The Outerwear Is the Outfit: How to Elevate Your Look in Frigid Temps

Kendall Jenner and Jasmine Tookes among a group of individuals modeling outerwear and winter fashionKendall Jenner and Jasmine Tookes among a group of individuals modeling outerwear and winter fashion

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The Outerwear Is the Outfit: How to Elevate Your Look in Frigid Temps

Ready or not, winter is fast approaching. At first, you might dread the snow and below-freezing temperatures, plus the resulting style rut that can occur. (We all know what it feels like to put together a full ensemble on a frigid morning, only to have to wear a coat most of the day.) But contrary to popular belief, this is one of the best—if not the best—times of the year to get dressed.

This is especially true this winter, in particular, as there’s a plethora of playful, cold-weather-appropriate accessory trends to jazz up your outfits—specifically, your trusty outerwear. While a statement coat will always be a fun choice, you needn’t necessarily shell out hundreds of dollars on a new jacket. As stylist Audree Kate López puts it, “You don’t have to completely revamp your coat closet. Just add some personal touches to make your coat feel new this season.” Ahead, Byrdie chatted with stylists to get the lowdown on seven on-trend ways to upgrade your outerwear this winter.

Meet the Experts

  • Audree Kate López is a fashion stylist based in New York City.
  • Natalie Cantell is a fashion and interiors stylist working primarily in Paris and New York City.
  • Elana and Dina Solomon, aka The Solomon Sisters, are a fashion styling duo based across Miami, Los Angeles, and New York City.

Double Duty

Elsa Hosk, Aimee Song, and more wearing stylish coats with scarves attachedElsa Hosk, Aimee Song, and more wearing stylish coats with scarves attached

Getty Images / @sarah_kassmi / @hoskelsa / Instagram

We can thank Toteme for the scarf coat, as the minimalist brand pioneered the look in 2021 with its fringe iteration. Ever since, countless brands have followed suit, and stylists can’t get enough of the functional yet fashion-forward outerwear trend.

“Apparently, Toteme accidentally solved the universal dilemma of leaving scarves behind at restaurants and on subways, and at some point between 2021 and now, we reached an unspoken agreement that this shouldn’t just be a trend—this is the way forward,” explains stylist Natalie Cantell. Not only will you automatically look put together, but thanks to this genius outerwear trend, there’s no need to rummage through your closet for a scarf to match your outfit.

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Bold Brooches

Jasmine Tookes wearing an outfit with a bold belt showcasing a fashion trend of distinct outerwear styles including statement broochesJasmine Tookes wearing an outfit with a bold belt showcasing a fashion trend of distinct outerwear styles including statement brooches

Getty Images / @lili_claspe / Instagram

Consider a modern brooch your secret weapon to achieving a look with loads of personality. “If you love the embellished trend, add some brooches to the lapel or swap out the generic buttons for a rhinestone or cool metallic button—an easy DIY,” López suggests.

The best part about the trend? You can easily find wallet-friendly brooches at a local thrift store or on Etsy. Another option: Raid your grandma’s jewelry collection (she won’t mind, right?).

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A Funky Hat

Three individuals wearing winter coats and hats, Kendall Jenner is the person on the left in a furry hatThree individuals wearing winter coats and hats, Kendall Jenner is the person on the left in a furry hat

@kendalljenner / @nnennaechem / Instagram / Getty Images

A statement-making hat has the potential to amp up even the simplest of coats. And according to Cantell, the accessory is shaping up to be a major trend this upcoming season.

“We had some fun micro-trend styles last year, but something tells me this winter is going to be one big tribute to Diane Keaton and all her delightful coat-and-hat pairings,” the expert tells Byrdie. The late actress was quite fond of wide-brim silhouettes—a great choice for brisk fall temps. But in the teeth-chattering weather, a fluffy faux-fur style, like Kendall Jenner’s hat here, will be a real game changer.

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Balanced Bottoms

Three individuals wearing stylish outerwear including fur coats and tailored outfits presented in a splitframe formatThree individuals wearing stylish outerwear including fur coats and tailored outfits presented in a splitframe format

Getty Images / @abimarvel / @sylviemus_ / Instagram

There are few better feelings than bundling up in oversize outerwear when ridiculously cold weather rears its head. But to avoid looking like you’re drowning in your outfit, playing with proportions is key.

“Mix a slim skirt or tailored trousers with a voluminous coat to create an elongated, streamlined silhouette; it instantly gives ‘editor in motion’ energy,” say Elana and Dina Solomon (aka the Solomon sisters). From there, keep the bottom half of your look on the sleek side by finishing with luxe heels.

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Cinched and Belted

Three women displaying diverse outerwear styles with cinched beltsThree women displaying diverse outerwear styles with cinched belts

Getty Images / @arielzeena / @loriharvey / Instagram

Never underestimate the power of a belt. Though your coat may not actually require the accessory, it’ll instantly give it a structured, cinched-in look. And this foolproof styling hack works with any type of outerwear, from trench coats to puffers.

Alternatively, if your jacket already comes with a matching belt, López suggests swapping it out with a statement style (studded looks are trending, BTW) for some oomph. Psst: This technique can be useful for your knitwear, too.

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Fun Fur Collar

Three individuals wearing outfits with fur collars shown in an editorial or street fashion contextThree individuals wearing outfits with fur collars shown in an editorial or street fashion context

Getty Images / @apparis / @aknvas / Instagram

A blanket scarf is a surefire way to stay warm, but for something more unexpected, why not toss on a furry collar instead? The Solomon sisters, for one, love trading detachable collars for fuzzy styles.

For a cohesive look, choose a collar in the same color as your jacket. Alternatively, if a maximalist outfit moment is more your vibe, go with an accent in a contrasting shade. Either way, you’ll look like a bona fide street-style star.

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Going Wild

Three individuals wearing different fashionable outerwear outfits each styled distinctively in an animal print designThree individuals wearing different fashionable outerwear outfits each styled distinctively in an animal print design

Getty Images / @evie_mills / @apparis / Instagram

Take it from the Solomon sisters: “This season, outerwear is no longer an afterthought: It is the outfit.” Such is the case with a statement coat, like an of-the-moment leopard-print look or its even more timely cousin, fawn print.

With its bold pattern, the piece will be the crux of your whole ensemble. Give it the spotlight by otherwise opting for neutral separates, such as tailored trousers, and understated, no-fuss accessories like a leather bag and oversized sunglasses.

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Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/winter-outerwear-fashion-tips-11830743


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