HOW TO
Style Winter-Ready Outfits
Stay chic in the cold with layered looks and classic additions to your wardrobe this winter.
Let MANNING CARTELL inspire your mornings spent in front of the mirror.
When your alarm clock chimes and the mornings are cold and dark, it can be hard to find the enthusiasm to get dressed.
Fluffy robes and slippers are so enticing that you might start wondering how far you can push the pyjama dressing trend (we’re here to set the record straight: silk sets are a yes; flannelette must stay inside). But developing winter outfit formulas can help beat the winter wardrobe blues and create looks you’ll love wearing.
Where summer style cinches on flowing dresses and strappy accessories, winter takes a more utilitarian approach. Your capsule wardrobe will come into play during the colder months as you learn to layer, mixing and matching pieces you love with new-season additions. And even though we’re lucky to have a relatively short, mild winter in comparison to some other parts
of the world, it pays to be prepared for the elements.
Key winter colours
Black, grey, navy, maroon – these are the most classic winter colours. Not only do they work well together, they have a timeless quality that will make pieces last from season to season. When it comes to investing in the cornerstones of your winter wardrobe, like jackets and coats, stick to these hues to create classic looks.
But don’t get trapped in a cycle of all-black-everything. It pays to have a little fun with your wardrobe, adding pops of colour to shake up your style. A brightly coloured scarf can work wonders on a dreary day, while seasonal knits will definitely spark joy. Think cobalt blue, hot pink, retina-grabbing orange and kelly green.
Key winter fabrics
Fabrics are important when it comes to winter dressing. Invest in knitwear made from natural fibres like wool, cashmere and mohair that trap the heat but also breath well. Not only are they going to keep you warm, they will have a longer life in your wardrobe when cared for properly.
Leather is another favourite fabric in winter. From jackets and coats to pants and skirts, we love the aesthetic that it brings to our wardrobe: tough yet timeless.
Look for denser cottons when it comes to shirting to help keep you warm. Or be strategic with layers and add a lightweight knit underneath more summery silhouettes to make your wardrobe work harder.
5 WINTER OUTFIT IDEAS
1. LUXE LAYERS
There is nothing chicer than a well-layered look. You don’t want to be drowning in fabric but if you choose the right pieces to pair together, it can add depth and dimension to your outfit. Choose a midweight knit with a high neckline, like theSecret Society jumperto layer beneath a classic coat, such as theSpirited Luxurystyle. TheMoon Child Maxi coatis another great option when you want to make your outerwear the centrepiece. Think about the length ofdresses and pantswhen you’re choosing a coat, particularly for more formal occasions.
2. COMFORTABLE COOL
Lean into athleisure to help get through the coldest days. Picking pieces with a sportier edge can help you stay comfortable without compromising on style. Match oversized hoodies and sweatshirts with theOpen Season Stretch Leather pant. Or add a classic blazer like theEditor’s Pickstyle over more low-key leggings to maintain professional edge at the office. Sneakers groundknitted dressesandwide-leg pantsalike and make morning commutes more practical on wet, wintery days.
3. MONOCHROME MOMENT
Playing within the winter colour palette, choose tonal pieces to style back with one another and make a memorable monochrome moment. You can do this with black or shades of grey to retain a timeless edge. For a more modern take, choose chocolatey hues or even opt for a trending seasonal tone. Need a helping hand? Try theInner Mystique blouseworn with theFearless Leather Midi skirtin espresso and topped with theCool Clique Trench coatin clay. Golden jewellery is the perfect final accent.
4. TRANSEASONAL STARS
There are some pieces in your wardrobe that don’t necessarily adhere strictly to one season or another. A prime example is the classic slip dress. Worn on its own with a pair of strappy sandals in summer, it's equally chic when layered with a fine knit and chunky boots on colder days. Add tights or stockings underneath if needed and finish your look with a blazer or trench coat. Think about versatile pieces that can be worn with knitwear layered under or over to help keep the heat.
5. KNOW YOUR NEUTRALS
While a winter colour palette is a got-to for a reason, adding lighter neutrals into the mix can help give looks the lift they need. Choosing white tailoring and knitwear is one way to refresh cold-weather essentials. But biscuity tones and classic camel colours also have a place in mid-year wardrobes. When it comes to choosing neutrals, make sure you lean into shades that complement your hair and skin colour to make sure you don’t look too washed out.
When the forecast leaves little to be desired, let your wardrobe bring joy to dreary winter days. Leverage winter outfit ideas to maximise your personal style and learn to love layering with MANNING CARTELL’s classic wardrobe essentials and trending pieces.