Winter Layering Decoded by Sarah Jessica Parker's Stylist

A blazer is the perfect piece for updating sleeveless dresses in winter. Walsh notes, "It's just an easy juxtaposition—masculine and feminine—which make dressing interesting."

Winter is a season that truly lends itself to playing with contrasts, whether you experiment in terms of proportion or color. "Victoria Beckham's coat looks like a reference to Melanie Griffith's Working Girl. It's a power coat. It has sharp lines and it's effortless with her slouchy pants," says Walsh.

"There are so many different ways you can do this," says Walsh. "Whether you want to belt it Western-style, or do it street-chic and easy cool." Jeans and booties are casual, but the blanket cape can also be worn over a slip dress or pencil skirt.

Whether you're traveling or heading to work, an oversized scarf is the fashion definition of function meets form. "It's a luxury accessory," says Walsh. "Whether you want to have a bag, a scarf, or a coat, it's nice to have one really big thing."

Coats in deep jewel tones are easy and effortless when paired with a clean white sweater and pair of jeans. "With a colorful coat, it's more wearable with a streamlined style," says Walsh. "You can also mix it up with other brightcolors and do color-blocking."

A leather jacket is a great problem-solver—but not just any leather jacket. "Beyonce's is fitted. Even if you threw this over sweatpants or a T-shirt, it would still look put together," explains Walsh. The embellishments and patent shine make the jacket a standout.

Style a white turtleneck under basic shell tops. "Turtlenecks pull things together. They make everything more streamlined—and are a nod to minimalism, a la Phoebe Philo for Céline," adds Walsh.

Find ways to be creative with what you already have in your wardrobe. That old sweater you never wear? "Tying a sweater around the waist and layering it under a coat is a surprise," says Walsh. Keep it tailored, constructed, and lean with a minimal pair of trousers and classic colors like charcoal, gray, and navy.

Rihanna has cemented herself as a modern style icon, and we love her urban chic look. "Say you have a really masculine piece—that could risk looking really sloppy. To offset, pair it with something streamlined like a mini dress or even some leg exposure," says Walsh.

Fashion blogger Nicole Warne turns it out in a Valentino coat and sleek leather trousers. "A lot of people think they have to buy a classic coat, but if you invest in pieces with character, you'll find that you might turn to them more often," adds Walsh.