Who Else Wants to Look Chic When It’s Scary Cold Out?

Mastering winter layering so you remain classy and feminine is an art. The clever tricks I like to use for my outfits are: pops of bright colors, standout accessories, and balanced proportions.

These easy styling tips should be simple to recreate from the pieces in your closet and I give you three fit ideas below.

Pair a Bright Puffer Coat With Neutral Base Layers for a Chic Modern Style

Bright colors are an essential part of the majority of my looks, especially during the dark and gloomy winter months. A yellow puffy coat is just the thing to brighten anyone’s mood and add cheer to your day. When paired with neutral shades, it allows the color to be the standout piece without fighting for attention.

In addition to the duvet coat, I’ve paired a roll neck with a chunky cable-knit sweater, vintage grey Levi’s 501s, Sans Beast hip bag, and rugged hiking boots. Also love the hiking-boots-as-fashion style? Check out this post with all my favorites.

I specifically chose the turtleneck as they are one of my favorite articles to help you master layering when the temperature starts to drop by adding warmth and keeping the chill off your neck without causing too much extra bulk.

A stylish knit hat and glamorous sunnies don’t hurt either to make this modern outfit chic (and thanks to this video I figured out how to style my hair under this winter cap.)

And what better location to show off this winter must-have puffer than the touristy ski resort Zermatt, Switzerland, complete with breathtaking views of the majestic Matterhorn.

– OUTFIT DETAILS –

COAT | Save the Duck (current styles by Save the Duck)

BOOTS | Nicora Johns (similar by Will’s Vegan Store)

PURSE | Sans Beast (current styles by Sans Beast)

SUNGLASSES | Escada

Add a Pop of Color + Ladylike Pocketbook for a Feminine & Classy Look

It can often be a struggle to appear ladylike and chic when hidden under all the layers required by the winter weather. I must say though, that I felt so fancy walking around in this outfit and I think it’s in large part due to my new purse [gifted].

While the ultra-feminine pocketbook helped to make this look classy, one other easy trick I like to use to stay stylish is adding pops of color.

A postbox-red polo neck peeking out from under a men’s red and blue plaid button-up coordinated well with the red faux snakeskin of the handbag and these bits of color are enough to soften the harshness of a black coat.

Despite there being so many different layers, the upper pieces are body-hugging thus giving the body shape and pairing grey leggings with riding boots can help your legs appear slimmer.

While the purse’s size is larger than what I typically wear, it really worked with the other slim-fitting elements of the outfit and helped to provide some balance.

There’s also something about a top-handle bag that emits an elegant vibe and the gold hardware makes the purse feel really luxurious.

I don’t know about you but I also love when my pocketbook has little metal feet on the bottom. Firstly, it looks super cute, and secondly, it makes me not so hesitant to set it down in public places.

This beautiful vegan purse is made by the Australian brand Kinds of Grace so I felt it was only right that it got to see and experience a true winter wonderland.

If you would like to get your own fancy purse, use my special discount code HARMFREEFASHION and you will receive 20% off your order.

– OUTFIT DETAILS –

COAT | Sandro Ferrone (similar by Noize)

RIDING BOOTS | Fouganza (similar by Will’s Vegan Store)

ORGANIC COTTON LEGGINGS | Pact

PURSE | Kinds of Grace use code HARMFREEFASHION for 20% off

SUNGLASSES | Etnia Barcelona (current styles by Etnia Barcelona)

Let the Accessories Stand Out for Fashionable Winter Styling

I’ve used accessories throughout this outfit to create a fashionable street style look. While this is quite a dressy coat, the hooded sweatshirt and combat boots make this a real chic style by adding a grunge vibe and it’s a simple way to epitomize high-low dressing.

The standout accessories include a faux snakeskin belt to provide definition to the waist, a handbag to add a splash of unexpected print, tiny vintage sunglasses offer a subtle elegance, and a silk-free scarf tied around a high bun completes the styling as well as brings the colors together.

I’ve also always loved how yellow looks paired against grey and I find grey to be such a cozy color. When it’s worn with yellow it makes the outfit appear colorful and cheery as well as comfortable.

While some might consider this to be a surprising pairing, these colors (Illuminating Yellow and Ultimate Grey to be exact) just so happen to be Pantone’s 2021 Colors of the Year so expect to see a lot more of them.

The winter coat I’m wearing is a wool-free one from a few seasons ago from Orsay. If you’re searching for a wool-free coat check out this curated guide of Best Vegan Wool Coats. Your cheapest option is lucking out and scoring one second hand (and if you’re in Switzerland you have to check out this post I wrote about my favorite thrift shops throughout the country).

– OUTFIT DETAILS –

COMBAT BOOTS | Virón

BELT | Peta + Jain (current styles by Peta + Jain)

PURSE | Sans Beast (current styles by Sans Beast)

SUNGLASSES | vintage Valentino (current styles by Valentino)

Balance the Proportions to Feel Slim & Sexy

If you’re going to wear a long padded coat you can balance the coat’s bulk simply by pairing it with slim-fitting pieces such as these timeless grey skinny jeans and hiking boots. A dainty purse such as this small hip bag (worn as a wrist-strap purse and also by Sans Beast) a grey winter cap, and chic sunglasses also never hurt to bring some balance.

Under this puffy coat, I’m wearing a trending half-zip sweater. I was so pleased when the quarter-zip sweater style became a hot new trend as I had thrifted this boy’s version several years back and there’s nothing like finding trending items in your own closet. 🙌🏻 The primary-colored stripes of this pullover matched so perfectly with my Ceylon yellow sleeping bag coat, I had no choice but to wear them together.

– OUTFIT DETAILS –

COAT | Save the Duck (current styles by Save the Duck)

BOOTS | Nicora Johns (similar by Will’s Vegan Store)

ORGANIC COTTON LEGGINGS | Pact

PURSE | Sans Beast (current styles by Sans Beast)

SUNGLASSES | Etnia Barcelona (current styles by Etnia Barcelona)

Final Thoughts

Duvet coats are the perfect item to keep you cozy and warm without needing too many layers and this one is even made from recycled fibers by one of my favorite vegan brands: Save the Duck.

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Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to leave a kind comment!

Michelle Rothenburger

Michelle Rothenburger is a vegan fashion blogger whose work has been featured in such publications as Marie Claire, InStyle, Woman & Home, and Vilda. Find out more by reading Michelle’s full story (from bullied to fashion influencer) and feel free to send her a personal message.

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