effortless winter: basics, layers, staples
Winter is hands down my favorite season for fashion because there are endless opportunities for layering, combining textures, creating seasonality, and having fun with accessories. I have a collection of oversized scarfs, wool scarfs from my dad, varying hats/beanies/earmuffs, wool socks, and functional, basic gloves.
Layering is my best friend. Typically I have on at least 3 layers during the winter - sports bra/bra, a tank or tee, and then a hoodie or chunky sweater. When it gets cold enough in Texas for a jacket, I throw on a light one and some cozy accessories. You can go as basic or as fun with layers as you want - I change it up depending on my mood and how busy my day is! If I know I have professional meetings during the work day, I’ll opt for some solid colored basics for layering. If I know it’s going to be a more casual day or it’s an off-duty day, I will jazz it up with a fun graphic tee as my base.
Layering is perfect for those chilly mornings when the air is crisp and biting but warms up by midday, allowing you to shed layers as needed. Thankfully now it is also trendy to wear sweaters over your shoulders, but I still usually opt for tying sweatshirts/sweaters around my waist (the 90s kid in me can’t help it). This adds for another complexity in your outfit and can make layering even more impactful - go for a graphic tee and a colorful chunky sweater; go for a fitted basic bodysuit and graphic sweatshirts, or go for two monochromatic basics for a spruced-up professional version of the combination.
Links: Square Neck Body Suit; Long Sleeve Stretch Tees; Khaki Sweater with Beige Stitching; White Button Down Cardigan; Oversized Cable Knit Sweater (center)
One of the biggest keys to having a practical winter wardrobe that you love is buying functional pieces - scarves that will actually keep you warm, high quality socks/waterproof shoes, and beanies that you will actually wear (or earmuffs for a little bit of fun). I opt for high quality, minimal beanies when I need one - a tan Timberland one or black Carhartt beanie will do the trick and remain a solid neutral and timeless piece.
Links: Black The North Face Beanie; Pink Levi’s Beanie; Black Carhartt Beanie; Red Cashmere Beanie; Tan Timberland Beanie; White Timberland Beanie; White Pom Pom Ugg Beanie (center)
Blanket scarves are a winter staple for me. I own a tan one, a black-and-gray patterned one, and a patchwork plaid one. They’re incredibly versatile—wear them as a scarf, wrap them around your head as a snood, drape them over your shoulders as a shawl, or even use them as a blanket for your lap in the car or at the office.
Links: Pink Contrast Color Scarf; Colorful Plaid Scarf (tons more colors available here); Beige Lightweight Blanket Scarf; White Oversized Blanket Scarf; Dark Brown Cashmere Wool Scarf Shawl
Gloves can be one of the hardest to find that are both functional and cute - I typically opt for solid black. My North Face gloves are heavy-duty and warm, while my simpler cotton pair is warm but not tech-friendly—ideal for colder, less task-heavy days. You don’t need much. This winter I am planning on investing in some leather gloves to add in a smidge more flair with my outfits, but likely they will be black as well.
Links -clockwise starting from the bottom left: Black Stretch Leather Gloves; Red Wine Leather Gloves with Fur Cuff; Cognac Brown Leather Gloves; Black The North Face Gloves; Sherpa/Suede Gloves; Black Carhartt Gloves; Dark Brown Leather Gloves (center)
Last but probably most important is having warm, high quality socks and weather-resistant shoes. I typically opt for Timberlands or Hunter rain boots during the winter because they are comfortable, easy to style, and very high quality in regards to waterproofing. I’m the kind of person that is easy overstimulated if my feet are uncomfortable, so this is essential for me. Some of my favorite wool socks are handmade one that I have been gifted over the years, but there are a few other pairs I’ve found from Amazon that I just keep on buyin’.
Links: White/Black Hunter Boots; Black Hunter Boots; Tan/White Hunter Boots; Beige Columbia Boots; Black Amazon Basics Puffer Boots; Beige Ugg Boots; Cognac/Black Sorel Boots; Green Timberland Boots; Grey/Cognac Sorel Lace-up Boots
Building a winter wardrobe doesn’t have to be complicated—focus on functional pieces, embrace layering, and have fun with your accessories to create outfits that are both stylish and practical.
Tell me if I’m missing anything in the comments below!
xo rachel
Keywords: winter fashion, winter wardrobe essentials, layering outfits, functional winter accessories, stylish winter boots, blanket scarves, cozy winter outfits, waterproof shoes, neutral beanies, and leather gloves for winter.