Winter Outfit Inspiration

Winter is the perfect time to showcase your style because there is so much opportunity to create unique outfits. However, it might become a little confusing and overwhelming when trying to build the perfect winter outfit. This article will help to inspire your winter outfits and stay in touch with more modern trends. Be the best dressed during the holiday season! 

Starting off with men’s outfits, there are a few different routes that you can go. 

For those who want to stay sharp, simple, and who lean more towards a minimalist style, there are some good options on the market. Wool coats, knit sweaters (cream, gray, navy), slim black jeans, boots, minimalist sneakers, and even a nice scarf all fit this style perfectly. Some things to keep in mind are to keep rich textures (wool, cashmere, heavy cotton) and to avoid big logos or excessive patterns. 

A trendy style seen nowadays in the modern generations are street wear and urban outfits. This can be accomplished in the cold weather with some key pieces such as shiny puffer jackets, oversized hoodies, cargo pants, baggy jeans, high-top shoes (boots, Jordan 1s, etc.), and a cool graphic beanie for head wear. This style focuses more on proportions rather than color and incorporates heavy layering into the outfits. 

Some people prefer the more rugged, work wear look and while it is less popular nowadays, there are still ways to achieve this style. Canvas jackets, flannel, heavy straight-legged jeans, wool beanies, and Timberland's boots can combine to perfectly create this style. When aiming for a rugged look this winter, it’s important to stick to more earthy tones such as brown, tan, olive, and navy. 

For those who like to play it safe, the academic style is perfect. The goal is to have a cozy and polished look, this is achieved through wool peacoats, cable knit sweaters, button-up shirts, wool trousers, and simple footwear such as boots, air forces, or loafers. In order to successfully create this style, it’s best to mix soft textures such as wool, cable knit, and suede. 

A recent trend has emerged and it has split the generation in half. One side prefers the arguably more mature look of quarter-zip tops, while the other gravitates towards wearing Nike Tech. Many believe that those who’ve started wearing quarter-zips are “trend-hoppers”, and while this may be true, the clean, polished look is undeniable. Quarter-zips have recently been associated with drinking matcha and this matches the “performative” aesthetic and trend that many people want to follow. On the other hand,  Nike Techs have withstood the test of time and for some they even represent loyalty due to their durability and versatility. For most, there is almost an emotional connection because Nike Tech can match well with any outfit and because it can be worn in a variety of situations. Which would you rock, quarter-zip or Nike Tech?

Our next outfit type is alternative. This fashion type includes goth, emo, punk, and many more. Each style has its own vast array of outfit types, accessories, and general look to it. Punk is generally characterized by bold statement pieces, heavy DIY, homemade patches, stitches, spikes, safety pins, and many more. Punk is a loud and bold alternative style, rooted in protest and anti-establishment. A common punk outfit is a black leather jacket with pins and patches attached to it, some ripped jeans, black boots, and a vast array of spiked jewelry like wrist cuffs.

The goth style is mainly characterized by dark clothing and bold hairstyles. It originated in the UK during the 1980s. It has many sub-genres within the main style, but we’ll be focusing solely on the original style. A generic goth outfit for women (as they are the main pillars of the goth style in the modern day) includes a flowing black dress, fishnet stockings, silver jewelry, a black corset, an elaborate choker, and Demonia leather boots. 

The final style we will be talking about is emo. It also originated in the 1980s and gained huge popularity in the early 2000s. The fringe hairstyles are one of the main defining factors of the style. This is the most simplistic style within these three. The generic outfit for a man is usually a band t-shirt, ripped black jeans, a black leather belt with a chain hooked to it, a black leather jacket, and some high-top Converse. Despite all of this, the alternative genre is vast and doesn’t have one set fashion style. You don’t have to dress like a generic goth to be in that style, as all alt styles are inclusive. Just have fun and express yourself and your style however you please. 

Lastly, there are many basic or fun ways that girls can stay warm and practical during winter. Winter outfits matter because it’s a chance for teen girls to turn everyday basics into something even better. When the weather gets cold, throwing on a hoodie and sweatpants can be the way to go. Though this is practical and comfy, if you want to find other ways to create variety in your wardrobe, the most important thing to do is layer. For example, you can wear a basic tank top that is a staple for any wardrobe. Because of its versatility, you can pair it with a simple zip-up hoodie and flared jeans.

 Another similar way to layer within that style is to wear shorts with a pair of thick tights. You can easily pair any type of sweater over it to complete the outfit. You can also take long camisoles and wear a zip up hoodie or another thin sweater on top for a more unified shape. You can easily find ways to recreate such outfits through Hollister’s new ‘Holiday Vault’ release, which focuses on a more 2000’s style.

If you’re looking for a more recent way to style yourself,  you can go for a cleaner looking outfit. A good way to do this would be by wearing a lightweight hoodie, ribbed tops, and leggings. Many keep the colors simple, going for white, blue, pink, brown, and red – and pairing them with Uggs. This way, you can stay cozy without overheating and feeling heavy.

Another popular style for girls is a relaxed, streetwear look. Think about oversized hoodies, off the shoulder sweaters, cropped puffer vests, baggy jeans and sweatpants, and sneakers. Since layering isn’t as important here, it's better to focus on proportions. 

Wearing leggings with a baggier sweatshirt shows the perfect balance for a good outfit. You can also pair long sleeved shirts or babydoll sweaters with baggy jeans,  sweatpants or a jean skirt. Many also lean towards a more laidback look by wearing slouchy sweaters, waffle-knit tops, straight jeans, and basic slip-on shoes. These types of clothes mostly revolve around a color palette which involves beige, cream, white, and blue. Important accessories that can fully bring the outfit together are thin scarves, necklaces, fluffy socks, and knit headbands. Learning how to style clothes creatively lets you get ready for school faster and look more put-together in photos. When you know how to build outfits that remain practical, winter can stay fun. 

These are some examples of already established outfits, but the amazing thing about fashion and style is that it’s always evolving. You should always be unique to yourself and demonstrate that through your clothing. Maybe you might start the next big trend!