Winter Outfit Ideas for Women and Men

You can stay warm and still look good. Most winter outfits come down to a few things: smart layers, a coat you love and boots that suit the rest of what you're wearing.

Below are ten ideas for women and five for men. Most use pieces you probably own already. If you'd rather wear a dress all winter, see winter dresses for women for long-sleeve knits and what to wear with them.

Winter outfit ideas for women

Hoodie over a dress

Dresses don't have to go in storage when it gets cold. Pull a hoodie or sweatshirt over a favorite summer or fall dress and add boots or tights. It's relaxed, warm and takes about a minute. A sweater does the same job and looks a little dressier; how to wear a sweater over a dress shows how to keep your waistline visible.

Layers

Layering is the most reliable way to stay warm, because you can take pieces off when you get too hot. Match colors and textures across the layers so it looks planned. Go for looser pieces, which let air move and keep you from sweating.

Color on color

Winter doesn't have to mean gray and black. Pair two or three colors you like, or wear one color head to toe in different shades. Even one bright coat over neutral basics lifts the whole outfit.

Neutrals

Gray, brown, camel, nude and khaki mix with almost everything, so a few pieces give you a lot of outfits. If you buy one thing, make it a neutral coat or sweater. They also make bolder items easier to wear.

Funky socks

Socks show when you wear boots, sneakers or cuffed jeans. A pair with a pattern or print dresses up a plain outfit with almost no effort. Keep a couple of fun pairs in the drawer.

Denim on denim

A denim jacket with jeans looks cozy and a bit western. The trick is to let the pieces differ slightly in shade so they read as a choice, not a mismatch. Ripped jeans can still work, with tights or thermal layers underneath.

Puffer jackets

Puffers are warm, easy and go over dresses, sweatshirts or leggings. If you're buying one, choose a classic color in a roomy fit, or have fun with a bold shade if you want it to stand out.

Tall boots

Tall boots in black, white or a neutral work with dresses, jeans, sweatpants and joggers. They also make shorts possible in winter, especially with tights. Pick a heel you can walk in. Knee boots are also the classic partner for a sweater dress, and sweater dress outfits has ten ways to wear one.

Leather pieces

A leather jacket, coat or pair of pants is a staple you'll wear for years. Leather also works as a dressy option for the office. Mix it with knitwear or denim to keep it from looking stiff.

Sweatpants, styled

Wear sweatpants in one color, head to toe, and pair them with good boots or sneakers. A matching gray look with black pointed-toe boots is a neat example. The boots and a sharp coat are what make it look intentional.

Winter outfit ideas for men

Sweater vests

Knitwear is back for fall and winter. A sweater vest over a shirt adds a classic, slightly formal layer, and sneakers keep it casual. A well-made sweater lasts several winters.

Oversized puffer jackets

Big, chunky puffers are the warmest and easiest cold-weather jacket, and men and women wear them equally. Choose warm and classic over trendy, and make sure it fits over a sweater.

Long coats

A long coat or trench makes any outfit look finished, whether formal, casual or streetwear. Neutral colors go with everything, so start there.

Letterman jackets

Letterman jackets come in and out of style. This version, with graphic prints, works over a hoodie or tee.

Sweatshirts

A loose long-sleeved sweatshirt is an easy cold-weather layer. Wear it with matching sweats or athletic pants, and try different colors and fits to keep it fresh.