Beat the Late Winter Blues With These Springtime-Ready Outfit Formulas
Combinations you can rely on.
When Punxsutawney Phil predicted that there would be six more weeks of winter in early February, I let out an audible groan. After so many months of cold, wet weather, including a very snowy New York Fashion Week, I'm tired of heavy coats and insulated basics. But in the weeks since, I’ve relied on a few winter outfit formulas to keep the inspiration flowing and pull me out of the late winter fashion funk that makes it hard to figure out what to wear on weekends and weekdays.
While repeatedly wearing the same pieces can feel exhausting towards the end of a season, the key to keeping it fresh is relying on easy formulas that offer a fun, possibly unconventional twist—like a classic Fair Isle sweater paired with trendy dark-wash flare jeans and unexpected western-inspired ankle boots. A simple trench coat-and-trouser combination can be brightened with a so-ugly-it's-cute color combo. Or pair a traditional coordinating suit with the 'wrong shoe", like a pair of cool Adidas sneakers.
In short, getting dressed in the middle of winter is all about elevating and playing with the pieces you already own and love—with a slightly new styling point-of-view. Keep scrolling to shop a few of my favorite end-of-winter outfit combinations to help you beat the winter woes. We're almost there!
Classics With a Twist
This is essentially the winter adaptation of last summer's popular white skirt and black top outfit formula, enhanced by a striking pair of printed boots. Swap your loose-knit for a fitted blazer that provides structure—a look seen everywhere at New York Fashion Week that inspired my winter looks.
Trendy Jeans and Wardrobe Must-Haves
Barrel jeans are a surprisingly wearable denim trend that celebrities and editors swear by. Opt for Katie Holmes's favorite pair in a light wash and style it with a slightly cropped cashmere sweater and a pair of bedazzled ballet flats for some sparkle. This combination could easily take you into the spring season, too.
Fair Isle Remix
Fair Isle sweaters deserve a fresh upgrade. Pair one with dark denim and suede kitten-heeled boots to make it feel slightly cooler. This combination could also be easily layered under any of this list's bomber jackets and trench coats.
Preppy and Polka Dots
Horse girls, with their tall riding boots and trendy barn jackets, serve as my muse for this ensemble. Plus, the dotted slip dress hails from a Lila Moss-approved brand I rely on for easy pieces I can easily style into the summer months.
'80s-Inspired Basics
Take inspiration from an unexpected style muse—your grandpa. Combine '80s-feeling pleated pants and bomber jackets in rich brown shades with tasseled loafers and a pair of chunky white socks. This combo isn't just grandad-approved but has Hailey Bieber's approval, too.
Dark-Toned Neutrals
If you want to make this winter's cape trend work for you now and transition it into the spring, this style from COS's new collection also doubles as a windbreaker. Styling it with gray jeans instead of black ones breaks up the otherwise monochromatic look.
Cool New Suiting
Think of this as the cooler, trendier version of your traditional matching suit. St. Agni is a Jennifer Lopez-approved brand that makes the greatest elevated basics. The burgundy shade and slightly oversized silhouette are only made cooler when styled with sleek black Adidas sneakers.
Springtime Transition Pieces
Wear your summery floral skirt with a chunky cashmere cardigan and flats—tights are optional in the winter. My picks are from two celebrity-approved brands: Kaia Gerber-approved Dôen and Gigi Hadid's Guest in Residence— second to none for their luxury sweaters.
Brightened-Up Basics
To elevate your casual knits, opt for a sweater in a bright shade. My pick is from the editor-approved brand &Daughter. Loyal readers will know that editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike is a fan. Pair this outfit with Aritzia's viral pants.
