Although I still wouldn’t call myself a winter person, I’ve learned to stop fighting the season. Instead, I’ve started dressing for it. Somewhere between another freezing walk to the subway and one too many regrettable outfit choices, it finally clicked. Staying warm doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style.
I used to treat winter dressing like a necessary evil, opting to freeze rather than give in to my bulky black parka and snow boots. But after years of trial, error, and a few genuinely smart styling upgrades, I no longer feel like I have to choose between looking chic and feeling my toes. Whether you’re reluctantly greeting winter or fully embracing it, these six cold-weather fashion hacks have completely changed the way I get dressed once temperatures drop.
1. Invest in a statement coat
Hands down, my best—and most complimented—purchase to date is my leopard coat. Last winter, while completely fed up with my cold-weather wardrobe, I set out to find a piece of outerwear that felt more me than my default black coat. I wasn’t specifically looking for leopard print. However, I knew it was coming home with me the moment I tried it on. If animal print isn’t your thing, a colorful wool coat or an embellished puffer can deliver the same outfit-lifting effect while still keeping you warm.
2. Stock up on layering pieces
These days, I can’t get through winter without a healthy stack of fitted long-sleeve tees and fleece-lined leggings. I picked up a few long-sleeves from Everlane last year without fully realizing how much I’d rely on them. But after months of constant wear, they quickly became wardrobe essentials. Between those and thermal tights or leggings layered under bottoms, the days of counting the minutes until I’m back indoors have largely disappeared.
3. Use cold-weather accessories to your advantage
I’ll be honest: As a 31-year-old whose adolescence was defined by infinity scarves and hand-knit toboggan hats, it took me a while to warm up to cold-weather accessories again. Now, though, I can’t get enough—colorful beanies, leopard-print leather gloves, you name it. Whether or not you own a statement coat, investing in a few standout accessories is the fastest (and most budget-friendly) way to refresh your winter wardrobe overnight.
4. Never leave home without jewelry
At this point, I probably wouldn’t recognize myself without a statement pair of earrings or an intentionally over-the-top wrist stack. Sure, there are moments when I have to finagle my bangles juuuuust right before pulling on gloves, but my winter style would feel genuinely lacking without them. Even the simplest outfit (think jeans and a tee) feels instantly more polished with the addition of a jeweled piece or two. During the winter months, I like to focus on one statement category at a time. Earrings or bracelets, for example, to avoid unnecessary outfit overstimulation (IYKYK).
5. Build up your sock drawer
As insignificant as it may sound, investing in your sock drawer (tights included) is a quiet power move when it comes to winter style. Looking more put-together often comes down to thinking about your outfit from head to toe. Whether it’s a chunky pair of cashmere socks or colorful fleece-lined tights, that extra layer acts as an outfit finisher that keeps you both warm and polished.
6. Embrace a little color
Much of my hesitation around winter used to stem from the assumption that color had to be put on pause until spring. In a season dominated by black coats and fur-lined boots, it felt easy—almost expected—to blend in. Over time, though, I’ve learned to make space for the mood-boosting power of color, even in the dead of winter.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.
