Your Ultimate Guide to Winter Basics: Essentials for a Cozy and Stylish Season

Collage of images showcasing winter outfit styles for women

Winter is here, and with it comes the opportunity to embrace cozy layers, chic accessories, and timeless wardrobe staples. Whether you’re heading to the office, running errands, or enjoying a snowy weekend getaway, having a curated collection of winter basics will keep you warm and effortlessly stylish. In this guide, we’ll walk you through our must-have winter essentials—from versatile layering pieces to statement coats and accessories—to help you build a wardrobe that works for every occasion.

Collage of trending winter styles for women

Jewelry & Accessories: Adding the Finishing Touch

Winter outfits often lean toward muted tones and heavy fabrics, making accessories a great way to add personality and sparkle to your look. Here are some key pieces to consider:

  • Gold Hoops or Statement Earrings: Perfect for elevating casual outfits or complementing a festive look.
  • Chunky Knit Scarves: Opt for neutral shades like beige, gray, or cream for a versatile accessory that pairs well with any coat.
  • Beanies and Hats: Keep warm while looking chic. A slouchy beanie or a wool fedora can instantly upgrade your winter ensemble.
  • Leather Gloves: Choose a sleek black or tan pair for a classic, polished vibe.
Collage of winter jewelry to style outfits for women
collage of winter accessories: purse, beanie, scarves, boot socks, gloves, belts, and more

Pants: Comfort Meets Functionality

A solid winter wardrobe starts with the right bottoms. Look for pants that are both comfortable and warm:

  • Wide-Leg Trousers: Pair them with chunky sweaters and ankle boots for a sophisticated yet cozy look. Leather pants are our personal fave! See how I style them on my Instagram!
  • Fleece-Lined Leggings: A go-to for casual days or layering under skirts and dresses.
  • Tailored Wool Pants: Ideal for office wear, these add structure and warmth to your outfit.
Collage of winter appropriate pants for women: denim, jeans, trousers, work pants, leather pants, wide-leg pants

Sneakers: Practical and Stylish

While boots tend to dominate winter footwear, sneakers are still a must-have for mild days or athleisure-inspired looks. Here are some great options:

  • White Leather Sneakers: Classic and versatile, these pair beautifully with jeans, skirts, and even dresses.
  • Chunky Sneakers: Add a sporty edge to your outfit while staying on trend.

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Collage of various trending sneaker styles for women

Layering Tees: The Foundation of Winter Style

Layering is key in winter, and a good collection of base layers will make all the difference:

  • Long-Sleeve Crewnecks: Choose soft, stretchy fabrics for ultimate comfort.
  • Turtlenecks: These are perfect for adding warmth and elegance to your look.
  • Neutral Colors: Stock up on white, black, and gray tees to mix and match effortlessly.
collage of layering tee options for styling

Boots: The Winter Staple

No winter wardrobe is complete without a versatile selection of boots. Consider these styles:

  • Ankle Boots: A timeless option that works with jeans, trousers, and dresses.
  • Knee-High Boots: Ideal for wearing with skirts, dresses, or over skinny jeans.
  • Lug-Sole Boots: Perfect for snowy or icy days when you need extra traction and durability.
wardrobe basics boot options for women

Coats: The Star of Winter Outfits

Your coat is often the first thing people notice during the colder months, so make it count:

  • Puffer Jackets: For casual, everyday warmth, go for a classic black or a bold color like red or emerald.
  • Wool Coats: A tailored camel or charcoal gray coat is perfect for work or dressier occasions.
  • Teddy Coats: Cozy and trendy, these add texture and dimension to any look.
trending winter coats for women

Sweaters: Cozy and Versatile

Sweaters are the backbone of any winter wardrobe and TBH, I’d wear sweaters and sweatshirts all year round if it was acceptable. Build your collection with these options:

  • Chunky Knit Sweaters: Ideal for casual days when you want maximum warmth.
  • Cashmere Pullovers: A luxurious option that pairs well with everything from jeans to skirts.
  • Patterned Sweaters: Add a bit of fun to your wardrobe with fair isle or geometric prints.
cozy and stylish sweater options for women

Cardigans: Effortless Layering

Cardigans are perfect for layering over tees or dresses for added warmth and style:

  • Longline Cardigans: Wear them with leggings and boots for a relaxed yet polished look.
  • Button-Up Styles: Great for creating preppy, polished outfits.
  • Chunky Cardigans: Double as a lightweight jacket on mild winter days.
cozy and trending cardigans for women

Jeans: Timeless and Reliable

Denim is a year-round staple, but certain styles work especially well in winter:

  • Straight-Leg Jeans: These offer a flattering fit and pair beautifully with ankle boots.
  • Black or Dark Wash Denim: Opt for darker tones for a more polished, winter-appropriate look.
  • Flared Jeans: Style them with heeled boots and a fitted sweater for a retro-inspired outfit.

Tip: Key trends for denim this season include barrel-leg jeans and cuffed jeans. To balance this trend, we recommend you choose something more classic on top!

jean styles for women

Sweatshirts: Cozy Casual

For days when comfort is the priority, sweatshirts are a must:

  • Oversized Hoodies: Perfect for lounging at home or layering under a coat for errands.
  • Cropped Sweatshirts: Pair them with high-waisted leggings or jeans for a trendy yet comfortable look.
  • Graphic Styles: Show off your personality with fun prints or slogans.
sweatshirt styles for women

Winter Style Inspiration: How to Put It All Together

Here are some outfit ideas to help you make the most of your winter basics:

  • Office-Ready: Pair tailored wool pants with a cashmere sweater, a longline coat, and ankle boots. Add gold hoops and a structured tote for a polished finish.
  • Casual Errands: Opt for fleece-lined leggings, a chunky knit sweater, a puffer jacket, and lug-sole boots. Accessorize with a beanie and a scarf for extra warmth.
  • Weekend Brunch: Style straight-leg jeans with a patterned sweater, knee-high boots, and a teddy coat. Add a crossbody bag and a pair of statement earrings.
  • Date Night: Go for a fitted turtleneck, a flared skirt, and knee-high boots. Top it off with a wool coat and dainty gold jewelry.

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Collage of outfit inspiration for women over 40

Pro Tip: Invest in Quality Pieces

Winter basics are staples you’ll wear season after season, so investing in high-quality, versatile items is worth it. Look for durable fabrics like wool, cashmere, and leather that can withstand the elements while keeping you comfortable and stylish.

By building a wardrobe with these essentials, you’ll be prepared to take on winter with confidence and flair. Check out our curated collection of winter basics here and/or our winter capsule collection here and start creating your perfect cold-weather looks today!

Remember: Style is about expressing yourself, so mix and match these basics to fit your personal vibe. Here’s to staying warm and fabulous all winter long!

Discover How We Can Help

At BeStyledCo, we’re passionate about helping you feel confident and put-together every day, no matter the season. From personalized style consultations to curated wardrobe recommendations, we’re here to make your style journey seamless and enjoyable. Explore our services to see how we can assist you in building a wardrobe you love. You can also check out some of our other most popular blogs:

Need extra room to make space for your winter basics? We’re now offering an extensive closet edit guide to help you get clean, organized, and prepared for the ever-changing weather! Be sure to check it out and learn more by clicking the button below!

A Heartfelt Disclaimer

Above all, the most important thing is to wear what makes you happy, comfortable, and beautiful. Fashion is a form of self-expression, and your style should reflect who you are and what makes you feel your best. Embrace pieces that bring you joy and confidence, and remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to style.

By building a wardrobe with these essentials, you’ll be prepared to take on winter with confidence and flair. Check out our curated collection of winter basics here and start creating your perfect cold-weather looks today!

Remember: Style is about expressing yourself, so mix and match these basics to fit your personal vibe. Here’s to staying warm and fabulous all winter long!

XOXO,

The BeStyled Co. Team

Written by Jackie Meck (Marketing)