31 Outfit Ideas to Start the New Year in Style
It’s January, which means the days are short, the temps are still dropping and, somehow, our New Year’s resolutions have already gone out the window. So yeah, it’s hard not to default to wearing sweatpants, opaque tights or puffer coats every day. Well, these 31 women are here to prove that winter dressing doesn’t have to be boring. Here is an entire month’s worth of styling ideas, so you can use your brainpower to focus on more important things (like figuring out what to do with all those Amazon boxes left over from the holidays).
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1. Pair Bold Accessories with a Cozy Sweatsuit
Dress up your matching loungewear with a brightly-hued mini bag and some patterned pointy-toe boots. Even better if you add on a few glam pieces of jewelry.
Shop similar styles: Karl Lagerfeld Paris coat ($275); J.Crew sweatshirt ($70) and sweatpants ($70); Jacquemus bag ($488); Marine Serre boots ($1,235; $617)
2. Rock Hiking Boots with a Femme Skirt
With all that rain, snow and sleet, the sidewalks are bound to be pretty slippery, meaning you might want to give your beloved high-heeled boots a break (just for a little while). But just because you’re swapping to more serious high-traction shoes doesn’t mean you can’t keep wearing them with a pretty pleated skirt. The unexpected pairing will still look chic, so long as you keep the colors neutral and stick to wintry fabrics (like wool, leather or velvet).
Shop similar styles: QED London coat ($182; $72); Vince sweater ($395); Cupcakes and Cashmere skirt ($130); Sorel boots ($130)
3. Swap Your Wool Scarf for Silk
We typically like to leave our silk scarves loosely tied to show off their pretty patterns, but wrapping one multiple times around your neck will provide much more protection from the cold and is a fun way to shake up a classic style.
Shop similar styles: Echo scarf ($44); 1.State blazer ($129); Anine Bing T-shirt ($99); Agolde jeans ($178); Palmgrens bag ($406); Margaux shoes ($278)
4. ROLL YOUR HEMS RATHER THAN TUCK THEM IN
Unless you’re rocking true skinny jeans, it can prove mighty difficult to comfortably tuck the hem of your pants into a pair of boots. So just skip that step altogether. Instead, roll the hems of your pants so that they hit just a quarter of an inch below the top of your boots for a much easier final result.
Shop similar styles: Everlane coat ($148); A.L.C. blazer ($695; $278); BP. T-shirt ($12); Mother jeans ($208); Dr. Martens boots ($150)
5. Sport high-shine leather
Glossy patent leather may seem intimidating at first, a loose silhouette paired with cozy knits and casual flats makes the fabric feel much more accessible.
Shop similar styles: AllSaints sweater ($198; $148); NA-KD pants ($60; $31); Birdies shoes ($120)
RELATED: How to Wear Leather Pants This Winter…Wherever You Live
6. Layer a silky tunic over structured pants
The ultimate day-to-night duo, luxe satin is the perfect balance to stiff wool or denim.
Shop similar styles: Vince tunic top ($425; $160); Ciao Lucia pants ($315); Loeffler Randall bag ($250); Nine West shoes ($89; $44)
7. MAKE YOUR COAT THE STAR OF THE SHOW
A giant faux-fur coat makes even the most basic T-shirt-and-jeans outfit feel fresh again.
Shop similar styles: Apparis coat ($375); 1901 T-shirt ($25; $15); Good American jeans ($179); Nine West heels ($89)
8. SHOW OFF YOUR CURVES (WHILE STAYING WARM)
Proof that you can wear a sweater dress and still look sexy. Add tall boots for day, then swap them out for some sleek heels for date night.
Shop similar styles: Ann Taylor dress ($139); INC International Concepts belt ($37; $22); White House Black Market bag ($98; $30); Sarto by Franco Sarto boots ($280; $168)
9. Incorporate Sparkly Pieces Into Your Everyday Wardrobe
It doesn’t need to be a special evening to wear sequins or glitter. These wacky trousers pair just as nicely with a cozy oversize sweater or graphic tee for work, brunch or whatever else you have planned.
Shop similar styles: Quay Australia x Lizzo sunglasses ($55; $33); Favorite Daughter sweater ($398); 3.1 Phillip Lim pants ($750); Marc Fisher LTD boots ($190; $100)
10. Invest in (and wear) some high-quality basics
The difference between a stunning minimalist ensemble and boring basics all comes down to fit and fabric. No, you don’t need to blow your budget on designer pieces, but high-quality fabrics like cashmere or wool will almost always look better than acrylic blends (in addition to being much comfier). Similarly, a good tailor can take a pair of slouchy ill-fitting trousers and give them a much more flattering, professional-looking fit.
Shop similar styles: Club Monaco sweater ($298); Akris pants ($595; $357); Tory Burch bag ($348); Stuart Weitzman boots ($575; $403)
11. Replace Black with gray
With spring so far in the future, it's easy to fall into a routine of wearing all-black everything. And while you might not be the kind of person who wants to wear vibrant red or sunshine yellow during the winter, you can and should switch to a lighter neutral like gray.
Shop similar styles: Brixton hat ($64); Michael Kors coat ($295); Banana Republic pants ($99); Cuyana bag ($195); Tony Bianco boots ($166)
12. Or Neutrals with Vibrant Splashes of Color
On the other hand, if you are the kind of person who enjoys a pop of color, why stop at replacing black with gray when you can go all in on bold reds, yellows or blues? Use Coterie member Monroe Steele’s cheerful orange skirt, bright multi-colored knit and dove gray boots to inspire your own stand-out ensemble.
Shop similar styles: Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific sweater ($79; $48); Lee Matthews skirt ($389; $272); Vince Camuto boots ($229)
13. Sport an Old-School Favorite
It’s tough to say whether 2020’s nostalgic fashion boom would’ve happened regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic, but this past year saw lots of folks dressing like they were kids again. As Coterie member Karlee Andrews demonstrates here, that doesn’t necessarily mean looking like an actual child. Pairing old favorites, like overalls, with tailored coats or blazers and lug-sole hiking or combat boots adds a grown-up edge that’s more chic than costumey.
Shop similar styles: Hat Attack hat ($70); Cupcakes and Cashmere coat ($190; $133); Treasure & Bond shirt ($39; $28); Universal Thread overalls ($35); Aquatalia boots ($295; $118)
14. SWAP YOUR DECADES-OLD PUFFER FOR A Long Vest Version
Just as warm as a down jacket, but looks way cooler. Bonus: It can easily layer over your lighter coats for a super-warm effect.
Shop similar styles: J.Ing vest ($130; $98); Lulus turtleneck ($64); RtA pants ($225)
15. Or Upgrade to a Duvet Coat
This new winter trend is exactly what you think—puffer coats inspired by your coziest bedding. They have longer silhouettes, larger and more square quilted panels and look their best when worn as a wrap style with a belt (though they certainly don’t have to be). Suddenly leaving the house when it’s below freezing doesn’t seem quite as awful...
Shop similar styles: Monki coat ($119; $78); Everlane sweater ($165); L’Academie skirt ($188); Loeffler Randall bag ($350); Steve Madden boots ($130; $80)
16. Give Your Tulle Skirt a Post-Holiday Makeover
Just because the holidays are over doesn't mean you need to stop wearing your favorite fancy pieces. Pair a tulle skirt with a tough moto jacket and simple ankle boots for an everyday look that doesn't scream New Year's Eve.
Shop similar styles: Blank NYC jacket ($98; $59); Lace & Beads skirt ($56; $37); Tory Burch boots ($428)
17. Make a statement with vibrant gloves
Shake up the vibe of your classic plaid coat and add a hit of bold color with a pair of warm gloves in a neon hue.
Shop similar styles: Etsy gloves ($19); Ellen Tracy coat ($320; $225)
18. Embrace the New Neutrals
Black and navy will never go out of style, but in 2021 we’re excited to embrace more unexpected, though no less versatile, hues, like chocolate brown and eggplant. Especially when they’re worn together.
Shop similar styles: J.Crew coat ($248); Ted Baker London dress ($259); Louis Vuitton pouch ($520)
19. Dress Up Simple Black Jeans
You love sporting your black boyfriend jeans with easy oversize knits, but they’ll look just as good (perhaps even better) with a draped blazer and some stand-out accessories. Add a pearl headband, glittering gold jewelry or a velvet clutch to the mix and your weekend staple will suddenly look much dressier.
Shop similar styles: Lele Sadoughi headband ($115); BB Dakota blazer ($99); Reiss shirt ($178); Madewell jeans ($115; $70); Rebecca Minkoff bag ($98); Sam Edelman shoes ($130)
20. Rock Winter White from head to Toe
So crisp, so fresh, so getting pinned to our style Pinterest board.
Shop similar styles: Milly sweater ($325); Lee Matthews skirt ($389; $272); Sam Edelman heels ($130)
21. CUT DOWN ON BULK WITH A CROPPED SWEATER
A crop top in January? Absolutely! So long as it's a cozy knit instead of a cotton tee. Pair your short knits with high-waisted pants and skirts to keep everything covered and warm.
Shop similar styles: Free People sweater ($140; $104); Apeice Apart pants ($315); Loeffler Randall belt ($150); Bottega Veneta shoes ($880)
22. Swap Black Tights for Gray
Here, Jenna Lyons teaches us how to soften a stark black-and-white outfit.
Shop similar styles: Topshop coat ($125); James Perse sweater ($135); Bardot skirt ($109); Calzedonia tights ($20); Calvin Klein heels ($99; $63)
23. MIX IT UP WITH DIFFERENT TEXTURES
Leather and faux fur and terrycloth, oh my! It might sound like a lot to handle, but Coterie member Tyla-Lauren Gilmore shows us how to do it with style. (P.S., It’s also a great way to dress up cozy staples like fleece sweats or velour joggers.)
Shop similar styles: ASOS coat ($103); Alo sweatshirt ($78); Nap sweatpants ($178); Comme Des Gar?ons Play sneakers ($150)
24. Look Ahead to Valentine’s Day
No need to wait for February 14 to sport a date-night-ready, all red ensemble. Heart prints, shades of rose, burgundy, rust and candy-apple red and subtly sexy silhouettes work for just about any night of the year (yes, even when worn together), so why not test-drive next month’s look now?
Shop similar styles: Rhode dress ($495; $330); Stuart Weitzman boots ($775)
25. Try Classics with a Twist
A trench coat, white button down, dark-wash jeans and knee-high boots makes for a pretty classic outfit combination. But swapping traditional basics for ones with interesting twists—a two-tone coat, embroidered denim, a Peter Pan collar—can make these wardrobe staples feel fresh and new.
Shop similar styles: ASOS trench coat ($127; $89); 1. State shirt ($69); Current/Elliott jeans ($328; $98); Rebecca Minkoff bag ($228; $114); Raye boots ($348)
26. Show Some Skin in a Miniskirt
Yes, you can wear a miniskirt in the middle of January. Pro tip from Coterie member Katie Sturino: Pair it with some over-the-knee boots and a long coat to give it a wintry vibe. (Of course, you can also add some sheer tights if your legs tend to get chilly.)
Shop similar styles: Stand Studio coat ($498); Gap T-shirt ($25; $14); ASOS Curve skirt ($23); Italeau boots ($645; $327)
27. Think Outside the Box with Your Winter Accessories
No need to stick with wool or cashmere, or even solid colors, for that matter. Have some fun with silk scarves and vibrant prints that remind you of spring (which will be here before you know it).
Shop similar styles: Diane von Furstenberg scarf ($178; $125); Rag & Bone sunglasses ($189); Tory Burch face mask ($35 for set of three); Cynthia Rowley blazer ($525)
RELATED: What Your Winter Coat Says About You
28. Lighten Things Up
Instead of reaching for your dark-wash jeans and gray overcoat yet again, switch it around and pull on a pair of lighter jeans and a colorful coat, like Coterie member Olivia Jeanette.
Shop similar styles: Sam Edelman coat ($240); Cami NYC top ($165); Levi’s jeans ($98); Ralph Lauren bag ($158); Everlane shoes ($156; $46)
29. BREAK YOUR FALL DRESSES OUT OF STORAGE
It's time to pull your fave summer dresses from storage. Just layer them under a cozy knit, toss on some tall boots and you’re good to go.
Shop similar styles: Halogen sweater ($59; $36); Misa Los Angeles dress ($392); Tory Burch bag ($528); Vince boots ($595)
30. Boost Your Mood with Tropical Florals
Yes, you can wear Hawaiian blooms out in the snow. Just follow Grace Atwood’s lead and stick to darker prints and longer silhouettes. Finish with some more typical winter accessories (black suede shoes and gem-colored bags) and you should be good to go.
Shop similar styles: Night face mask ($55); Farm Rio dress ($215); Lovard bag ($476); Margaux heels ($268; $219)
31. Try MUTED Pastel Hues
Who says pastels are appropriate only in spring? Bring on the robin’s-egg blues, delicate lilacs and pale greens for a look that evokes a frosted winter wonderland.
Shop similar styles: J.Jill coat ($249); ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo top ($225; $135); ALC pants ($395; $300); Be Mine heels ($48)
