I'm A Style Writer: Here's How I Dress Feminine In The Winter, Even When It's Freezing

It was twenty-eight straight days of cranking the heat and avoiding the outdoors like the plague. And our winters are not only frigid, but long. It almost always snows before Thanksgiving, and by April, we’re grateful for every day above fifty.

During these months of intense cold, it’s tempting to throw style right out the window, trading chic silhouettes and flattering fabrics for as many fuzzy, oversized layers as possible. And while I consider myself a bit of a connoisseur when it comes to cozy seasonal fashion, dressing like a marshmallow for weeks on end (versus the occasional day or two) isn’t great for feminine energy.

If you live in a geographic area also accustomed to real, actual winter, you know the feeling.

10 Practical Ways to Add Femininity to Your Winter Outfits

When your main goal in life suddenly becomes “keep warm,” you might inadvertently find yourself wearing hoodies and puffer coats on repeat. But this doesn’t have to be a foregone conclusion. Here’s how to reasonably incorporate femininity into your winter outfits without sacrificing warmth.

Incorporate Florals

Florals aren’t just for spring. Look for long sleeve tops, jackets, bottoms, and even shoes that bear flower motifs for an endorphin boost on a frigid day. One floral-embellished piece can not only add femininity to your entire outfit, but also serve as a focal point when trying to jazz up an otherwise neutral, wintery fit.

Shop: Sezane Coralia Shirt Sixtine Print, $175

Shop: Altar'd State Frosted Wishes Floral Puffer Jacket, $148

Add Pops of Red

This is one of those styling hacks I keep coming back to. It’s chic, easy to achieve, and feels relevant year-round. In the winter, add bold feminine charm to your looks with red accessories, whether it be a scarf, a hair bow, or the collar of a red T-shirt poking out from beneath your sweater. While one red element gets the job done, balancing the look with a second or third piece creates whole-outfit cohesion.

Shop: Quince Italian Suede Bucket Crossbody, $120

Shop: Maeve Solid Brushed Fringe Scarf, $40

Don Fur

I’ll admit I wasn’t always a fan of fur. But maybe it’s an acquired taste that comes with maturity, because these days I can’t get enough of it. Whether it’s a dramatic, eye-catching coat or a playful accessory, a chic fur piece can amplify femininity in one fell swoop.

Shop: J.Crew Faux-Fur Vest, $248

Shop: Unreal Fur All Ears Earmuffs, $149

Choose Romantic Colors

When the winter months roll around, it’s common to shelve our more colorful pieces in favor of neutrals. Gray, white, and black hold classic, albeit bleak, appeal when the snow is falling. Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year is “Cloud Dancer,” a shade of white, but I recommend dopamine dressing in something more colorful to boost your mood and romanticism. While pink is an obvious winter color choice during the month of February, I personally love a soft powder blue or lilac. Both are soft, feminine, and hint at warmer days to come.

Shop: Anthropologie The Juliet Cashmere Cardigan Sweater, $158

Shop: Sezane Agathe Low Ballerinas Pale Pink Pleated Satin, $195

Don’t Shy Away From Skirts and Dresses

I have, in fact, worn skirts and dresses when it’s zero degrees outside. Granted, I’m not spending those days romping around in the snow or taking a lunchtime stroll, but there is inevitable outdoor time that comes with picking my kids up from school and daycare. The key? A long sleeve top and a good pair of tights or 100% silk base layers. Believe it or not, I actually prefer tights to jeans in the wintertime. They are, after all, the perfect companion to a favorite pair of knee-high boots. They’re also more feminine and, in my opinion, more comfortable. For those extra chilly days, look for tights that are either plush, wool, or fleece-lined.

Shop: Spanxshape Plush Tights, $45

Shop: Quince 100% Merino Wool Cold Weather Base Layer Legging, $55

Shop: Daisysilk Silk Long Thermal Underwear Set for Women, $139

Polish With Jewelry and Hair Accessories

If you work from home like I do, then you may spend a good deal of time staring at yourself on Zoom. Since my home office is adjacent to an exterior door (not ideal, I’ll tell ya), I spend most of my winter workdays bundled in a sweater. To add some visual contrast, I love throwing on a favorite necklace or headband before hopping into a meeting. It’s a quick way to feel more put together and invested in my own look. One accessory I haven’t yet dabbled in, but that is certainly rising in popularity, is a chic silk scarf.

Shop: Tiffany & Co Return to Tiffany®Heart Tag Pendant in Silver, Medium, $325

Shop: Loft Crystal Bow Puff Headband, $14

Shop: Lost Pattern "Datura" Silk Skinny Scarf Slate Blue, $45

Layer Artfully

This winter, try a sweater draped over your favorite button-down, a turtleneck beneath a sleeveless dress, or a knit vest atop a trusted blouse. Layering takes your outfit from “wearing” to “styled.” And if you’ve experienced the joy that is sub-zero temperatures paired with biting winds, you know the more layers, the better. Artful layers make your outfit feel more intentional and, therefore, more feminine.

Shop: Abercrombie & Fitch Cashmere Wedge Mockneck Sweater, $144

Shop: Everlane Drapey Crepe Mini Dress, $101

Fair Isle Forever

Snowflakes are the flower of winter. Whether it’s a traditional pattern or something more modern, Fair Isle knit is inherent to the season and gives serious Nordic bombshell vibes.

Shop: Abercrombie & Fitch Dad Fairisle Crew Sweater, $54

Shop: Madewell Fair Isle Cardigan Jacket in Wool, $178

Finish Your Outfit With a Chic Coat

I’m personally not a huge fan of puffer coats, unless I’m wearing one to play in the snow with my kids. While I’ll never scoff at practicality, dressing chic becomes a bit more grab-and-go when you swap the marshmallow silhouette for something sleeker. Again, fur is a beautiful option. A second would be a classic wool trench.

Shop: Madewell Double-Faced Brushed Wool Blend Long Coat, $398

Shop: Quince Double-Faced Merino Wool Scarf Coat, $200

Grab a Luxurious Little Handbag

Bags are my favorite accessory. More than any other piece, they hold the power to signify and solidify the vibe you’re going for. Bags constructed with ultra-femme materials, such as velvet, faux fur, and suede, soften your entire ensemble.

Shop: Anthropologie Faux Fur Slouchy Bucket Tote Bag, $70

Shop: JW PEI Hana Mini Faux Fur Tote Bag Dark Brown, $119

Shop: J.Crew Berkeley Chainlink Shoulder Bag in Suede, $165

Winter is ultimately way more enjoyable if you refuse to let the cold rule your daily decisions. Dress practically, of course, but don’t be afraid to have some fun. Stop viewing sub-zero temps as a deterrent. View them as a styling opportunity, instead.