Winter in New York City is no joke: It’s a serious sartorial challenge to stay warm, yet look fashion forward at the same time. Any true New Yorker knows that a good power coat and a rotating array of knitwear become your seasonal hero pieces. (Pepper in some fun scarves and hats, and you’ve got a presentable winter wardrobe.) Jennifer Lawrence is one such Manhattan A-lister who knows what she’s doing. The star has been spotted out and about in the crisp, cold streets this month in looks that strike a balance between polished and cozy. And she has one staple that she keeps on returning to.
Lawrence’s secret weapon for the winter? A classic flannel shirt—those checkered wool button-ups that you often wear camping (and are popular among lumberjacks). Just earlier today in New York, Lawrence was spotted wearing a blue plaid style, layered underneath a classic black overcoat, a knit beanie, and dark-wash jeans. She has previously worn a gingham flannel shirt, and layered it with a thick wool scarf overtop.
It doesn’t take much to understand the appeal of a classic flannel like Lawrence’s. Often finished with extra-plushy wools or cashmeres, the garment certainly keeps one warm, but also provides a pop of color, thanks to the addition of a colorful plaid print. You may have even seen flannels on the runways lately: brands like Bottega Veneta and The Row have shown luxurious versions.
It’s the type of investment piece that you’ll never regret owning, given that it can double as loungewear or PJs around the house (and make a great blanket for the plane, too). When slipping into one in the city, though, consider Lawrence’s approach and dress it up with a tailored coat. The vibe is snuggly-chic—not full-on lumberjack.
