6 Cold-Day Outfits That Will Still Stop People in Their Tracks

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 

cold-weather-outfit-inspiration-207434-1669248822719-main

(Image credit: @scoutthecity )

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

2. A VINYL COAT + GILET + WIDE-LEG TROUSERS 

cold-weather-outfit-inspiration-207434-1669249282279-main

(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

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

3. A KNIT DRESS + LONGLINE COAT 

cold-weather-outfit-inspiration-207434-1669248907925-main

(Image credit: @walkinwonderland)

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

4. A SUIT + MAXI COAT 

cold-weather-outfit-inspiration-207434-1669249053281-main

(Image credit: @stephaniebroek )

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

5. A BRETON KNIT + LEATHER SKIRT + ANKLE BOOTS 

cold-weather-outfit-inspiration-207434-1669248449676-main

(Image credit: @venswifestyle)

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

6. A TRENCH COAT + LEATHER TROUSERS + CHUNKY BOOTS 

cold-weather-outfit-inspiration-207434-1669248282923-main

(Image credit: @styleidealist)

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

Up Next, The Layering Tricks That Will Help You Outsmart the Weather This Winter

Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.

In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.

Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.