What’s more difficult than curating an eloquent and versatile rotation of eveningwear? Well, building a wardrobe of go-to items that look as good as they feel for those casual, in-between days. This goes beyond formulaic capsule wardrobe dressing, and instead, relies on individuality and preferences. What works as your casual outfit combination may be someone else’s dressed-up outfit—but the importance of owning pieces you love (and feel fabulous in), is the foundation for a personalized, everyday closet. Outside of fancy fêtes, dinner parties, and celebrations is real life; laid-back weekends spent walking the dogs, coffee meet-ups on a Sunday afternoon, post-work relaxation with a friend or loved one, and late-night dinner hangouts come winter. These are the moments we wish for fuss-free, easy ensembles to carry us through the weeks, and years.
Vogue’s Go-To Casual Winter Outfit Essentials:
We asked Vogue editors about their favorite—and most uncomplicated—essentials. For some, it’s a tailored, minimalist coat teamed with cashmere knits. For others, the aviator leather jacket is the foundation for all things cold-weather. Some spend weekends in baggy denim and crisp white T-shirts à la off-duty model style, while others lean on trending sneakers and fuzzy zip-up sweatshirts for added interest and details. Of course, flats of all kinds are in the mix, from classic black ballet flats to vintage-inspired leather loafers. Discover Vogue editors’ beloved casual outfit formulas and shop all their go-tos to refresh yours.
Tailored Coat + Navy V-Neck Sweater + Black Leggings
“A cozy jumper and black tailored coat are fail-safe choices for me no matter the day or occasion. While most of my colleagues know I love a kitten heel boot for the office, busy weekends call for sensible footwear. I love the understated simplicity of a black and white sneaker—Adidas is a go-to for stylish pairs you don’t have to be precious about. Team them with cashmere socks for a cozy indulgence.” —Libby Page, executive shopping director
Oversized Coat + Zip-Up + Pointelle Pants
“Casual to me is defined by my choice of bottoms—jeans when I want a middle-of-the-road option for the week; cotton cargos or pointelle pants when I want the feel of sweats but not the look. I have been living in Leset’s cropped pair since trying them on in store a few weeks ago. The key to making them not resemble pajamas is being intentional about the shoes and coat. A long, tailored black coat makes everything look a little more polished, then it’s just matter of choosing the right shoes for the occasion: slim sneakers if I need to be on the move, ballet flats for feminine contrast (my current go-to are Margaux’s), or loafers for tomboyish cool. A little cashmere scarf is a nice way to bring in color or print.” —Talia Abbas, shopping director
Oversized Shearling Coat + Cashmere Turtleneck + Uggs
“Every winter, my casual outfit formula remains the same. I guess they call that growing up and finding yourself, for real. Usually, I let my statement coats do all the talking—and they end up being all Nour Hammour shearlings or The Frankie Shop faux furs. I like to throw on a turtleneck and drawstring pants (especially while pregnant!) and use a variation of this formula for every weekend outing, be it a dog walk, coffee date, or dinner.” —Cortne Bonilla, senior shopping writer
Slim Turtleneck + Lived-In Jeans + Loafers
“For me, winter dressing is one long challenge of sneaking on as many layers as possible without ending up looking like the Michelin man. A roomy sweater that allows for a long-sleeve tee underneath but won’t look bulky under a coat is a must—my current favorite is this cashmere one from Falconeri—as is a large scarf I can wrap over it like a shawl.” —Elly Leavitt, shopping lifestyle editor
Aviator Jacket + Sweater + Knitted Skirt
“Winter calls for layering with intention. I love to pair a cashmere sweater and a knit skirt for the ultimate cozy put-together look. I top it off with an aviator shearling jacket and leather knee-high boots for the right amount of edge.” —Andrea Zendejas, commerce market editor
V-Neck Sweater + T-Shirt Layer + Jeans + Loafers
“My winter wardrobe revolves around a rotation of effortless base layers that pair seamlessly with any great coat. My favorite daily uniform features a crisp white tee layered beneath a navy V-neck sweater—styled with jeans and loafers for a timeless look and color combination. It’s a versatile foundation that can take you through your day.” —Minty Mellon, shopping commerce editor
