How to Get Out of a Winter Style Rut, According to Stylists

When the months ending in “-ber” first roll in, we couldn’t be more excited to break out the cozy sweaters and chic boots residing in the back of our closets. But, as winter drags on, many of us find ourselves stuck in a style slump, reaching for the same pieces day after day. The cold can certainly dampen innovative spirits and willingness to try new things—but it doesn’t have to.

There are plenty of tips and tricks for reinvigorating your winter wardrobe, including embracing new patterns, textures, and silhouette combinations through the power of layering. To get the creative juices flowing, we turned to the expert stylists Audree Kate López and Sara Taghinia for advice on how to turn the dreariness of winter into an opportunity for fashion exploration.

Keep reading to learn how you can break through a winter styling rut.

Embrace Layering

Perhaps the simplest (and most obvious) styling technique you can employ to mix up your winter wardrobe is layering. Not sure where to start? Taghinia says, “A silk midi skirt from your summer collection would work great paired with knee-high leather boots and a fitted knit top. That combination of textures—smooth silk and structured leather—creates a rich, layered look. I would top it off with a long, tailored coat and an oversize scarf.”

“The same could be done with a slip or knit dress,” she says, “Pair it with an oversize wool blazer or coat. And, instead of cinching your coat at the waist, try belting it slightly higher, at the ribcage, for a more tailored, almost empire-line silhouette.”

Put Your Summer Wardrobe to Work

“One of the styling rules I live by is that colors or seasonal items do not have to be restricted to a certain time of year,” López says. To transition your summer dresses into winter, López suggests layering a sweater over them or wearing a blouse or turtleneck underneath for extra warmth. If the dress is smocked, you can also roll it low on the hips, fashioning it into a maxi skirt. Accessories like tights, gloves, hats, scarves, boots, and leg warmers can also make summery pieces more winter-appropriate.

Explore New Combinations

“I would start by shifting your mindset from ‘routine’ to ‘reinvention.’ Instead of relying on the same combinations, really challenge yourself to try new pairings,” Taghinia says. Experiment with different textures and proportions, such as combining oversize and well-fitted pieces or faux fur with leather. By making subtle but deliberate changes—like trading ordinary accessories for standout ones, adding a pop of color, or trying a new print—you can completely change how you perceive your clothing and rekindle your sense of style.

Add Functional Accessories

While we love a good necklace or set of earrings, they certainly won’t help keep you warm in the winter. Instead, try coupling your outfits with a few functional accessories. “Add sheer or colorful tights under a skirt or dress, layer a puffer vest over a jacket, or wear a mesh or lace top under a top for texture,” López says.

“I love an oversize cashmere hood or balaclava. It has a sleek, minimalist feel and can add an architectural element to a winter outfit—plus, it’s perfect for adding warmth,” Taghinia says, “I also love a good pair of leather gloves, calf-length boots with subtle heels, and minimal sunglasses—all things that make me feel instantly polished and stylish, even in sub-zero temperatures.”

Recycle Your Outfits

Calling all outfit repeaters: The tenets of winter styling not only encourage but also require wearing your favorite pieces time and time again (see layering). “I take a mirror picture of outfits that I wear and really like and save them in an album on my phone, saving them for inspiration. I also do this with photos I see on social media,” López says, “So, on days that I don’t want to get dressed, instead of just grabbing my jeans and black sweater, I can go into this folder and feel inspired to repeat and re-create outfits.”

Rely on the Basics

Easy-breezy basic pieces that never go out of style are a must-have come wintertime. “I would invest in versatile basics like fitted turtlenecks, oversize sweaters, and tailored trousers that can be layered effortlessly,” Taghinia says, “These pieces can serve as a solid foundation and complement any statement or experimental pieces.”

Shop Your Closet

When all else fails and your fashion creativity is at an all-time low, take stock of what you already own for inspiration. “Go through your wardrobe, let go of pieces that no longer serve you, and take note of the common themes in colors, silhouettes, or styles you tend to gravitate toward. This will not only help you identify gaps in your wardrobe but also inspire new looks in the process,” Taghinia says. “Physically taking a moment to see what you have will also help you avoid unnecessary purchases this winter.”

If you don’t have the time to do an in-depth audit of your closet, López suggests a couple of tricks to weed out your wardrobe over time. “You can turn the hanger the opposite way if you have worn something so you can only choose items facing forward, you can go in order of items in your closet so you pick something new each day, or challenge yourself each week to wear something you haven’t worn in a while and see if you can style it or like to wear it.”