Photo:
@emmaleger
Want to know the key to looking cool this winter? It’s not about planning all your outfits days in advance, buying into a bunch of new trends, or nailing down a precise layering combo. While all of those things will definitely help you to achieve a good cold-weather look, it’s actually much simpler than that. In all the research I’ve done on Instagram, I’ve found that the coolest winter outfits come down to a few key (and on-trend) wardrobe staples.
I’m not saying you need to go out and buy all of the things I’m highlighting here (my wallet hurts at the thought), but hopefully, you’ll see how swapping in one of these of-the-moment pieces will totally upgrade your outfits for the rest of the season. Whether it be wearing leather pants in lieu of your usual jeans or opting for some practical-chic chunky boots, scroll through to see the eight must-have pieces to keep you warm, snug, and stylish, and fill up on styling ideas from our favorite fashion people.
1. Leather Pants
Photo:
@emmanuellek_
Forget wearing jeans and a sweater—leather pants make even the simplest outfits so much cooler.
Agolde
Recycled Leather Fitted ’90s Pants
$298
Photo:
@chanelmckinsie
Style yours like fashion girls are right now with a cardigan and loafers.
Mango
Leather-Effect Straight Trousers
$80
$40
2. Tall Chunky Boots
Photo:
@slipintostyle
Leggings and this boot trend are a match made in heaven.
Mango
Buckles Leather Boots
$200
Photo:
@amaka.hamelijnck
These trendy boots are comfortable and also happen to be practical for winter, so yes, they’re elite.
Bottega Veneta
Leather Knee Boots
$1850
3. Second-Skin Tops
Photo:
@nlmarilyn
Make a graphic-print top the centerpiece of your outfit.
Paloma Wool
Arcangel Semisheer Long Sleeve Top
$213
Photo:
@CHRISSYFORD
They’re basically made for tucking into high-waisted jeans.
Intimately
Under It All Printed Mesh Bodysuit
$68
4. Knit Sets
Photo:
@champagnemani
Comfy, cool, and put-together—what’s not to love?
English Factory
Polo Collar Knit Sweater
$80
English Factory
Knit Wide Pants
$80
Photo:
@cassdimicco
Some chain jewelry makes the look so elevated.
The Drop
Constance Rib Button Down Sweater
$50
$40
The Drop
Ellison Rib Flare Leg Sweater Pants
$50
$40
5. Ripped Jeans
Photo:
@PERNILLETEISBAEK
Ripped jeans with a basic sweater and loafers make for the perfect casual winter look.
Zara
Low Rise Ripped Turned Up Cuff Jeans
$50
Photo:
@amaka.hamelijnck
They also happen to pair well with chunky-sole boots, another A+ winter trend.
Grlfrnd
Bella Low Rise Boyfriend
$235
6. Asymmetric Tops
Photo:
@claire_most
Asymmetric tops are the kind of item that’s an easy-to-wear basic but adds a little something extra.
Reiss
Sasha Rib Asymmetric Neck Top
$145
Photo:
@linhniller
The simplest winter outfit—a long-sleeve top with jeans—looks all the cooler with an off-kilter neckline.
Lanston
One Shoulder Top
$150
7. Retro Sneakers
Photo:
@sofiamcoelho
If you’re going to wear sneakers right now, reach for a cool throwback pair from brands like New Balance and Reebok.
New Balance
550 Mesh-Trimmed Leather Sneakers
$140
Photo:
@deborabrosa
Wear them now with winter pieces like a camel coat and keep wearing them with your basics year-round.
Reebok
Club C 85 Sneaker
$90
8. Layered Collars
Photo:
@emmaleger
Two pieces that were made for each other, sweater-vests and collared shirts. Combine them to make a trendy winter ‘fit.
Madewell
Cable-Knit v Neck Sweater Vest
$95
Photo:
@modedamour
Style the combo with your trusted black pants and ankle boots.
Donni
Sweater Vest
$119
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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