It seems as though any time the temperature dips below 50 degrees, the simple act of getting dressed becomes a months-long battle between looking good versus staying warm. Do I want to spend the evening shivering in a too-thin, seasonally inappropriate dress that garners an onslaught of compliments? Or do I want to pile on everything I own and become a Joey?
Throw in a situation, like the first holiday fête you’ve been invited to in years, and the whole thing feels exponentially difficult to navigate. But don’t stress: Aesthetics and warmth don’t need to be opposing forces nor are they mutually exclusive. With the right layers, brought to you by Cuddl Duds, every hard-to-dress-for winter scenario is all at once very achievable. We pinpointed four such instances, from dining outside to first-date hikes, and pieced together the outfits that do it all. Click through to shop our winter outfit ideas, ahead.
What To Wear: The goal here is insulation, and the key to warmth is to double up on everything. Start with a fleece-lined base (a long-sleeve crew and leggings) and pile on a darling cardigan, roomy white wide-leg jeans (perfect for layering), and a puffer.
Cuddl Duds Fleecewear with Stretch Long Sleeve Crew Neck Top, $, available at QVC
Cuddl Duds Fleecewear Stretch Leggings, $, available at QVC
Ganni Poplin Collar Cardigan, $, available at Ganni
Frame Le Italien Wide Crop Blanc, $, available at Frame
Banana Republic Plaid Water-Repellent Long Puffer Coat, $, available at Banana Republic
Loq Georgia Boot, $, available at LoQ
What To Wear: It’s all about strategic layering with first, a foundation of base layers that promise to retain body heat without adding bulk. Opt for a knit dress as opposed to a cotton or satin number that’ll do nothing against a cold forecast. And to finish, a super-sleek camel coat and a pair of over-the-knee boots for another layer of insulation.
Cuddl Duds Softwear with Stretch Long Sleeve Crew, $, available at QVC
Cuddl Duds Softwear with Stretch Legging, $, available at QVC
Zara Wool Blend Knit Dress, $, available at Zara
Toteme Belted wool coat, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Jordan Road Emma Hoops Medium, $, available at Jordan Road
Nomasei Black Over-the-Knee Boots, $, available at Nomasei
What To Wear: A leisurely hike means you can forego the hardcore, not-so-cute winter gear (which is fine for, like, the 50th date). Slip into a pair of plush velour leggings and a pretty floral-laden turtleneck as your base, and to ensure maximum warmth, layer up on a fleece pullover, which allows your turtleneck to peek through.
See By Chloé Eilieen Shearling-lined Ankle Boots, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Dauphinette Chinoiserie Sophia Turtleneck, $, available at Dauphinette
Cuddl Duds Soft Terry Anklet Lounge Socks Set of Three, $, available at QVC
Cuddl Duds Double Plush Velour Leggings, $, available at QVC
Cuddl Duds Fleecewear with Stretch Mixed Media Top, $, available at QVC
Telfar Embroidered Beanie, $, available at Telfar
What To Wear: Brace for the cold and the inevitable soaked-through outfit by layering a thermal set underneath a sweatsuit (perfect for peeling off afterward once you’re back inside). Finish the look with a puffer, sherpa-lined socks, and waterproof footwear.
SOREL Women’s Kinetic™ Caribou Boot, $, available at SOREL
Carhartt Knit Beanie, $, available at Carhartt
Thakoon Brushed Sweatpants, $, available at Thakoon
Thakoon Drawstring Hoodie, $, available at Thakoon
Cuddl Duds Faux Sherpa Cozy Lined Socks Set of 2, $, available at QVC
Cuddl Duds Stretch Waffle Legging, $, available at QVC
Cuddl Duds Ladies Stretch Waffle Long Sleeve Top, $, available at QVC
Cuddl Duds Comfy Soft Puffer, $, available at Cuddl Duds
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