
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### **4. Eye-Catching Coat with Bold Accessories**
Reader: *Liam T., London*
Liam is convinced that a standout coat can enhance any winter outfit. His favorite is a vibrant red trench coat paired with black trousers and a white turtleneck. He completes the look with a patterned scarf and leather gloves. “A striking coat invites conversation and helps you stand out in a crowd of neutrals,” Liam remarks.
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### **5. Chunky Knit Dress with Over-the-Knee Boots**
Reader: *Olivia P., Seattle*
For a warm yet feminine appearance, Olivia suggests a chunky knit sweater dress with over-the-knee boots. She cinches the waist with a belt and adds a wool fedora for a touch of sophistication. “This outfit is fantastic for dates or holiday parties,” she mentions. Layer with a tailored coat for extra warmth.
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### **6. Ski-Style Chic**
Reader: *Ethan H., Denver*
Ethan draws fashion ideas from après-ski style. His go-to outfit consists of a Fair Isle sweater, slim-fit snow pants, and insulated boots. He caps it off with a puffer vest and a beanie. “This look is suitable for outdoor activities while still being stylish enough for a cocoa run afterward,” Ethan explains.
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### **7. Plaid Shacket and Denim**
Reader: *Mia K., Vancouver*
Mia loves the shacket trend. She combines a plaid shacket with straight-leg jeans and combat boots for a relaxed vibe. “It’s a fantastic layering piece that’s functional and trendy,” she comments. Top off with a beanie and fingerless gloves for a casual, outdoorsy aesthetic.
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### **8. Velvet Blazer with Wide-Leg Pants**
Reader: *Nathan C., Paris*
Nathan prefers a more refined winter attire, opting for a velvet blazer and wide-leg trousers. He pairs this outfit with a turtleneck and loafers. “Velvet brings a hint of luxury to any ensemble, and wide-leg pants are both comfy and chic,” he adds. This look is great for formal gatherings or dinner dates.
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### **9. Puffer Coat with Athleisure Essentials**
Reader: *Ava S., Los Angeles*
Ava enjoys merging athleisure with winter must-haves. Her favorite outfit includes a cropped puffer coat, high-waisted leggings, and chunky sneakers. She layers a hoodie beneath and adds a knit headband for extra insulation. “It’s a practical yet fashionable outfit for casual days,” Ava states.
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### **10. Faux Fur Coat with Metallic Details**
Reader: *Zara W., Stockholm*
Zara’s winter style centers around her faux fur coat. She pairs it with skinny jeans, metallic ankle boots, and a sequined clutch for a touch of glitz. “Faux fur is not just warm but also makes a daring fashion statement,” she notes. This ensemble is ideal for festive gatherings or nights out.
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### **Final Tips for Winter Fashion**
– **Layer Wisely
