How to Dress for Winter

Co-authored by Candace Hanna and Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: July 28, 2022 References Approved

Base Layers

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Middle Layers

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Outerwear and Accessories

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Video

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Expert Q&A

Cool weather is a fun time for layering on your favorite clothes, but do you need more than that when the weather gets really cold? Luckily, there are ways to stay warm while still looking great! Start with a warm base layer, add on insulation, then top with outerwear and accessories.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Base Layers

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Wear long underwear if you have them. Thermal or silk long underwear do a great job of wicking moisture away from your body. These can be worn under almost any outfit to help you stay dry and warm.^{[1]
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- Thermal knits are usually made from either fleece or a cotton and polyester blend.
- Silk underwear may provide a sleeker outfit underneath form-fitting clothes.
2
Wear an undershirt made from moisture-wicking fabric. If you’re not going to be wearing long underwear, choose an undershirt that will help keep you dry. Look for naturally moisture-resistant materials like merino wool, or athletic fabrics like polypropylene.
- Avoid wearing cotton next to your skin. When you sweat, cotton will retain the moisture, creating a damp layer against your skin which will actually make you feel more cold.
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3
Wear tights or leggings under your pants for added warmth. If you don't have long-underwear, keep your legs warm by wearing a thin layer beneath your pants. This layer can be tights, leggings, or even another pair of pants, as long as they're thin enough so that your pants still fit comfortably.^{[2]
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- If you're wearing heavy pants like corduroys, a pair of tights will likely be sufficient to keep you warm.
- For thinner, dressier pants, a pair of fleece-lined leggings will help keep your legs from getting cold.
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Protect your feet with thick, long socks. Your socks shouldn’t be so thick that they interfere with putting on your shoes, but you should wear the thickest socks that you find comfortable. Woolen socks are a good option because they help keep moisture away from your body.^{[3]
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- Your socks should be long enough to be pulled up over your base layer to ensure no cold air can touch your skin.
- If it’s really cold out, try wearing 2 pairs of socks.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Middle Layers

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Top your base layer with a shirt that can be easily removed. Being able to take off layers is extremely important in the winter. Wear a shirt that is easy to pull over your head or that has buttons or a zipper.^{[4]
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- Try wearing a button-down shirt over your base layer, since these are easy to take off.
- Another option is to wear a lightweight sweater that you can easily pull off if you get too warm.
- Getting too hot inside can also make it seem colder when you go back outside.
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Look for fabrics like fleece, wool, and flannel to help you stay warm. Sturdy, thick materials like these are ideal for a middle layer because they'll keep you warm but they're breathable, so you're less likely to get overheated.
- A flannel shirt worn with a pair of jeans and hiking boots is a great way to show off your rocker style even when the weather is cold.
- A wool sweater worn over a skirt with leggings and knee-high boots is a cute, preppy winter outfit.
3
Wear heavy pants like jeans or corduroys. Lightweight materials like nylon aren’t going to do much to keep you warm, even if you’re wearing multiple layers. Opt for heavier fabrics like denim, corduroy, and wool to ensure you stay toasty during the coldest months.^{[5]
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- You may also want to invest in a pair of pants with a thermal lining.
4
Add a sweatshirt over your shirt for a casual look. Sweatshirts are the ultimate in casual comfort. Choose a basic sweatshirt or opt for a hoodie or a zip-up sweatshirt. A zip-up hoodie will be easiest to remove indoors, but there are lots of other styles to choose from.
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Wear a cardigan for a lightweight layer perfect for work or school. You don't want to wear a heavy coat indoors all day, but it still be a little cool in your office or classroom. A cardigan will keep you warm at work, at school, or anywhere else indoors, and it's easy to take off if it gets a little warm.
- Layer a cardigan over a nice blouse for a day when it's cool but not freezing.
- Wear a cardigan over a sweater for days when it's really cold out.
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Wear a dress over your base layer for a warm, feminine look. You don’t have to sacrifice your style just because the weather is cold. Add a warm twist to your favorite dress by layering it over cold-weather pieces, or choose a sweater dress that's perfect for winter.^{[6]
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- A sleeveless dress worn over a long-sleeved turtleneck looks cozy and chic.
- A pair of black leggings with a black or dark-colored dress gives you an instant style boost.
- Wear a sweater dress with leggings and ankle boots for a look that's fun and casual.
- Add a vest over your sweater dress for even more warmth.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Outerwear and Accessories

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Invest in a heavy coat in a neutral color. When the weather gets really cold, you’ll be wearing your coat everywhere you go. A heavy parka in a color like tan or black will keep you warm and will go with almost any outfit.^{[7]
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- The warmest option is a coat that is insulated with down.
- If you’ll be spending a lot of time outside, choose a hard-shell coat. These are made from a waterproof material.
- If you’re going to be active, opt for a soft-shell coat. These are breathable and water-resistant, perfect for winter activities like skiing.
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Keep your head warm with a winter hat. Winter hats come in a variety of styles, including tuques (or beanies), stocking caps, fedoras, and heavy baseball caps. You can also choose from a wide range of materials, including cashmere, merino wool, and heavy knits.^{[8]
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- A hat with ear flaps will keep you warm without needing to be pulled down low over your eyes.
- If you have long hair, a knit hat with a hole in the top will keep your head covered while still leaving room for your ponytail or bun.
- A wool fedora will keep you warm while still looking ultra stylish.
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Cover your hands with gloves or mittens. When you’re out in the cold, your extremities are affected first. Keep your fingers warm with leather, wool, or knit gloves.^{[9]
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- Chunky cable-knit gloves are practical and affordable, so they're a perfect choice for anyone who's prone to losing gloves.
- Leather gloves with a fur cuff are a must-have for any fashionista.
- Gloves made from cashmere are buttery-soft, making them a classic that's well worth the indulgence.
4
Wear water-resistant boots in the snow. You don’t necessarily have to give up fashionable footwear, but whatever shoes you wear should be practical, especially if you'll be walking on ice. Look for boots that are made with water-resistant materials and which offer non-slip soles. Luckily, there are plenty of boots out there that perfectly fit the bill.
- A pair of durable work boots can offer a stylish masculine look to any outfit.
- Knee-high boots with a flat heel are both practical and fashionable.
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Wrap up in a scarf, shawl, or throw to accessorize your look. If you’ve never had to dress for very cold weather, you might be surprised at how much added warmth you get from a thick scarf. You can also add a shawl, poncho, or other wrap for an extra cozy layer.^{[10]
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- Experiment with different ways to tie your scarf to show off your style!
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Stay cozy and warm with real or faux fur. Whether you prefer the real thing or a synthetic blend, fur touches are a great way to stay extra warm in winter. You can find a variety of outerwear and accessories decorated with fur in almost any color imaginable.^{[11]
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- Try wearing a fur vest or coat to stay warm while looking stylish.
- You can also look for accessories decorated with fur, like hats, gloves, or stoles.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I look stylish in winter?

Candace Hanna
Professional Stylist
Candace Hanna is a stylist and style expert based in Southern California. With 16 years of experience in the corporate fashion and personal styling realms, she runs Style by Candace, a personal styling agency that focuses on helping individuals find their personal expression through clothing. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Shoutout LA and VoyageLA.

Candace Hanna

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Use your accessories to add a personal touch to winter wear. Accessories are a great way to have fun in the winter. Try wearing a beautiful pair of gloves, a great hat or beret, or a colorful scarf with a full-length coat or an all-black outfit.
Question

How do I dress like winter in the summer?

Community Answer

You can still wear boots and layers, just try to find fabrics made of thinner material to keep you cool in warmer weather. Tights, leggings, joggers, etc. can be worn pretty much any time of year.
Question

How much layers should I wear on really cold days

Amy Gremillion

Community Answer

As many as you need to feel warm! The thicker your layers, the fewer you'll need to wear. However, it's a good idea to wear a few thin layers in case you get warm while you're indoors.