FASHION
3 STYLISH OUTFITS THAT ARE ALSO COSY
By Flo Bellinger, 8 December 2025
Picture: Getty
Love it or loathe it, winter’s arrival brings plenty of change. Midweek lunch shifts from al fresco to Tesco, and our journeys take a more sheltered route as the rain increases. But nothing is affected by the cold quite like our wardrobes. It's a challenge both frustrating and enticing – trying to indulge in the season’s viral pieces while tackling the elements. But, there are ways to build a stylish and practical winter wardrobe. From cosy coats that avoid looking cumbersome to the best lightweight but warming layers, here are three chic ensembles that hack the cold-weather code.
#1: FOR COLD DAYS
Picture: ASOS
The biggest obstacle standing between you and an incredible outfit is the cold. Layering up without looking bulky, striking the perfect balance of warm but not sweltering – the tasks feel endless. But nailing this obscure formula is all in the fabric. Opt for wool coats and lightweight merino layers you can slip beneath your usual tops and knits. These regulate the body temperature while providing breathable wear – so no sweaty strip-offs when you’re caught in a room where someone’s blasting the heating. A good tailored coat is also a great staple to have on hand: they’re timeless, chic and make whatever’s underneath look more put together.
GET THE LOOK:
Topshop Coby ruched toe croc loafer in black, £36
& Other Stories belted wool coat in burgundy wine, £229
ARKET merino wool knitted semi sheer turtle neck top in burgundy, £45
Good American soft tech good true straight jeans in black, £167
#2: FOR WET DAYS
Rain always complicates things, doesn’t it? Our warmest pieces are often soft and thus vulnerable in a downpour, so the dilemma becomes finding layers that are weatherproof, cosy and don’t give off ‘mountaineer’. Before anything else, having an umbrella on hand gives you more space to play in the clothing department. And with less need for a raincoat, you can indulge in more elevated styles like this long-lined Topshop coat. It’ll keep you sheltered in a storm thanks to its smooth leather finish, and we love that the borg lining is deliciously toasty, too. Underneath, thermal leggings will prevent any soggy trouser situations, while a structured blazer will balance the casual details. Plus, a patent heeled boot will provide ample distance between you and the puddles.
GET THE LOOK:
Topshop longline funnel oversized aviator borg coat in black, £110
OYSHO Warm ankle-length leggings 70 cm in black, £49.99
ASOS DESIGN tailored wool rich cocoon sleeve cinched waist blazer in navy, £90
Schuh heeled mid ankle boots in burgundy patent, £75
#3: FOR WINDY DAYS
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Bracing for the wind requires durable yet cosy layers – think an amalgamation of soft and sturdy. Leather trousers tap this season’s textural favourites while holding their own, and a fluffy faux-fur hat balances more rigid silhouettes as it cocoons you from the cold. If you find textural layering overwhelming, choose a colour palette and build out from there. Here, the chocolate brown theme anchors everything with intention, so despite the cocktail of layers your overall look still feels refined.
GET THE LOOK:
& Other Stories premium soft faux fur hat in dark brown, £57
Princess Polly Sixth Sense faux leather straight leg trousers in brown, £58
ASOS DESIGN Calloway premium suede wide leg pull on boots in chocolate, £130
& Other Stories alpaca and wool hairy knit short cardigan in brown, £97
