Spring is fast approaching, but before the warm weather and sunshine settle in, we’ll have to endure a few more weeks of gray skies and frigid temps (don’t worry — you’ll be kickin’ it in a trendy swimsuit soon enough). But it’s not all doom and gloom: Even if you’ve already exhausted your arsenal of go-to winter outfits, there’s still plenty of time to take your cold-weather style to the next level. We’ve dug into the depths of Instagram to bring you 15 fashion-forward looks to help you master the fine art of layering and take your prized puffer coat out for one final hurrah.
1. Sheer and Chic: From the streets of Copenhagen to Paris’s chicest quartiers, dress-over-pants ensembles have been turning up everywhere. While some might call the look fussy, we’re right there with Top Model Scandanavia host Janka Polliani in our devotion to the runway-inspired style move — especially when bold color and ruffle-trimmed detailing are involved. Polliani kept the getup from venturing into frumptastic-territory (so key) with a daring plunge neckline over a sheer turtleneck.
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2. Athleisure Edge: Aleali May knows how to get those double taps with her nonstop supply of cool-girl athleisure looks that are jam-packed with edgy urban glamour. The image consultant and blogger made winter dressing feel seriously chic for NYFW with a tie-dyed sweatshirt, leather, and shearling coat with lace-up combat boots.
3. Proportion Play: Nina Schwichtenberg of Fashiioncarpet played with texture and proportion on the streets of NYC to create a look that is straight-up goals. A utility jacket and pearl-embellished denim are undeniably laid-back, while a ladylike lace blouse and longline sleeveless blazer bring the look a refined feel. Consider it proof that you don’t have to bulk up to combat winter temps.
4. Long Layers: Keeping cozy at the office is about to get a whole lot, well, cooler. Veras founder Rebecca Vera Stahnke gave us reason to ditch standard off-duty separates in favor of a swishy maxi skirt and belted slouchy sweater that would slay at both Sunday morning brunch and a midweek brainstorming sesh.
5. Socks That Slay: Subtle? Not exactly, but that’s exactly why this striking getup grabbed our attention. Rule number one of street style-approved cool-weather dressing is to bust out your loudest and proudest faux fur coat, but coming in at a close second is a bit of socks-and-statement-sandal play.
View this post on Instagramby #danielbrunograndl @lisa.aiken #lisaaiken #2017 #newyork #theurbanspotter
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6. Color-Block Shawl: When in doubt, reach for your boldest and brightest scarf to keep tried-and-true toppers feeling fierce and fresh. Net-a-Porter fashion director Lisa Aiken did just that during NYFW, layering a color-blocked oversized shawl over a classic leather jacket and cropped jeans.
View this post on Instagram#ShelbyHayes tho #nyfw #streetstyle
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7. Puffer Power: If 2017 has taught us anything, it’s that puffers are practically the new leather jacket (well, almost). Just about every editor, It-girl, and model was snapped rockin’ one of these oversized numbers this winter — and with good reason. They combat the cold like none other, and a new crop of cutting-edge designs has made the once un-chic piece of outerwear a street-style star in its own right. We love oversized styles layered over sophisticated pieces such as ethereal maxi dresses or slouchy turtleneck sweaters.
8. Shrug It Off: Austrian blogger babe Carola Pojer has the perfect solution for all those off-the-shoulder tops left to lay dormant in your closet until warmer weather arrives. Simply layer them over a long or short sleeve tee (depending on what the mercury reads). For added visual intrigue (and another layer of warmth), toss a sleek blazer or embellished jacket into the mix.
View this post on InstagramOrange and blue ➖ hanna.elle.se 🍊🎽
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9. Dress-Over-Pants Redux: Much like Janka Polliani, Hanna Stefansson is also a fan of the whole dress-over-denim thing. The creative consultant and blogger jazzed up a pair of relaxed-fit jeans with a red-hot midi dress and cobalt coat — a combo that combats wintertime wardrobe blahs like a boss. A boxy belted bag and white ankle boots add the slightest hint of retro flair to the look.
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10. Weatherproof Faux Jumpsuit: Sick of your standard sweater and vintage denim uniform? Break the mold by channeling Nadia Fairfax’s daring layered look. Grab a bright knit top and tuck it into a strapless dress worn over statement trousers. The result is a layered look that is anything but ordinary.
View this post on InstagramKing of my Castle 👑 #hotel #cottonhouse #white 📷 @ibankosko
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11. Snow Queen Chic: Who knew wearing all white could feel this effortless? Stylist Zina Charkoplia uses oversized pieces, a palette of off-white and cream hues, and varying textures to create a comfy mid-winter ensemble that would be just as on-point for dinner and drinks at a swanky mountaintop lodge as it would for a night in snuggled up by the fire.
12. Defined Off-Duty: Details, details, details. The smallest additions are what make Camila Coelho’s low-key outfit a street-style hit. Fishnets sneakily peek out from behind distressed jeans, lending a note of grunge-goddess glam to the soft silhouette of the oversized sweat. And keeping the look from venturing into the realm of sloppy is a game-changing belt that defines the waist and streamlines the ensemble.
13. Off-the-Shoulder Outerwear: This styling hack can be done in a snap, and girl, it makes a major difference. Follow Eva Chen’s lead and create an off-the-shoulder silhouette with your coat, letting a chunky knit or bohemian blouse show through.
View this post on InstagramPumpkin pie la mode... #hoyerfashionweeks
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14. Orange You Glad: Frigid temps and gray skies don’t have anything on Marianne Theodorsen’s bright orange ensemble. Consider it insurance against bad vibes and mid-winter style ruts. What keeps the black and orange color scheme from feeling All-Hallow’s-Eve is the printed jacket and graphic tee that lie beneath the main topper.
View this post on Instagram#inamaribojensen #streetstyle #sakspotts
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15. Revealing Layers: This boy-meets-girl and East-meets-West ensemble begs for you to peel back the layers. Each element of the look reveals a different aesthetic: The fluffy fur coat and satin kimono jacket exude elegant old-world appeal, a slinky lace-trimmed cami is both sweet and sexy, and cropped jeans and skater shoes are all about keepin’ it real.
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