When I moved from Los Angeles to New York City a decade ago, I knew it would influence my wardrobe. I thought simply: warmer layers for the winter, more breathable separates for the summer. But the biggest lesson I’ve learned over the last 10 years is that small style adjustments make all the difference when you don’t have the convenience of a car and are commuting by foot. Right now, with winter’s icy chill in full effect, the best winter-city outfits take into account all of the unique challenges that come with living in a big city.
Two key requirements for a strong winter-city outfit are: first, it must be practical, and second, it should have some texture and personality. Perhaps it’s a simple sweater-and-denim pairing to start, but layer on a sumptuous shearling coat and slip into chocolate-brown suede loafers. Or maybe you’re heading to the office and have paired a knit with a classic midi skirt. Add tall boots and fuzzy earmuffs, and you’ll be ready to commute those 10 blocks to work. These subtle touches will not only keep you warm but also punctuate your style.
Ahead, nine outfits to carry you through the frosty months ahead with ease.
Notes of Chocolate
The season’s chocolate brown color trend adds an elegant touch to any winter outfit. Reach for a sumptuous shearling coat and team it with a shirt layered beneath a crewneck jumper. To finish, roomy denim and rich suede loafers.
Owen Barry x Alex Mill Shearling Dorset Coat
Now 50% Off
Favorite Daughter The Whitney Mock Neck
Frank & Eileen Relaxed Button-Up Shirt
Now 30% Off
Hudson Jeans Rosie Wide Leg
Zara Split Leather Loafers
Cozy Accessories
Skip the beanie and keep your ears warm with these exquisite shearling earmuffs. They look particularly charming when worn with a sweater and skirt, completed with a slouchy trench and riding boots.
Burberry Shearling Earmuffs
The Frankie Shop Mavis Trench Coat
Massimo Dutti Sweater With Scarf Detail
A.L.C. Milan Wool-Blend Midi Skirt
Now 40% Off
Tactile Outerwear
When the wind is whipping your face, outerwear that doubles as a blanket feels like a little luxury. Wear this teddy bear jacket with a brightly striped sweater for a mood-boosting pairing. Balance the two with timeless denim and retro-inspired sneakers from Prada.
Etoile Isabel Marant Tarvey Faux-Fur Jacket
Madewell Oversize Pullover Sweater
Nordstrom High Waist Straight Leg Jeans
Anine Bing Signature Link Belt
Prada Montecarlo Re-Edition 2005 Sneaker
Easy Elegance
A streamlined look that leans on texture and a clever color palette can go a long way. Take this mint green sweater dress, for example: style it with a long coat and accessorize with a wool beret and croc-embossed loafers for a minimalist look that’ll capture attention in all the right ways.
Gigi Burris Mia Wool Beret
Weekend Max Mara Long Wool and Alpaca Coat
Now 30% Off
Nanushka Mirell Dress
Now 21% Off
Tibi Brody Square Toe Loafer
Down to Business
When your outfit needs to convey professionalism but your itinerary entails a whole lot of running around, turn to this polished look. Tuck a slim turtleneck into a pair of wide-leg trousers, and complement the two with a faux shearling jacket and low-heeled ankle booties.
Uniqlo Cashmere Knitted Gloves
A.L.C. Stevie Faux Shearling Collar Jacket
J.Crew Carolyn Turtleneck Sweater
TWP Sulli Pants
Now 40% Off
Vince Harlan Ankle Boot
Now 30% Off
Mountaineer Chic
Inject your outfit with a hint of the great outdoors with this denim-on-denim look that weaves together a shearling hat with lace-up boots. The pink sweater brightens and lifts the entire palette.
Agolde Merritt Belted Denim Jacket
Everlane The Cloud Oversized Turtleneck
Agolde Luna Pieced Tapered Jeans
Head West
Channel the best of Western fashion with staples like an embroidered shirt, suede pants, and cowboy boots designed in a solid black, but with contrast stitching (they’re more versatile that way).
Leset Lauren Sleeveless Turtleneck
Tecovas The Annie Western Boot
A Bit Academic
There’s a reason we keep returning to collegiate-inspired dressing: uniforms are chic. Put your winter spin on the look by pairing a Fair Isle cardigan with a pleated skirt, finishing with white lace tights and tonal ballet flats. Top it all off with a big, black coat.
Banana Republic Reversible Coat
Swedish Stockings Rosa Lace Tights
Le Monde Beryl Luna Slipper
Street Smarts
The very best street style looks tend to incorporate personal touches that give a sense of the wearer’s unique taste. This zip sweatshirt and sweatpants look on their own may feel just alright, but when you add a colorful crochet bonnet, tortoise-shell frames, and a brown suede bag, the outfit feels more lived-in.
Celine 3 Dots 54mm Oval Sunglasses
Mango Quarter Zip Sweatshirt
