Better Than Basics winter week is here! This week is dedicated to helping you dress well for winter in outfits that are BETTER than just basics.
Let’s Dress Better for Winter
I’m so excited to share another BETTER THAN BASICS series with you this week! You guys have been eager for the winter series to drop, and it’s here! (See my Summer BETTER THAN BASICS series HERE and my Fall BETTER THAN BASICS series HERE).
Dressing Better Than Basic in winter can be tough, especially if you live somewhere really cold. Of course, dress appropriately for your local temperature, but hopefully, these pieces give you some inspiration to elevate the basic coat, jeans, and boots combo.
Since it’s the Winter of 2022, I wanted to put together 22 winter outfits, and challenge you to put together better outfits this winter.
What to expect the rest of the Better Than Basics week
Throughout the rest of this week, I’ll be sharing lots of shopping ideas with better than basic pieces so you can add a few to your closet for fall.
But today, I want to show you my 22 outfits and break them down to show you why they’re better.
Copy or be inspired by these outfits
These outfits are meant to be an inspiration. Not every outfit may work for you or your style – that’s ok! Some of the outfits below are for colder winter weather, some are for warmer winter weather. Try copying some, or using some just as inspiration for putting pieces together in your closet. Or use them as a base and then adjust things to fit your style or your weather.
You could always add TIGHTS, WARMER BOOTS, BIGGER COATS, SCARVES, HATS, MORE LAYERS to make any of these warmer for your weather.
You’ll see mixes of classic pieces, modern pieces, better than basic pieces, and simple pieces. In order to make a great outfit, you should have at least one better than basic piece in your outfit. I have an entire post dedicated to winter wardrobe essentials HERE.
Let’s break it down for each outfit.
22 Better Than Basic Outfits for Winter 2022
Add a Better than Basic coat and shoes
First up, a classic kind of winter outfit…jeans, tee, coat, and scarf. I’m sure you’ve all put something like this together!
But the key here is to add a pair of better than basic shoes and a better than basic coat. You could do a black coat and a pair of basic boots, but a fun pair of sneakers and a gorgeous colored coat takes this from basic to BETTER THAN BASIC!!
AMAZON GRAY SCARF | BLACK SKINNY JEANS | GOLDEN GOOSE BLACK STAR SNEAKERS | SIMILAR STRIPED TEE | SIMILAR GREEN COAT
Add Better than Basic details to a monochromatic outfit
I’m obsessed with this sort of edgy outfit! The fur, buckles, and graphic tee all make the monochromatic outfit feel anything but basic.
Instead of a solid colored tee, a graphic tee is a great Better than Basic option. And of course adding details on shoes, like buckles or laces, turns a basic pair of boots into Better than Basic!
SIMILAR BLACK FUR COAT (exact style but different fabric HERE) | ABLE T-SHIRT | MAURICES GRAY JEANS | SIMILAR BUCKLE BOOTS | SIMILAR GRAY POM POM BEANIE
Tone on tone with a Better than Basic Shoe
I love a tone on tone kind of outfit, and this tan coat with a tan sweater makes for a really simple outfit that still packs a punch. Since the rest of the outfit is so simplistic, adding a pair of Better than Basic boots makes the outfit feel a little more special and a lot less basic.
SIMILAR TURTLENECK SWEATER | BLACK SKINNY JEANS |SIMILAR BLACK BOOTS | AMAZON TAN COAT
A bold coat makes any outfit pop!
I love a good statement coat, and this plaid coat is no exception. You could stop there and keep the rest of the outfit simple since the jacket is so Better than Basic, but I went a step further and added some faux leather leggings. They are subtle, but still Better than Basic, and elevate the outfit just enough.
I kept everything else very simple and subtle because the coat is so bold.
PLAID COAT (sold out, similar HERE andHERE) | EVERLANE WHITE TEE | SPANX LEATHER LEGGINGS | BLACK CHELSEA BOOTS (similar HERE and HERE)| SIMILAR GRAY POM POM BEANIE
Try a bold scarf with a simple outfit
I’ve had this scarf for years and it’s a great Better than Basic option to add to a simple outfit. You could wear it with a dark coat and have it pop against that, but I love it against the cream colored coat for a more elevated, chic feel.
The scarf really speaks for itself and I kept everything else very simple and subtle. Sometimes that’s all an outfit needs — one bold Better Than Basic piece — to pull the whole look together and make it shine.
SIMILAR CREAM COAT | GRAY EVEREVE SWEATER | SIMILAR PLAID SCARF | SIMILAR GRAY POM POM BEANIE | BLACK SKINNY JEANS | BLACK CHELSEA BOOTS (similar HERE and HERE)
Texture details make a simple piece feel Better than Basic
I bought this pom pom sweater right before Christmas and it’s become one of my favorite sweaters. The bauble texture on it just elevates any outfit! You don’t need bold colors to make an outfit Better than Basic…just add some texture and instantly the outfit feels Better than Basic.
Also, depending on your weather, throw a coat and scarf on with this outfit! I would do a black or a cream dress coat and add a neutral, plaid scarf.
WHITE AMAZON POM POM SWEATER | SIMILAR SUEDE SKIRT | BLACK TIGHTS |BLACK CHELSEA BOOTS (similar HERE and HERE)
Try an unexpected color combination!
This color combination of rich purple and deep green make an outfit of simple pieces feel Better than Basic! Don’t be afraid to try new color combinations…push yourself outside your comfort zone and mix and match things you might not have otherwise!
TARGET CARDIGAN | SIMILAR GREEN COAT HERE and HERE | MAURICES GRAY JEANS |BLACK CHELSEA BOOTS (similar HERE and HERE)
Add a simple Better than Basic accessory
If you’re going for a classic look, like this chic and professional layered look, try adding a fun accessory like a neck scarf or a headband. This pearl headband is classic, but just enough Better than Basic to take your simple outfit up a notch. And I added faux leather leggings for another step up…you could do black pants or regular black leggings, but faux leather leggings are Better than Basic and elevate the look!
Also, I usually don’t recommend long layers underneath sweaters like this because they can create sort of a “tire” look around your middle, but in this outfit it works for me. The curved hem and already longer sweater plus a legging (rather than a jean) makes it okay for me. Play around with it and see if you like this kind of layering on you.
Of course, add a coat if you need to! This would look great with any longer coat.
GOODTHREADS AMAZON SWEATER | LOFT WHITE SHIRT | SPANX LEATHER LEGGINGS | BLACK PEARL HEADBAND | STEVE MADDEN BUCKLE SLIDE LOAFERS
Mix some unexpected pieces
I love a good matching set lately, and this one is fabulous. Super soft and comes in a few colors…plus it’s affordable! While it is more of a basic type of piece, I marked it as Better than Basic because a sweatshirt is basic and sweatpants are basic, but together as a matching set they feel casual-fabulous. Especially in a chic, crisp, white.
Pairing this set with a classic coat and classic white sneakers keeps the outfit very simple, but the pop of color in the hat takes the outfit to the next level and makes it Better than Basic.
AMAZON THE DROP SWEATSHIRT AND PANTS SET | AMAZON COAT | MADEWELL BASEBALL CAP | P448 SNEAKERS FROM EVEREVE
A leopard pop is always a good idea
I love leopard print, and this skirt is a great Better than Basic piece that you can wear with very classic pieces and create a great Better than Basic outfit.
You could have fun with variations of this outfit…swap the turtleneck for a sweater or a blouse…add a coat…swap the boots with something shorter, or add a heel. They’re all great options, but with a skirt that bold, I’d recommend keeping the rest of your pieces fairly simple and classic.
SIMILAR BLACK TURTLENECK | AMAZON LEOPARD SKIRT | SIMILAR BLACK OVER THE KNEE BOOTS | BUDHA GIRL BRACELETS
Add a statement scarf!
I was struggling with this outfit and trying to figure out how to balance the dark and light on top and bottom, and then I grabbed this oversized scarf and it all came together! The scarf is Better than Basic, while still being subtle, and does a great job of connecting the dark bottom half to the light top half.
SIMILAR CREAM COAT |LOFT HOODED DRESS | SIMILAR WINDOWPANE PRINT SCARF | AMAZON BLACK TIGHTS | SIMILAR COMBAT BOOTS
Play with outerwear layers
This is a fun way to add some depth and dimension to your look…layer a lightweight jacket or blazer under a heavier coat. If it adds too much bulk, skip it. But if it shows just a pop of print from the Better than Basic blazer underneath, it’s a perfect way to make your outfit feel Better than Basic.
Again with the texture, the cable knit sweater is a better option than a simple cream sweater. That dimension matters!
AMAZON COAT | SIMILAR MADEWELL BLAZER | BLACK ZELLA LEGGINGS | SAM EDELMAN FLATS | SIMILAR CREAM CABLE KNIT SWEATER
Mix professional and casual for a Better than Basic look
A hoodie and blazer combination is one of my favorite looks right now. Blazers are currently super trendy, but I love the chic, classic, and masculine feel they add to an outfit. And with a print like this, it’s totally a Better than Basic look. Since the jacket is bold, I kept the hoodie super simple.
I marked the boots as Better than Basic because you could wear a classic tan boot, but a lace up boot just adds a bit more visual interest!
TARGET CREAM HOODIE | SIMILAR CHECKERED BLAZER | CITIZENS OF HUMANITY JEANS FROM EVEREVE | MADEWELL BOOTS
A pop of print at the shoe elevates the whole look
Another tone on tone outfit…I can’t stop! This tan top is super simple, but that wider neckline does make it a little Better than Basic! And mixed with the tan coat, it’s such a chic combination.
Since the outfit is pretty basic, I added a pair of fun printed shoes…these are a great Better than Basic piece that adds interest to any outfit.
Then I finished the look off with a felt hat that is just unexpected and makes any outfit feel Better than Basic.
LOFT SQUARE NECK TOP | AMAZON COAT |PINK LILY BOUTIQUE HAT | CITIZENS OF HUMANITY JEANS | ROTHY’S FLATS (code MERRICK20 for $20 off $100 for new customers)
Studded statement shoes are definitely Better than Basic!
I bought these studded high top sneakers a few weeks ago and I’ve been dying over them…they’re so unexpected, edgy, and fun. An absolute Better than Basic purchase!
Since they’re edgy and bold, I had to add a leather jacket to match the edginess, and then added a scarf to balance the outfit so some of the attention stayed up top (rather than just on those Better than Basic shoes).
When you have a bold shoe, it’s a great idea to add a scarf or a hat or some statement jewelry to keep your eye moving around the outfit, rather than stuck on the (albeit, amazing) shoes.
LEVI’S JEANS | SUMMERSALT DARK GREEN PUFF SLEEVE TOP | SIMILAR LEATHER JACKET | STUDDED HIGH TOP GREEN SNEAKERS | AMAZON GRAY SCARF
Let the Better than Basic dress speak for itself
This dress is a showstopper and definitely a Better than Basic piece even though it’s very simple. The length, the fit, and the flared sleeves all make a simple sweater dress into something amazing.
I added neutral but Better than Basic ankle boots to add a bit of texture (we’re playing with texture with the ribbed dress too!), then added a belt to define my waist and break up the all over brown, and finished the outfit with some Better than Basic statement earrings.
Overall, all of these pieces are fairly simple and neutral, but the combination of them makes this outfit Better than Basic.
BROWN SHOPBOB DRESS | SIMILAR STRAPPY ANKLE BOOTS | AMAZON BROWN BELT | LISI LERCH EARRINGS
A few accessories go a long way in making an outfit feel Better than Basic
We all love a classic black sweater and jeans combination, but some pretty layered necklaces and a black belt take the outfit from basic to Better than Basic!
Also a great layered jacket that’s Better than Basic elevates the outfit. Don’t be afraid to add a great layer!
SIMILAR MOCK NECK SWEATER | SIMILAR BLAZER | SIMILAR NECKLACES | MADEWELL JEANS | POINTED BLACK ANKLE BOOTS
Bright colors make an outfit feel Better than Basic
This bubblegum pink coat is absolutely Better than Basic, not just because of the stylized shape and rounded collar, but because of the fun pink color! A bright coat instantly makes an outfit feel Better than Basic.
I paired it with a Better than Basic sweater that adds a lot of more fun to an already fun outfit.
Because the two pieces are so bold, I kept everything else very neutral, with dark wash, classic jeans, and classic tan boots.
PINK COAT | LOFT SWEATER | GOOD AMERICAN JEANS | SIMILAR ANKLE BOOTS
Be bold with mixed prints
I’m obsessed with this outfit. It’s unexpected, and the combination of two bold prints makes the outfit feel Better than Basic. Don’t be afraid to mix prints…as long as they have one or two of the same colors, they can go together!
And just showing a peek of them through the coat, plus adding the solid black tights and boots, helps to keep the outfit from making your eyes buzz.
SIMILAR STRIPED TURTLENECK | SIMILAR PLAID SKIRT | SIMILAR GREEN COAT | AMAZON TIGHTS | BLACK CHELSEA BOOTS (similar HERE and HERE)
Don’t be afraid to add a fur layer!
A floral dress is a great Better than Basic kind of piece. It’s easy to wear with lot of things while still being bold.
Since the dress is a bit flowy, I added a fabulous belt (heads up, this is a plus size belt but it’s elastic so it was easy to adjust for my size with a few stitches on the sewing machine and then cutting off the extra), and a fun fur vest, both of which are definitely Better than Basic.
This is obviously not appropriate for super cold weather, but you could absolutely layer a coat over the top of the dress and fur vest. Or you could wear a sweater over the top of the dress and tuck it into the belt so the dress looked like a skirt.
The one and done jumpsuit can be classic AND Better than Basic
I’ve been looking for a great winter jumpsuit and this is absolutely it. It’s buttery soft, and the fit is fantastic. A one piece jumpsuit is a great Better than Basic piece, but in a classic black it can stay really simple and be worn with fun accessories and layers OR by itself.
I added a great jacket over the top for a little bit of Better than Basics interest, and added some fun Better than Basics shoes that definitely bring the outfit to life.
LOFT JUMPSUIT | SIMILAR BLAZER | ROTHY’S FLATS (code MERRICK20 works for $20 off $100+) | BUDHA GIRL BRACELETS | MADEWELL EARRINGS
Another bold Better than Basics combination!
This floral and green combination is a really good Better than Basics match.
If you feel like an all over floral is too much, a coat or jacket is a great way to cover some of it up. But adding a Better than Basic colored coat takes the whole outfit to a new level!
The boots are a classic style, but they also create a statement so they help balance the bold dress and coat combination.
TARGET DRESS | SIMILAR GREEN COAT | SIMILAR TAN BOOTS
Tomorrow I’ll be sharing 22 better than basic top ideas – don’t miss it!
