13 Cozy & Chic December Outfits That Will Spruce Up Your Winter Wardrobe Rotation

Just because December outfit ideas tend to revolve around the last and arguably coldest month of the year, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the excitement of your outfits. The dreary weather often puts a damper on the mood. Trust, we get it — it can be tempting to stick to the usual rotation of mundane silhouettes. Why dare to go all out on the fashion front when it’s dark outside by the time your workday is over, anyway?

But true fashion aficionados know that winter is prime time for showcasing your personal style while staying cozy. The key to conjuring the perfect winter outfit is striking a balance between warmth and personality. Start with reliable basics — think cozy sweaters, thermal leggings, and tailored coats — then, elevate your look with clever layering, bold colors, and rich textures.

We’re all for sticking to your favorite silhouettes, but this time around calls for stepping out of your comfort zone; go for unexpected pops of eclectic prints, and ditch the ear muffs and slouchy beanies for sleek statement accessories instead. And don’t let your footwear game slack — pull your outfit together with a trusty pair of knee-high boots or loafers, fleece-lined hosiery underneath, of course. With these tried-and-true cues, you can stay combat the cold and still look effortlessly chic.

In case you’re in search of a sartorial boost, look no further. We’ve found plenty of fashion week and street style inspiration that will give your winter wardrobe a much-needed refresh. Below are 13 December outfit ideas that are suited for freezing temperatures and will keep you cozy yet on trend.

Trendy Trench Coats

December is the best time to master the art of creative layering. While we love dependable puffer coats, there’s something about tailored trench coats that exudes effortless elegance. Whether you opt for a classic double-breasted peacoat or a vibrantly printed trench, this outerwear staple is a timeless addition to any winter wardrobe. Its chic design makes it the ideal finishing touch for your outfit. We recommend an oversized fit for ample room underneath, so you don’t feel constricted with all the layers. If you need additional inspiration, look no further than Jennifer Lawrence and Kendall Jenner, who are already rocking this silhouette.

Sleek Leather Gloves

Contrary to popular belief, gloves go beyond just being functional — they’re a must-have accessory that balances practicality with style when the temperature drops. You can never go wrong with crochet and knitted gloves, but this time around, we’re embracing the leather look. From elbow-length opera gloves to fingerless styles, leather gloves give off a sleek and buttery feel, elevating even the most simple of outfits. Don’t know where to start? We recommend styling them with a trusty coat or a long-sleeved top to make a subtle statement.

Suede Galore

From Katie Holmes-approved totes to androgynous jackets, the material du jour comes in the form of suede. This 70s-inspired trend, beloved for its velvety fabrication, makes a compelling alternative to leather. The suede trend adds much-needed texture to your OOTD. While the styling possibilities are endless, we recommend pairing suede with denim and neutral hues.. 

Knee-High Boots

There’s an unspoken rule against wearing anything that exposes your legs to the cold. Enter: tall boots, shoes that are fashion-forward and guaranteed to shield them from harsh winter winds. What we love about this knee-high silhouette is that there are endless ways to style it. This season, we’re all for the equestrian trend, pairing them with skinny jeans and a chunky knit sweater, or wearing them with your favorite mini dress and fleece-lined tights.

Scarf Coats

What’s not to love about outerwear that combines a coat and a scarf into one? After noticing this two-in-one silhouette gaining popularity thanks to brands like Toteme and J.Crew, we’ve concluded that this style, especially wool-blended, is a must-have for December, as it’s both practical and exudes high fashion. Its dual functionality will keep you warm no matter how brutal the cold.

50 Shades of Brown

Black will always be a fashion favorite, but brown is this year’s hottest color trend for good reason. What we love about brown is that it elevates an outfit with sophistication and comes in a variety of stunning shades (Chocolate! Camel!) No matter which shade you choose, brown has a soft and luxurious feel, and we love it when it’s incorporated in a head-to-toe monochromatic outfit.

Rugby Shirts

The recent resurgence of rugby shirts has been an unexpected and welcome addition to our winter wardrobes. These preppy shirts are stylish yet sporty, and have recently gotten the high-fashion upgrade, as seen on the runways via Tory Burch and Damson Madder. With its crisp collar and relaxed fit, rugby shirts are versatile and can easily be worn casually with baggy jeans or dressed up with maxi skirts.

Faux Fur Jackets

December is the perfect time for statement coats. During winter, incorporating bold silhouettes can add some excitement to more minimalist outfits. This season, faux fur jackets are a reliable choice for tackling frigid temps and addressing any last-minute fashion dilemmas. From floor-length shearlings to cropped coats, this all-over fuzzy outerwear staple will keep you warm and chic even on the coldest winter days. 

Animal Prints

December is the perfect time to embrace fun patterns that can elevate your outfits. This time around, we’re loving an unexpected array of choices such as leopard, zebra, and Bambi prints. While these bold patterns may seem daunting at first, you’ll find that they’re neutrals in disguise. Whether you choose to wear these eye-catching prints as a coat or trousers, they’re guaranteed to add a playful twist to your look. Our styling tip? Keep the rest of your outfit minimal to let the prints make a statement.

Preppy Layers

From sweater vests, turtlenecks, and button-downs, preppy layers are a must this December. This aesthetic embodies the essence of academia, and to ace your collegiate-inspired ‘fits, remember that it’s not only about the base outfit but also how you accessorize. Elevate your cozy cardigans with Oxfords, or pair a boxy blazer with a tie. Don’t forget to keep warm by embracing textures like tweed, wool, and cashmere.

Fringe With Flair

Fringe is typically associated with warmer seasons, but this trend can be easily adapted for winter. This month and beyond, we’re embracing fringe back into our wardrobe rotation as it adds movement and flair to just about every look. Fringed pieces can definitely be worn in colder weather; this season, it looks like knitted gowns and statement jackets are most coveted.

Cool Corduroy

Corduroy has long been a favorite among academics and 60s-era bohemians alike, and after many decades, it’s circled back on the trend radar. This durable and warm fabric offers an effortlessly polished and refined look. After seeing it featured throughout fashion week, we’re convinced to welcome it back into our closets — corduroy pants or matching co-ords are a great place to start.

Chunky Ear Cuffs

Slouchy hats and fur-lined earmuffs are expected to be everywhere this winter, but the real statement pieces are found in the jewelry department. After extensive searching through the fashion week files, it’s clear that ear cuffs will be a dominant accessory trend this season; they’re such a sleek addition to any earscape. The chunkier the cuffs, the better.