How to Create A Versatile Winter Wardrobe Like a Fashion Director

Before you continue reading, please note that no puffer jacket is included in this winter edit—I know you've already got a few of those hanging in your closet. I'm challenging myself to create outfits that feel fashion-forward, and while these cold-weather coats are completely necessary, you and I both already know what outfits to wear with those. I'm more interested in learning how to create versatile winter ensembles with trend-forward pieces, fun prints, and textures, and I knew just the person who could teach me. Who What Wear Fashion Director Michaela Bushkin knows how to style a look—she is a wiz in the closet, combining items I would've never thought to wear together. So when I tasked her with creating five looks from one of our favorite retailers, Nordstrom, I was eager to see her results. She found the perfect mix of on-trend separates and classic winter staples that can be mixed and matched throughout the season. Keep reading to discover and shop her selections.

"Want to wear your favorite shorts in the winter? Style them with knee-high boots that hit right at the bottom of the hemline, and voilà! I added an off-the-shoulder long sleeve with this look for a day at the office, but if that's not quite the vibe for your workplace, opt for a button-down or cardigan instead." — Michaela Bushkin, fashion director

"This look is so winter coded. Between the color palette, the on-trend plaid print, and the cozy textures (both teddy and suede), it's got all the makings of an outfit that's sure to win me lots of compliments. I love the juxtaposition between the sheer top (shoutout to Skims for making the softest tees) and the oversize fuzzy jacket. It's all about balance, am I right? I'll definitely be throwing this Free People jacket over my Pilates outfit on weekends so I look cute when I grab a coffee after class." — Bushkin

"Nordstrom always carries the season's best trends, so it's no surprise that I found tons of options for khaki-colored denim, which is an editor favorite, ICYMI. This pair from 7 For All Mankind is just the right amount of rigid and slouchy—I love the way these fit. I wanted to dress the jeans up a bit for a day-to-night look, so I styled them with this faux-fur cropped jacket and heeled ankle boots. I'll definitely be wearing these with a tan sweater and these sneakers for a more casual, monochromatic look." — Bushkin

"Speaking of sneakers, whenever you see me wearing a pair, you should know I mean business and am very much on-the-go. This look feels very festive for the holiday season, thanks to the burgundy color scheme, but the sneakers and hoodie (another Skims favorite!) make it comfortable enough to go gift shopping, no matter how many hours it takes. I grew up going to Nordstrom for holiday shopping every year, and now that I live in NYC—which has an incredible store location—I can continue the tradition. My favorite part as a kid was the piano player and the hot cocoa at the cafe, but now it's the shoe department (…and the hot cocoa)." — Bushkin

"I love any opportunity to add comfort to a look, so I'm pleased to inform you that shearling footwear is very much on trend this year. These Veronica Beard slip-ons are basically like wearing cozy chic slippers. This look is perfect for a busy weekend day when I leave my apartment in the morning and have no idea how long I'll be gone. I styled the shoes with cuffed dark-wash denim and this gorgeous trench coat. For an interesting twist, I removed the belt it came with and added my own rope belt, but that's entirely optional." — Bushkin