With Halloween and Thanksgiving over, we can finally agree that it’s a respectable time to get into the holiday spirit with wintertime activities such as Christmas light viewing. What better way to get in the mood than with a few winter outfits for the occasion? I advocate for maintaining the traditions we can as we wait for a safe return to our normal holiday celebrations.

Just because we can wear the same pair of sweatpants for a week straight doesn’t necessarily mean we should—find little ways to celebrate yourself and celebrate the season, even if it’s just getting dressed in cute winter outfits to drive around and see the best lights in the city. Besides, as temperatures chill, our options are slim for warm, socially distant activities outside of the house. Make an evening of it with a roommate or significant other. Throw on a scarf, turn on some holiday music, and embrace the holiday spirit with a peppermint mocha in hand.

You won’t have many eyes scrutinizing your outfit while in the comfort of your car, but getting dressed for YOU is more fun anyway. Put on an outfit that makes you feel amazing. Out of practice and need some styling tips? Not to worry. We’ve put together our favorite outfit formulas to get you started on your festive look. And, check out our blog page for even more what-to-wear guides.

Outfit #1: Straight Leg Jeans + Chunky Sweater + Printed Scarf + Trench + Ankle Boots

Our first look will take you through your day seamlessly, from errand running to Zoom calls to Christmas light viewing, without necessitating an outfit change. This is a classic and elevated winter outfit. Start with a chunky knit, neutral-hued sweater. This will keep you cozy and lays the perfect foundation for coats and accessories later.

It’s always a good idea to start with a neutral basic like this to ensure that your outfit flows together. Next, add a pair of light wash jeans. There is a misconception that light washes are for summer and dark washes are for winter—don’t believe it! I love light wash denim to break up the sea of dark fabrics you see in colder months. Look for a clean, non-distressed style with a straight ankle to keep your legs warm and your outfit on-trend.

Straight leg jeans are arguably at their best when paired with block-heeled ankle boots. I look for a low-mid heel, about 2”, to keep the look comfortable throughout the day. Opt for a flat shoe if you are on your feet a lot. Depending on where your boots and jeans hit at the ankle, you may want to cuff them. This prevents your jeans from pooling awkwardly around your boots, thus giving you a more put-together and “lifted” look.

The next step is outerwear. Everyone should own a slim-cut belted coat such as a wool trench. Sure, your puffer coat packs in the most warmth, but a trench coat offers such a sleek finish to your winter styling. The wrap-effect gives you great coverage and the belt does double duty in defining your waist and holding your coat in place. Look for a neutral color palette here, too. You’ll want to get the most use possible out of your trench, and grey and camel hues will go with all your winter outfits.

One of the best things about cold weather is having an excuse to break out your winter accessories. Scarves deliver pops of color, texture, and pattern to spice up your looks without a huge investment. Here, choose a patterned scarf to top off your look. Windowpane, plaid, and leopard are some great options. This piece will keep your outfit from feeling boring despite it being made up of all simple foundation pieces.

Fun and versatile accessories like this are essential to keeping your outfits interesting without buying a million items—they’re highly recommended for those seeking a capsule wardrobe!

Outfit #2: Red Turtleneck Sweater + Leather Leggings + Fur-Lined Duck Boots + Knit Hat

For the next outfit, let’s make your look extra festive with a red sweater. Turtleneck and mock neck sweaters have been a huge trend in the last couple of years and now is a great time to invest in one. Practical and stylish! Go for a medium to heavy knit to stay warm and a longer length to give you more coverage.

This oversized look will pair perfectly with a pair of leggings. Choose leather or faux leather on the bottom to add a little texture and shine that contrasts beautifully against your wooly knit on top. You can find leather leggings in smooth leather, patent, croc pattern, or with edgy moSet featured imageto seaming. These will all work great! Here, I chose plain faux leather for a more classic look. These fashion-forward leggings will compliment your curves and keep you comfortable as you wander the city.

I like to pair leggings with a boot that comes up a little higher on the leg, such as a mid-calf length duck boot. Duck boots are a waterproof style of shoe with rubber on the bottom half and leather, suede, or other textiles around your ankle. This gives you the best of both worlds—dry feet and a great range of motion around the ankles. Duck boots are the perfect choice for snowy weather. The fur and shearling-lined varieties are wonderful. I recommend choosing these to keep your feet extra warm.

Finally, time to accessorize. This look is begging for extra cozy wintertime pieces. Since we already have a lot of volume around the neck with a turtleneck, skip the scarf and choose a knitted beanie instead. I like one with a cable knit or pompom detail for extra winter vibes. Knitted hats are one of the warmest headwear options, so it’s a good idea to have at least one in your wardrobe.

This look could use one more element to make it pop, so consider adding a simple sparkly earring. Shimmery jewelry feels so festive against a backdrop of Christmas lights! This earring is an ideal complement to all your winter outfits.

Outfit #3: Gray Cashmere Knit + Leather Puffer + Beret + Sneakers + Jeans

One of my favorite trends this year is the leather puffer jacket. It’s no secret that puffer jackets are one of the warmest outerwear options for winter outfits, but until recently, they’ve fallen into the category of merely a “necessary evil.” But, with a leather or faux leather fabrication, they become a cool fashion staple. I love luxe fabrics like these to create a festive holiday look.

Keep up the air of sophistication by layering your coat over a fine knit grey cashmere sweater. It’s wise to choose a lightweight knit to go under the puffer so your outfit doesn’t become too bulky or restrictive when you’re out and about looking at Christmas lights.

Add your favorite pair of jeans and a pair of sneakers on the bottom. I chose simpler pieces so the jacket and accessories will stand out. Try a pair of washed-out jeans in a relaxed fit and some bone colored sneakers for an understated vintage look. To make it feel a little sleeker, you can swap these pieces out for slimmer, darker wash denim and leather sneakers.

To finish the look, add one of the best accessories of the season—the beret—for a little Parisian flair. It’s more versatile than you might think. Throw it on with any of your more classic winter outfits. And, while it may be a trend piece, this hat style never really goes out of style. It has seen so many resurgences over the decades. To increase your comfort in styling it, invest in one in a neutral shade. A beige wool style makes this hat into a timeless basic. Missing something? Add a simple post earring and a swipe of lipstick and you’ll be ready to go Christmas light viewing!

Wrap-Up

Take these easy outfit ideas and make them your own to get in the holiday spirit. You probably own many of the pieces to put these outfits together already! Feeling confident in your look will make your evening of Christmas light gazing with loved ones even better. If you’re looking for extra help putting together looks for your upcoming festivities, reach out! We would love to help.