“Winter outfit inspo.” That is the term that is searched approximately 30 million times on Google in the winter yet still we can’t figure out how to dress for the cold. I’ve had people ask me what I say are my winter must-haves and I am finally getting around to it. I am absolutely a winter person so I love dressing for the warmth and being in Kansas, it gets COLD. I always argue that it’s easier to get warm than it is to get cool. Anyway, today is my breakdown of my take on winter outfit inspo.
If you want to see other winter outfit inspo, click here for this cape that never fails me, this outfit or this outfit.
A Long (Butt-Covering) Coat
I will never forget the #1, actually more like #1,405 thing that my college boyfriend’s mom taught me, if your coat doesn’t cover your butt, it’s not happening. I don’t know why they make coats that don’t cover your butt. It’s the greatest thing and I felt like I had been doing coats wrong when I learned that at 22. Heck, even blazers in the winter tend to graze the butt so I’m not sure why coats are sometimes shorter than this.
My #1 coat is a wool blend like this gorgeous one that I am wearing below. I’ve had more of a puffer exactly like this one, and that’s great for a more casual look, but I wanted wool to wear for more dressy situations and work. It’s slightly itchy but when you have on long sleeves it’s fine. I feel like it’s hard to find a great coat like this so I grabbed it the moment I saw it online. (I think this coat will last me 1-3 seasons which is fine with me because it’s actually quite warm and was very affordable, but I know won’t last forever.)
My Go-To I Don’t Want to Be Outside Outfit
It is the dumbest thing in the word that adulthood requires functioning when the weather is bad. However, apparently it’s going to keep being dumb. This is legitimately my go-to outfit for too cold/too snowy/too icy/I don’t want to adult but need to look presentable outfit.
I like this outfit because while the sweater is boxier than I would normally wear, it’s comfortable, bright and warm. It’s also the kind of sweater you wear in weather that no one cares how you look so I go for something I wouldn’t always be drawn to. It is also great for layering! (If you want to do that, get one of these tissue layers in a pattern to go underneath and make it pop!)
These ponte pants save me every winter. Need to play with my nieces in the snow? These pants. Need to look decent for something but don’t want to wear jeans? These pants. Need to…. you get the idea. I typically get a few pairs because I *may* also fall asleep in them sometimes.
Sorel Boots
I was not a believer. I thought that I could just wear any boot and be fine. And then I crushed my tailbone on ice and suddenly I became a lot more respectful of ice and staying upright. I snagged these boots on super sale after the holidays one year and I have never regretted it. They are warm, waterproof and take on any abuse that I put them through. When it’s a snowy day and I’m headed to work I simply throw my heels into my Tumi backpack and swap them when I get into the office.
I will warn you though, I have yet to find a sock that stays up when wearing them so I typically wear them without socks. I also wear them like this because I somehow almost get too warm, if that’s possible? Either way, these are very minor issues and absolutely worth the investment if you life anywhere that is cold. (Also these white ones are too cute)
I know that many people might scoff at investment snow-boots but for me they are a non-negotiable! I’m no longer interested in always looking cute, I need function and fashion at this point and Sorel has the best options out there!
Fun and Functional Accessories
These velvet headbands – I absolutely love how cheap they are for a pack of so many colors you will give them away to friends. It’s obviously not as warm as a hat but it’s a great alternative for winter hair.
Actual Smart Gloves – I hate most smart gloves because they are dumb and I end up taking off the gloves. These are so cheap and smart because I use my thumbprint for so much and this makes it much easier to stay warm. (Please see above for a great example of me not wearing gloves but I swear I really do wear these!)
This lip mask – My lips get SO dry in the winter and when they are dry I tend to pick them.
I really love this outfit and have managed to wear it in a snowstorm, snow fight, casual Friday at work, traveling and well, writing this blog post in a hotel room. Anddd I have also managed to wear it multiple days in a row so I can tell you that these are my absolute favorite items and pretty much the best way to make having to adult during winter not feel so bad.