Putting together a great outfit in winter can feel pointless—because by the time you leave the house, it’s all hidden under a big coat, scarf, hat, and gloves. And when it’s not just freezing, but also getting dark at 4pm and you’ve fully forgotten what the sun feels like (looking at you, London), the motivation to try gets... thin.
So let’s take our trusty 3P framework—Proportion, Palette, and Personality—and translate it for cold weather. Because yes, it is possible to dress for the temperature and still feel stylish, pulled together, and, you know…like your stylish self.
And here’s a good trick to start with: Think about the part of your body that always gets cold—and then build your winter wardrobe around solving that problem with style.
If your hands are always freezing, get a few pairs of gloves that spark joy. The kind so special, you won’t forget to wear them—they become the outfit.
If your feet are the issue, look for boots with a chunky sole that keeps the cold out, or cashmere socks that make you feel like you belong in a Nancy Meyers movie.
If your ears and face always get cold, invest in cosy knit beanies or coats and jackets with a dramatic hood.
The goal? Target the problem, but make it fashion. A little effort goes a long way when you’re trying to stay warm and still look like someone who knows a thing or two about fashion.
Proportion: Layering Without Losing Yourself
When it’s cold, the temptation is to just pile on everything you own and hope for the best. But looking like a fashion-forward marshmallow is not the goal.
Balance is key, whether you’re working with volume, length, or layering like you’re assembling an editorial puzzle.
If you’re wearing a long, oversized coat, balance it with:
Tailored trousers
Slim or straight-leg denim
Leggings (preferably not the see-through kind)
Tall, structured boots for clean vertical lines
If your base layers are sleek and fitted, go big on top with:
A boxy puffer
A cocoon coat
A truly over-the-top scarf (preferably one that Lenny Kravitz will undoubtably steal)
Even if your whole outfit leans oversized, you can still tweak proportion through:
Accessories, like a fitted beanie or structured bag
Footwear, skip the chunky boots and try a slimmer silhouette like:
Sleek knee-high boots.
Classic loafers
Anything with a pointy toe.
Slim looking trainers.
Create Smart Layers to Keep Proportions on Point
Start with a thin turtleneck under:
Chunky sweaters
Heavy knit vests
Shirts or t-shirts
Try a structured blazer layered under:
A boxy or oversized wool coat
An oversized leather jacket
Layer trousers or leggings under skirts or dresses for:
Added warmth
Unexpected proportion play
I’ve been putting together a Black Friday newsletter to help you cut through the noise and actually find the good stuff. It’ll be landing in your inbox on Wednesday or Thursday. But in the meantime, you can already take a peek at what I’ve found so far in my Shop My Black Friday Edit, because yes, some of the best deals are already live and absolutely worth a scroll.
The ones I think are totally worth it:
Everlane & Aritzia – up to 50% off selected stock
Perfect if you’re looking to stock up on high-quality basics: think knitwear, coats, denim—the kind of pieces that quietly do the most.Missoma with a up to 40% & Monica Vinader up to 50% off.
Perfect for really good gifts—to others, yes, but especially to yourself. (Because who, exactly, deserves more gold than you?)I get most of my beauty products from Beauty Pie, and right now they’re offering 20% off everything. I’ll be sharing my favourites soon, but in the meantime—if you’ve been curious about trying their membership, I’ve got a 3-month gift card with your name on it. Just let me know and I’ll send it your way.
Coming up on the 26th & 27th:
COS, Massimo Dutti, Arket, & Other Stories will be giving early access to subscribers.
→ Sign up for their newsletters now to access the previews (you can totally unsubscribe after)
→ Hot tip: Massimo Dutti lets you prep your basket the evening before the sale starts. I always do this—items go fast.
More recs coming in the full newsletter. For now, enjoy the scroll, and maybe don’t wait till Friday.
Palette: The Cure for Sad Winter Beige
Yes, neutrals are easy, and it’s comfortable to turn to black when the weather is dreadful. I love black like the next girl—but cold-weather palettes don’t have to be boring or bleak. You’re not required to vanish into the background just because the sky is grey and your nose resembles Rudolph’s.
💌 The rest of this post is for paid subscribers.
Keep reading for colour combinations and personality-packed winter style details, including the coats, accessories, and layering tricks that make cold-weather dressing actually fun.
