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31 Outfit Ideas to Start the New Year in Style

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It’s January, which means the days are short, the temps are still dropping and, somehow, our New Year’s resolutions have already gone out the window. So yeah, it’s hard not to default to wearing sweatpants, black tights or heavy winter coats every day. Well, these 31 women are here to prove that winter dressing doesn’t have to be boring. Here is an entire month’s worth of styling ideas, so you can use your brainpower to focus on more important things (like figuring out what to do with all those Amazon boxes left over from the holidays).

The Top 6 Winter Fashion Trends to Know Going Into 2023


bright color coat january winter outfit ideas
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1. Make Your Coat the Star of the Show

A giant faux-fur coat makes even the most basic T-shirt-and-jeans outfit feel fresh again.

Shop similar styles: QED London Faux-Fur Coat ($142; $89); Design By Bubble Gnocchi T-shirt (from $17); Levi’s ’80s Mom Jeans ($108); Tony Bianco Anja Heels ($180; $115)

2. Wear a Sweater Like a Scarf

First you’re cold, then you’re hot, then you’re making bad jokes about Katy Perry songs. Instead of choosing between wearing too much or too little, try adding an extra layer in an unexpected way—drape a sweater over your shoulders and let the sleeves hang down like a scarf, just like Coterie member Shanna Battle. Now if you get chilly you can just slip it on under your coat.

Shop similar styles: Reiss Agnes Wool Coat ($640); Reformation Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater ($148); Everlane Long-Sleeve Cotton Tee ($40); Agolde ’90s Pinch-Waist Jeans ($178); Sam Edelman Lorraine Loafers ($150; $97)

woman wearing a sweatshirt and leather pants
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3. Dress Down Faux-Leather Pants

Leather pants continue to be one of the biggest fashion trends as we head into 2023, but if you’re still not entirely sure how to pull them off, this might just be your ticket in. Opt for a pair of straight-leg pants (they have more of a posh vibe than leggings or joggers) and layer them under a half-zip sweatshirt. The result is a look that’s both pulled-together and laid back, not to mention comfortable, too.

Shop similar styles: Vuori Restore Half-Zip Sweatshirt ($118); Abercrombie & Fitch ‘90s Straight Faux-Leather Pants ($110); Cuyana Leather Top-Handle Crossbody Bag ($248); Nike Revolution 6 Sneakers ($70; $53)

woman wearing a fleece jacket with a pleated skirt and hiking boots
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4. Rock Hiking Boots with a Ladylike Skirt

With all that rain, snow and sleet, the sidewalks are bound to be pretty slippery, meaning you might want to give your beloved heeled boots a break (just for a little while). But just because you’re swapping to more serious high-traction shoes doesn’t mean you have to wear, like, snow pants. The unexpected pairing of rugged boots and a pretty, pleated skirt will still look chic, so long as you keep the colors neutral and stick to wintry fabrics (like wool, leather or velvet).

Shop similar styles: lululemon Cinchable Fleece Zip-Up ($168); Everlane The Alpaca Crew Sweater ($100); River Island Faux-Leather Pleated Skirt ($84); Sorel Hi-Line Heel Lace-Up Boots ($200)

january outfit ideas rolled jeans
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5. Roll Your Hems Rather Than Tuck Them In

Unless you’re rocking true skinny jeans, it can prove mighty difficult to comfortably tuck the hem of your pants into a pair of boots. So just skip that step altogether. Instead, roll the hems of your pants and pin them from the inside so they stay in place while you walk.

Shop similar styles: Stand Studio Khalessi Coat ($695); Warp + Weft NCE Wide-Leg Jeans ($98); Sam Edelman Codie Boots ($170)

Woman wearing a black hat and black maxi dress
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6. Try Wednesday Addams-Inspired “Soft Goth”

Think less creepy, more kooky. All-black goth looks are trending once more, largely thanks to Jenna Ortega’s charming turn as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s Wednesday. But rather than go all out, fans are adopting a ‘soft goth’ approach with delicate fabrics, more tailored cuts and even pops of white.

Shop similar styles: Gigi Pip Dahlia Boater Hat ($108); Johnathan Simkhai Alex Dress ($395); A.W.A.K.E. Mode Pia Woven Bag ($1,160; $544); Free People Sienna Boots ($198)

woman wearing an orange tutrleneck under a dark floral wrap dress
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7. Wear a Turtleneck Under a Wrap Dress

A scarf can offer protection from the cold while on your commute, but a thin turtleneck layered under your favorite wrap dress will help keep you warm inside too. We love the idea of choosing two contrasting colors or prints, but matching also works well if that’s more your style.

Shop similar styles: J.Crew Tissue Turtleneck ($40); Chelsea28 Long-Sleeve Wrap Dress ($79; $60); Spanx Sheer Tights ($24); JW Pei Eva Shoulder Bag ($59); Cole Haan Chrystie Boots ($300; $160)

woman wearing a black vest over a khaki green coat
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8. Layer a Vest Over a Coat

On truly cold days, why not double up on outerwear to ensure you stay nice and warm, no matter what? Try slipping a vest (short or long) on over a longer wool coat for a cool layered look. Be sure to choose pieces in different colors to really play up the effect.

Shop similar styles: Athleta Downton Puffer Vest ($179); Banana Republic Cian Melton Coat ($500); J.Crew Perfect Fit Stripe Turtleneck ($50); Everlane Organic Cotton Pants ($98)

january outfit ideas tulle skirt
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9. Give Your Tulle Skirt a Post-Holiday Makeover

Just because the holidays are over doesn't mean you need to stop wearing your favorite fancy pieces. Transform your go-to New Year’s Eve skirt with just few styling tweaks—swap your silky cami for a cozy turtleneck and a celebratory faux-fur coat for a tailored blazer. Voilà! Carrie Bradshaw would be so proud.

Shop similar styles: Mango Fleece Turtleneck Sweater ($60); Bardot Maison Blazer ($139); Madewell Leather Belt ($48); Hutch Tulle Pleated Skirt ($168); J.Reneé Belamie Slingback Heels ($100)

Woman wearing white pants and black ballet flats
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10. Break Out Your Ballet Flats

Ballet flats are back, but rather than pair soft, sock-like styles with skinny jeans, as you might have in the early aughts, we highly suggest opting instead for a more structured pair worn with tailored trousers that show off a little ankle.

Shop similar styles: Lauren Ralph Lauren Double-Breasted Blazer ($295; $235); Ann Taylor High-Waist Easy Ankle Pants ($98); Tory Burch Mini Less Radziwill Bag ($548); Cole Haan Bridge Mary Jane Ballet Flats ($150)

woman wearing all gray
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11. Replace Black with Gray

With spring so far in the future, it's easy to fall into a routine of wearing all-black everything. And while you might not be the kind of person who wants to wear vibrant red or sunshine yellow during the winter, you can (and should) switch to a lighter neutral like gray.

Shop similar styles: Brixton Cohen Cowboy Hat ($109); Calvin Klein Walker Wool Overcoat ($400; $240); J.Crew Sydney Wide-Leg Pants ($128); Naghedi St. Barths Woven Bag ($270); Vionic Karsen Boots ($130; $75)

january outfit ideas lace blouse and teddy coat
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12. Layer a Big Coat Over Light Layers

There’s always someplace we frequent that has the heat on as high as can be, yet we’re dressed in layers upon layers of wool. Next time, stick to lighter options, like a lace or silk blouse, layered under you warmest coat to avoid freezing on your way over.

Shop similar styles: Abercrombie & Fitch Sherpa Mod Coat ($180); For Love & Lemons Lacey Blouse ($119); Banana Republic Rivoli Corduroy Wide-Leg Pants ($150; $90); Calvin Klein Odeli d'Orsay Flats ($99)

january outfit ideas plaid skirt
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13. Try Just One Stand-Out Piece

Maybe your New Year’s resolution was to take more fashion risks or maybe you’re just bored with your usual neutral-hued winter wardrobe. Try mixing things up with a brightly colored plaid skirt or another seasonal pattern sandwiched between safe classics, like a black blouse and black boots. It’s an easy way to rake in the compliments and shake up your style.

Shop similar styles: L’Agence Ryan Blouse ($250); English Factory Plaid Skirt ($130); Schutz Ashlee Slouchy Boots ($178)

january outfit ideas black overalls
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14. Sport an Old-School Favorite

This past year saw lots of folks dressing like they were kids again, but that doesn’t necessarily mean looking like an actual child. Opt for clean black overalls instead of light blue washes with distressing, then pair them with a cozy cashmere knit in a luxe neutral hue, some stand-out sneakers and sleek jewelry (like gold hoops or pearl studs) to keep things grown-up.

Shop similar styles: Mejuri Hoop Earrings ($78); Anine Bing Sydney Sweater ($350); ASOS Denim Overalls ($65); Sorel Kinetic Breakthru Venture Sneakers ($175)

woman wearing a silk scarf and blazer
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15. Swap Your Wool Scarf For Silk

We typically like to leave our silk scarves loosely tied to show off their pretty patterns, but wrapping one multiple times around your neck will provide much more protection from the cold and is a fun way to shake up a classic style.

Shop similar styles: Elizabetta Gabr9iella Silk Foulard Scarf ($164); Open Edit Single-Button Blazer ($75); Madewell Northside Vintage Cotton T-shirt ($19); Agolde ’90s Pinch-Waist Jeans ($178); Soil & Sun Christy Shopper Bag ($235); Boden Chunky Lug-Sole Loafers ($180)

Woman wearing a beige beret over braids
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16. Give a Parisian Beanie a Try

True, when styled correctly, a beret won’t offer much coverage for your ears, but for warmer winter days when you could still use a hat it offers a chic twist on the usual wool cap. And don’t be afraid to try a light colored material, like snow white or buttercup yellow, rather than sticking with classic black.

Shop similar styles: Hat to Socks Wool Beret ($10); AYR The Closer Wool Coat ($695); Caslon Funnel-Neck Cotton-Blend Sweater ($59); Cider Wide-Leg Trousers ($32); Veja Esplar Sneakers ($140; $120)

january outfit ideas puffer vest
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17. Swap Your Decades-Old Puffer for a Vest Version

Just as warm as a down jacket, but looks way cooler. Bonus: It can easily layer over your lighter coats for a super-warm effect.

Shop similar styles: Chok.Lids Cotton Bucket Hat ($15); Free People To the Max Down Vest ($128); Joules Coast Waterproof Jacket ($150; $82); Levi’s 501 Skinny Jeans ($90; $54); Vagabond Janick Boots ($265)

woman wearing a denim midi skirt and striped sweater
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18. Rock a Denim Midi

Denim midi and maxi skirts are popping up all over NYC, so we suspect it’s only a matter of time before they show up all across the country. The great thing about wearing them in winter is that all that material will keep your legs nice and warm, while still looking wonderfully chic.

Shop similar styles: Nasty Gal Faux-Leather Trench Coat ($202; $101); Alex Mill Striped Button-Back Sweater ($135); Frame Denim Midi Skirt ($228; $137); Nordstrom Valentina Leather Knee-High Boots ($170; $136)

january outfit ideas silk scarf and cowboy boots
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19. Add a Touch of Old-Hollywood Glamour

Tie a silk scarf over your head and under your chin, then slip into a pair of luxe leather or suede gloves for a Rita Hayworth-era look.

Shop similar styles: Tory Burch Silk Scarf ($198); Scotch & Soda Coat ($444); Everlane Cashmere Crew Sweater ($145); UGG Shearling and Leather Tech Gloves ($100); Alex Mill Boyish Chino Pants ($145); Free People Braydon Tall Boot ($368)

woman wearing sequin pants and a yellow sweatshirt
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20. Incorporate Sparkly Pieces Into Your Everyday Wardrobe

It doesn’t need to be a special evening to wear sequins or glitter. These festive trousers pair just as nicely with a cozy oversize sweatshirt and casual kicks for a weekend event with friends.

Shop similar styles: Levi’s Red Tab Cotton Sweatshirt ($65; $36); Lands’ End Lightweight Turtleneck ($40); Cider Sequin Trouser Pants ($34); M.Gemi The Palestra Leather Sneakers ($228)

woman wearing a beige sweater and black jeans
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21. Invest In (and Wear) Some High-Quality Basics

The difference between a stunning minimalist ensemble and boring basics all comes down to fit and fabric. No, you don’t need to blow your budget on designer pieces, but high-quality fabrics like cashmere or wool will almost always look better than acrylic blends (in addition to being much comfier). Similarly, a good tailor can take a pair of slouchy ill-fitting trousers and give them a much more flattering, professional-looking fit.

Shop similar styles: Jenni Kayne Alpaca Wool Cocoon Sweater ($395); M.M.LeFleur The Smith Pants ($265); Tory Burch Perry Leather Tote Bag ($448); Stuart Weitzman 100 Stretch Boots ($595)

woman wearing all winter white
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

22. Rock Winter White From Head to Toe

The idea that you can’t wear white after Labor Day (or in this case months before Labor Day) has long been rebuffed. So go forth and shine in all shades of winter white.

Shop similar styles: Athleta Alpine Turtleneck Sweater ($229); Vince Silk Slip Skirt ($265); Sam Edelman Hazel Heels ($140)

woman wearing patent leather pants
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23. Sport High-Shine Leather

Glossy patent leather may seem intimidating at first, but a loose silhouette paired with cozy knits and casual flats makes the fabric feel much more accessible.

Shop similar styles: Reformation Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater ($158); Abercrombie & Fitch ’90s Faux Patent Leather Pants ($110); Birdies The Starling Shoes ($145)


january outfit ideas all beige
Christian Vierig/Getty Image

24. Mix and Match Shades of Beige

How do you make an all-beige ensemble look exciting? By mixing and matching contrasting shades rather than attempting to match perfectly.

Shop similar styles: Roxanne Assoulin Dunes Necklace Set ($110); Summersalt The Camp Shirt ($85); Bottega Veneta Mini Pouch Bag ($2,500); Frame Timeless Buckle Belt ($198); Favorite Daughter Pleat Pants ($218)

woman wearing gray tights
Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images

25. Swap Black Tights for Gray

Here, Jenna Lyons teaches us how to soften a stark black-and-white outfit like a pro.

Shop similar styles: Jocelyn Leather and Shearling Coat ($450); Abercrombie & Fitch YPB neoKNIT Crew Sweatshirt ($70); Club Monaco Boiled Wool Skirt ($180); Calzedonia Soft Modal-Cashmere Blend Tights ($20); Marc Fisher LTD Sassie Heels ($150; $92)

26. Mix It Up With Different Textures

Leather and faux fur and terrycloth, oh my! It might sound like a lot to handle, but Coterie member Tyla-Lauren Gilmore shows us how to do it with style. (P.S., It’s also a great way to dress up cozy staples like fleece sweats or velour joggers.)

Shop similar styles: The Arrivals Moya Coat ($1,298); GAP Vintage Cotton Sweatshirt ($55; $38); Skims Cozy Knit Jogger Sweatpants ($88; $54); Nike Walle One Sneakers ($115)

woman wearing a red dress and boots
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27. Look Ahead to Valentine’s Day

No need to wait for February 14 to sport a date-night-ready, all red ensemble. Heart prints, shades of rose, burgundy, rust and candy-apple red and subtly sexy silhouettes work for just about any night of the year (yes, even when worn together), so why not test-drive next month’s look now?

Shop similar styles: Farm Rio Rainbow Wild Hearts Dress ($83); Sam Edelman Ursula Boots ($300; $177)

28. Show Some Skin in a Miniskirt

Yes, you can wear a miniskirt in the middle of January. Pro tip from Coterie member Katie Sturino: Pair it with some over-the-knee boots and a long coat to give it a wintry vibe. (Of course, you can also add some sheer tights if your legs tend to get chilly.)

Shop similar styles: Ever New Curve Herringbone Coat ($174); L.L.Bean Pima Cotton T-shirt ($25); Eloquii Faux-Leather Mini Skirt ($80); DuoBoots Harper Knee-High Boots ($228)

january outfit ideas floral dress
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29. Break Your Fall Dresses Out of Storage

It's time to pull your fave summer dresses from storage. Just layer them under a cozy knit or jacket, toss on some tall boots and you’re good to go.

Shop similar styles: GAP Faux-Leather Jacket ($100; $70); Reformation Winslow Dress ($298; $89); BP Baylee Ankle Boots ($80; $48)

january outfit ideas black and white sweater vest
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30. Try a Stylish Sweater Vest

Still haven’t quite figured out how to rock the sweater vest trend? Try sticking to only black, white or black-and-white pieces. It will give the nerdy knitwear a more posh and grown-up vibe.

Shop similar styles: J.Crew Relaxed-Fit Cotton Poplin Shirt ($90); ASTR the Label Primrose Sweater Vest ($88); See by Chloe Mara Evening Bag ($395); Lou & Grey Feel Good Wide-Leg Pants ($90); Franco Sarto Stevie Boots ($190)

january outfit ideas pastels
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31. Try Muted Pastel Hues

Who says pastels are appropriate only in spring? Bring on the robin’s-egg blues, delicate lilacs and pale greens for a look that evokes a frosted winter wonderland.

Shop similar styles: Calvin Klein Mid-Length Wool Coat ($280; $196); Gobi Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater ($149; $90); Agolde Lana Straight Jeans ($178); M.M.LaFleur Irene Slingback Heels ($325; $230)



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Editor

Abby Hepworth is an RRCA-certified running coach who has worked in fashion for over 10 years. Want to know what shoes are in this season? She's got you. Need recommendations on...