Let’s be honest: When the temperature drops below freezing, the desire to get out of bed dissipates. Even when you find the motivation to finally roll out of bed, trying to figure out what to wear when it's cold outside can be discouraging, to say the least. Even if you consider wintertime to be the best season (couldn't be me), it's hard to deny that dressing for extra-chilly temps poses a whole other set of challenges. Sure, there are some hose tried-and-true cold weather staples that make getting dressed for a 30-degree day a bit easier—think: puffer coats, snow boots, leather gloves, or chunky knits.
There comes a point, however, usually in the thick of winter, when even winter staples come to feel, well, tiresome. Besides the apathy that can build up towards one's winter wardrobe, there's the additional challenge that dressing for frigid temps poses in general. You can't just wear any old outfit, as elemental challenges require you to take into account snow, wind, and even ice.
Basically, dressing to brave the outdoors isn't always an easy feat. But before you acquiesce to staying in bed, don't lose hope. It's possible to embrace the elements in the utmost style. Case in point? The Scandinavian style set. If you've followed fashion long enough, it should come as no surprise that some of the best winter outfit ideas can be spotted on the streets of Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm. With much of the Nordic region boasting temperatures below freezing throughout the winter, it's created a climate that requires locals to learn how to dress for the cold—making it the best place to look for outfit ideas.
Ahead, we figured we'd bring you some of that inspo by rounding up 15 cold-weather outfit ideas that work for 30-degree weather, along with styling tips, and shopping recommendations. You may not live in Scandinavia, but these looks will make dressing for sharply cold days more straightforward.
WEAR: Sunglasses + Chunky Necklace + Oversize V-Neck Sweater + Matching Knit Maxi Skirt + Colorful Sneakers + Crescent Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: One of the easiest ensembles to throw on for an especially frosty day is a matching knit set. Draw inspiration from the outfit above by opting for an oversize sweater styled with a matching skirt and contrasting accessories. If you want to make this outfit even warmer, opt for a thicker material (e.g., mohair, wool, or cashmere) and add additional layers.
Pair with the matching christina maxi skirt ($680).
WEAR: Black Wool Coat + Belt + Tan Turtleneck Sweaterdress + Knee-High Boots + Tote Bag
Styling Notes: Knitted sets aren't the only simple outfit idea—enter, sweater dresses into the chat. Although it might not seem like wearing a dress on a 30-degree day is pragamatic, that's acutally not the case. The key to pulling off this piece when it's particuarlly cold is to pay attention to textiles and silhouttes. Typically, you want to opt for a loose-fitting knitted dress made from a thicker material that can be easily layered ontop of thermal underpinnings and underneath a heavy wool coat.
WEAR: Cropped Puffer Coat + Turtleneck Sweater + Leather Maxi Skirt + Knee-High Boots + Clutch Bag
Styling Notes: When it's too cold to wear just a sweater dress, but you can't be bothered to put on pants, let the outfit above be your blueprint. Puffer coats are always a practical choice for nippy-weather, but if you want to make this piece more stylish, pair it with a long leather skirt, turtleneck sweater, knee-high boots, and a statement belt.
WEAR: Leather Bomber Jacket + Sweater + Straight-Leg Jeans + Thermal Underpinnings + Pumps + Hobo Bag
Styling Notes: If you've reached the point in winter where you're already over your puffer coat, the next best option is an oversize leather bomber jacket. In order to make this jacket more winter-ready, style it with roomy separates that allow you to add practical layers. For example, look for straight-leg jeans that are baggy enough to layer thermal leggings (or tights) underneath or carry an oversize hobo bag that can hold space for a scarf, gloves, or hat.
WEAR: Brown Suede Trench Coat + Turtleneck Sweater + Black Wool Trousers+ Suede Sneakers + Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: The best way to combat the winter blues? Break out of your all-black outfit routine. No, you don't need to adopt every color under the rainbow; simply start by swapping out a few of your black separates with an alternative shade. If you can't possibly imagine wearing anything bright, take a cue from the outfit above by going for an alternative neutral (i.e., chocolate brown, olive green, or navy).
WEAR: Sunglasses + Scarf Coat + Chunky Cable-Knit Cardigan + Thermal T-Shirt + Wide-Leg Jeans + Ankle Boots + Oversize Bag
Styling Notes: If you want to go beyond embracing a few different neutrals into your winter wardrobe, may we suggest prints? Adopting one of the season's biggest print trends is a fool-proof way to make any outfit feel more trend-forward. But you don't need to wear head-to-toe prints to reap the benefits—start with a printed statement coat. Not only can a printed coat pair well with polished staples (i.e., a chunky knit cardigan, wide-leg jeans, an oversize handbag), but it's sure to become the focal point of your outfit.
WEAR: Shearling Jacket + White Knit Jumper + Baggy Jeans + Mini Handbag + Chelsea Boots
Styling Notes: Not into printed outerwear? The next best way to spice up your winter wardrobe is by playing with different texures. Even the most "simple" staples can become more visual intiguing when styled with seperates that constrast subtlely. For example, you can make a shearling jacket pop more by pairing it with a white knitted jumper, light-wash baggy jeans, and black chelsea boots.
WEAR: Black Coat + Thermal Turtleneck + White Button-Down + Studded Belt + Wool Trousers + Ankle Boots + Handbag
Styling Notes: While it's essential to find ways to make your winter staples a bit more exciting, it's even more important to remember the cold elements await you outside. If you want to be as warm as possible, put a few thermal layers underneath your favorite staples. For example, you can make your white button-down winter-ready by adding a thermal turtleneck underneath styled with wool trousers, ankle boots, and a long black wool coat.
WEAR: Balaclava + Herringbone Long Coat + Gray Crewneck Sweater + Thermal Leggings + Moto Boots
Styling Notes: Besides adding thermal layers, it's also imperative to consider accessories when picking out a functional (and fashionable) winter outfit. Whether it's a sunny day with high winds or a chilly day with a high chance of snow, you can't go wrong with picking pieces meant for the cold weather—e.g., an oversize long coat, a knitted balaclava hat, and moto boots. Just be sure to pair them with other winter-friendly items to ensure maximum warmth.
WEAR: Leather Trench Coat with Fur Trim + Cashmere Hoodie + Baggy Jeans + Metallic Ankle Boots + Studded Handbag
Styling Notes: Not only can the right accessories ensure maximum warmth throughout the winter, but they can make even more "casual" pieces chicer—case in point: the outfit above. When you only want to wear your coziest cashmere hoodie and baggy jeans outside but still want to look put-together, add a leather trench coat, metallic ankle boots, and a studded handbag. It's the lazy girl's hack to look good all winter long.
WEAR: Oversize Wool Blazer + Hoodie + Fleece Sweatshirt + Thermal Sweatpants + Socks + Loafers
Styling Notes: Nothing is more appealing than staying in a cozy pair of sweatpants for those super-cold mornings when you're only leaving the house to grab a cup of coffee or walk the dog. But if you want to make your sweats more winter-friendly or, at the very least, Scandi-inspired, take notes from the outfit above. You can make your sweatsuit more formal and cold-weather functional by layering an oversize wool blazer over doubled-up sweatshirts and thermal sweatpants. Give the look a polishing touch by finishing it off with a pair of loafers—it's sure to make your sweatpants shine.
WEAR: Animal Print Faux Fur Coat + Thermal T-Shirt + Crewneck Sweatshirt + Thermal Sweatpants + Retro Sneakers
Styling Notes: Another simple way to make your beloved black sweatshirt and sweatpants more stylish? Pair them with an animal print faux fur coat and retro sneakers. It's one of the simplest outfit formulas, yet the Scandinavian style set regularly relies upon it to look sophisticated during winter storms.
WEAR: Baseball Cap + Fur Coat + Thermal T-Shirt + Gray Cardigan + Wide-Leg Jeans + Thermal Underpinnings + Pointed Ankle Boots + Studded Handbag
Styling Notes: When you want to wear something besides sweatpants but don't want to be too dressed up, consider recreating the ensemble above. The benefit of opting for a fur coat styled over a T-shirt, gray cardigan, wide-leg jeans, and ankle boots is that it's an outfit formula that's as easy to throw on as a tracksuit. While also being far more bougie than the typical winter outfit.
WEAR: Shearling Jacket + Chunky Cableknit Sweater + Belt + Wool Trousers + Snowboots + Handbag
Styling Notes: If you think wearing a fur coat is far too fancy for everyday life, think again. A simple way to make this outerwear style a bit more approachable is to pair it with your beloved winter staples—e.g., a chunky cable knit sweater, belt, wool trousers, and snow boots. Whether you're spending the weekend skiing or simply heading to the supermarket, it's a simple way to style this Scandi-approved outerwear.
WEAR: Faux Fur Coat + Cropped Crewneck Sweater + Wool Wrap Skirt + Thermal Tights + Knee-High Boots + Crescent Bag
Styling Notes: By now, you've hopefully got a better grip on how to dress for 30-degree weather. But if you still need parting advice, remember that you don't need to be a resident of the Scandinavian region to look stylish this winter—hey, even the French sometimes take lessons from this style set (or at least that's the case with the woman above at CPHFW). The key to dressing for winter like a pro is to embrace layering! Don't be afraid to add thermal base layers, oversize coats, extra accessories, and even layer in pops of color and prints. It's a surefire way to make dressing for even the most bitter temperatures a far better experience.
