When winter arrives, adapting your closet to suit the colder season can make dressing easier and more enjoyable. The ideal winter wardrobe isn’t one-size-fits-all; it should be curated for the unique climate where you live. For instance, if you’re looking at homes for sale in New York, you may need heavier coats and thermal layers, whereas someone living in an apartment in Los Angeles might get by with lighter, versatile layers.
Regardless of where you live or where you’re moving to, this ApartmentGuide article unveils practical tips to help you transition your wardrobe for winter, allowing you to stay comfortable, warm, and stylish no matter where you are.
To build a winter wardrobe that’s both practical and stylish, it’s important to start with a bit of organization. Focusing on key essentials and layering pieces will help you transition smoothly from warmer to colder days.
Organizing past-season apparel into bins is the perfect way to prepare for transforming your wardrobe into the new season. Rachel Jimenez Penca, founder and chief stylist of Rachel J Styling, says, “Clear the clutter and take a few hours to get your closet ready and organized for the winter months. Storing your spring and summer items under your bed or in packing cubes will alleviate stress while saving you precious time this season.”
Move summer items, like shorts, tank tops, and light dresses into storage bins or bags. Keeping seasonal items out of sight maximizes space for your winter pieces and makes choosing outfits easier.
As you’re relocating your past-season clothes into bins, personal stylist and founder of Blocks of Style, Kara Batey, adds to assess “what to keep or let go of, as well as identify any needed repairs or cleanings.”
For those items that you’re in no longer need of, Nicole Russo, private stylist and founder of Let’s Get You, suggests looking at donation centers after you’ve “edited down those ‘never-wore but thought I would’ flip-flops and beachwear.”
A logical layout — perhaps organizing by item type or color — can help you see what you have at a glance. Owner and personal stylist of Styled by Gilda, Gilda Miranda suggests, “Arrange your closet to keep the essentials within easy reach, using dedicated shelves and hooks for scarves, gloves, and hats.” For a “boutique-inspired touch,” Gilda recommends “displaying a few of your go-to winter pieces on open shelves. Winter staples like coats, sweaters, and boots in more accessible areas, so you’re prepared for colder days without digging through your closet.”
Apparel that can transition from season to season can save you both space and money. Personal stylist, Jayma Cohn shares how she enjoys taking “dresses or skirts and pairing them with a chunky sweater or cardigan.” She also enjoys, “grabbing a crisp white blouse and layering it under a sweater.” Identify versatile items from your fall wardrobe that you can layer with other pieces to create warmer outfits, saving you time and money as the temperature drops.
Austin, Texas wardrobe stylist, Steph Kagan, shares to “Buy pieces you love and will wear frequently.” These pieces can either be repeated throughout one season or can be used as the seasons change. In doing this, Steph says, “Your closet will be consistently cohesive and interchangeable across seasons.”
Layering is key to adjusting to different indoor and outdoor temperatures, especially in cities with variable winter weather. Chicago-based personal stylist Leigh shares, “Creating a winter wardrobe is all about layering versatile pieces that are both stylish and functional.” She recommends opting for “high-quality sweaters, long-sleeves, and coats.” Keep options like base layers, sweaters, and outerwear ready, so you can add or remove layers as needed.
Nerissa Von Helpenstill, founder of Von Voyage Style in Dallas shares how “layering with cozy pieces” can aid in handling “fluctuating temperatures gracefully.” Nerissa shares, “A chic cardigan can transform a basic tee or tank into a sophisticated ensemble, whether working alone, unbuttoned, or draped effortlessly around your shoulders.”
Need help determining which clothing materials are right for the winter season? Eugenia Verni with Seattle-based beauty salon, Verni Beauty, suggests, “Always choose natural materials; wool, cashmere, thick cotton, leather, and suede.” These fabrics offer insulation, making them excellent choices for colder months. Opt for natural fibers that retain warmth and moisture-wicking materials that keep you comfortable throughout the day.
A neutral color palette — think blacks, grays, and earthy tones — can simplify outfit coordination, ensuring all your pieces work well together. Bobbi at Be Iconic Style says, “We are all so busy in our lives that unless someone has on something ostentatious people only remember that you looked fabulous, but no details. Wearing neutrals allows either a man or a woman to take advantage of this concept, to maximize each piece and mix and match the wardrobe.”
While neutral isn’t for everybody, it can serve as a great foundation for integrating color. Asma Parvez, founder and lead stylist of Styled by Asma, suggests, “incorporating pops of color with accessories or key pieces like bright scarves or jewel-toned sweaters.” She adds, “Dopamine dressing, or choosing vibrant colors, can lift your mood on colder, darker days while adding a personal touch to your winter wardrobe.”
If you live by the philosophy “less is more,” personal stylist Tanisha Mark recommends assembling pieces such as “scarves, hats, and gloves in different textures and colors…to create a ‘module’ that you should be able to mix and match.” Tanisha adds, “Just one module can create up to 12 outfits and you can create a module for each area of your life.”
Your winter wardrobe should be for you and you alone. Whatever fabrics, colors, or apparel pieces that you take pleasure in should be top of mind. Jacquelyn Prattipati of JGP Styled Me says, “Consider your personal style, focusing on fits and silhouettes that work for your body and lifestyle.”
Choosing the right winter apparel makes all the difference in staying warm and looking polished. Here’s a list of versatile, staple pieces that will keep you cozy while adapting to your personal style.
Pullover sweaters are winter wardrobe essentials, ideal for both layering and wearing alone. As you begin to assemble an outfit, Maria Casabianca of Styled By Maria says, “Begin with a great cashmere sweater for warmth and effortless elegance.” For additional styling tips when it comes to your sweater, Maria suggests pairing it with “sleek leather (or faux leather) trousers for a modern edge.”
Another styling tip from Lauren Hook, owner of Closet Hook in the DC metro area, says, “Each year, I recommend investing in a few cashmere sweaters in solid colors that can be mixed and matched with denim and trousers or thrown over your shoulders with a button-down, offering utility, versatility, and an effortlessly chic look.”
Sweaters are a wonderful piece of clothing for those looking to add warmth without adding bulk, making them versatile and easy to style with jeans, skirts, or trousers. When it comes to storing your sweaters, the team at The Closet Edit cautions to “Keep them folded in your closet for easy access and never hang a sweater. You can’t put it back together after it stretches out on a hanger.”
Turtlenecks provide both warmth and style, as their high collars protect you from the cold. They can be worn under blazers, coats, or layered beneath a dress for a stylish, sophisticated look.
From lightweight jackets for milder climates to insulated coats for colder areas, outerwear is crucial. Consider pieces like trench coats, wool coats, and down jackets based on your city’s winter temperatures.
Regardless of where you live, Luisa Nunez, founder and personal image stylist of Fashion & Style, shares that while “Winter layering in Texas looks different than in Chicago…versatile coats apply everywhere.”
However you’re styling your outfit, wardrobe and image consultant, Sujin Kim, shares how coats are a great way to “make the look pop.” She adds, “An oversized printed bomber, a vibrant puffer, or a classic topcoat in striking houndstooth can add depth and bring an element of excitement to your look.”
A sturdy pair of blue jeans is a classic winter staple. They can be worn with almost any winter top or jacket and can easily be dressed up or down. For added warmth, consider lined or thicker denim options.
Personal stylist, Summer Stevens says, “Durable denim pairs effortlessly with cozy knits and neutral outerwear, creating stylish, comfortable outfits.” If you’re looking to curate a more “dramatic look”, she suggests “monochromatic outfits in deep shades like burgundy, forest green, or midnight blue.”
Boots are not only practical for cold weather, but they also add a fashionable element to your outfit. Whether you prefer ankle, knee-high, or insulated boots, select a style that complements your wardrobe and meets your needs.
Cardigans are perfect for layering and can serve as an alternative to heavier outerwear on milder winter days. Choose styles that suit your overall look, whether a fitted cardigan for a polished style or an oversized one for a more relaxed vibe.
Accessories are the finishing touch that complement a winter outfit while adding warmth. Thoughtful additions like hats, gloves, and scarves can make your winter look both functional and stylish.
Hats and beanies are functional accessories that help retain warmth. Whether you prefer a casual beanie or a stylish wool hat, these items add both personality and comfort to your winter outfits.
As you’re looking for a place to store these more compact accessories, Paula Newlands, personal stylist of Styled By Paula says, “Place smaller winter items like scarves, hats, and gloves in baskets with tags so you’ll always know where to find them.”
Keep your hands warm with a good pair of gloves. Leather gloves offer a sleek look, while knit options provide flexibility. Choose a style that complements your wardrobe and provides adequate protection based on your climate.
Belts aren’t just for holding up pants; they can add shape to your layers. Use a belt to define your waist over a coat or sweater, adding structure and style to your outfit.
Scarves are versatile accessories that provide extra warmth while adding style to your look. Opt for materials like wool or cashmere, which are cozy and can elevate your outfit with minimal effort.
Accessories for your winter wardrobe such as scarves with a pattern can be “a great strategy for creating a winter capsule,” says personal stylist and fashion writer, Jaquelyn Wahidi. She adds, “When shopping, choose sweaters, gloves, coats, and hats that pair well with that pattern. They might be navy, emerald green, burgundy, or marigold.”
By following these tips, you can create a winter wardrobe that’s functional, stylish, and suited to your city’s climate. With the right layering pieces, materials, and accessories, you’ll stay comfortable and look great all winter long.
Marcello Kline is a content marketer for Redfin. With over a year of experience writing for Redfin and a background as a former real estate agent and home flipper, he brings valuable insights to the real estate community. Based in Los Angeles, Marcello enjoys the serene beaches of Malibu, playing tennis, and hiking on a moody overcast day. His ideal home is a Regency house in London, reflecting his appreciation for classic architecture and design.