It felt like only a couple of weeks ago that we were pondering whether it was cold enough to wear tights, and the next thing we knew, the heating was permanently on and we were trying to figure just how many thermal layers it's possible to wear at once.
While autumn is the in-between with the kind of fresh, bright weather that's perfect for light layering, winter kicks things up a level and requires a different kind of practical dressing. From heavy-duty coats to waterproof boots, what we wear in the coldest season has to be functional, but there's no reason it can't be fashionable, too.
If you're in need some styling inspiration to take your autumn look into the new season, look no further. Some of the most stylish influencers on Instagram have started to showcase their cold-weather looks with aplomb, serving up tactile knits, cosy coats, and of course plenty of outfit-elevating accessories. Remember it’s not always what you wear but how you wear it—a belt to cinch a coat or knee-high boots over old jeans can go a long way in transforming your winter staples.
So relish the drop in temperatures and dig out all those winter favourites—and maybe add a few new ones into the mix, too. Keeping scrolling through the gallery below for the most inspiring snuggly looks I've seen lately and how to re-create them.
1. A KNITTED CO-ORD + KNEE-HIGH BOOTS
Style Notes: What's better than one cosy knit? Two, of course. Sai De Silva proves that co-ords can work for any season. Just add a wool coat and tall boots if you're bare-legged.
SHOP THE LOOK
The belted, brushed wool coat is a timeless classic.
Not only does this fine-knit cardigan look great with jeans and ballet pumps, but it's even better with the matching skirt.
Consider this winter's answer to the shirt + shorts co-ords we wore all summer.
I've never seen a mock-croc boot I didn't like, and the price makes these even better.
2. A VINYL COAT + GILET + WIDE-LEG TROUSERS
Style Notes: It always pays to be prepared, and the beauty of a glossy, vinyl or leather coat is that getting caught in the rain isn't a problem. Rather than contending with soggy shearling, layer up with a gilet or cardigan under a waterproof coat and add relaxed tailoring with wide-leg trousers and a pair of trainers.
SHOP THE LOOK
Bring the drama in a coat that manages to sport cape details, a strong silhouette and a glossy finish all at once.
Uniqlo is our reliable go-to destination for practical, winter-proof wear.
There's something supremely luxe about slipping into a pair of fluid, relaxed, velvet trousers.
Looking for a forever bag? Allow me to point you towards the Prada Galleria, classic design that never goes out of style.
3. A KNIT DRESS + LONGLINE COAT
Style Notes: Is it just me, or are ribbed knits everywhere right now? From Hailey Bieber to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, the A-list are stepping out in comfy yet polished knits, and Sheryl Luke's dress-and-heel combo is a lesson in how to make knitwear work for evening too.
SHOP THE LOOK
When it comes to coats, the bigger, the better (including collars and lapels).
I never get tired of looking at this H&M dress. The perfect figure-sculpting instant outfit.
Sheryl's exact Amina Muaddi shoes have long since sold out, but Jimmy Choo's elegant Romy pumps are an understated alternative for those looking for a refined, satin shoe.
4. A SUIT + MAXI COAT
Style Notes: Take tailoring to new heights with an oversized fit and strong colour-blocking in seasonal shades. A '90s-meets-power-dressing look that ticks all of the right boxes.
SHOP THE LOOK
I'm sharing this coat with everyone I know. It just looks so expensive.
The suit, but not as you know it, as this matching blazer and trousers have a slight satin finish that stands out from the crowd.
Wear these again with a chunky turtleneck or slouchy cardigan and a pair of loafers.
Speaking of loafers, here's a pair that look designer but cost a fraction of the price.
5. A BRETON KNIT + LEATHER SKIRT + ANKLE BOOTS
Style Notes: I'm not quite sure what I'd do if the striped jumper ceased to exist. Just about everyone in the Who What Wear office owns one, and whether they're from Totême or H&M, they all have one thing in common. Making any outfit they're paired with feel instantly much cooler. Give this iconic knit the attention it deserves with a sleek leather skirt and goes-with-anything ankle boots.
SHOP THE LOOK
Whether its stripey knits or best-selling coats, Totême never puts a foot wrong.
I cannot stress this enough: You will never regret buying a leather midi skirt. It comes in handy every autumn and winter.
Another pair of M&S boots that I'm currently obsessed with, but this time it's all about the square toe.
6. A TRENCH COAT + LEATHER TROUSERS + CHUNKY BOOTS
Style Notes: If you invested in a trench coat this autumn, it was a shrewd move. To make it winter ready, layer it over a cosy knit and bundle up in an extra-large blanket scarf for extra warmth. Leather trousers and chunky boots are also the best trouser-and-boot pairing for battling the elements, so this is a look that's as fashionable as it is functional.
SHOP THE LOOK
The perfect trench doesn't exi…
Classic camel or bold red… classic camel or bold red… In fact, I'll take both.
Any vegan leather that looks this good and at that price is a hit with us.
Come rain or shine, you'll be grateful you stepped out in these hard-wearing boots.
Up Next, The Layering Tricks That Will Help You Outsmart the Weather This Winter
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