We all need that easy cozy winter outfit formula for when we want to look cute and comfortable and warm.
San Diego doesn’t exactly get what you’d call typical winter weather, but it does get chilly here starting in December, and especially at night and near the coast.
I’ll admit it – I’ve become a weather wimp. I grew up in Alberta Canada, and let me tell you, I know cold. It could get -40 Celsius with the wind chill. When I first moved to California, I was the tough girl who never needed a jacket. I’ve now lived in warm climates for 22 years, and I understand why California peeps bundle up when it hits 60F. Queue my Canadian friends’ full-on mocking, ha!
#1 Oversized Turtleneck
This has to be something that covers the bottom (see number two, below), roomy, and loose at the neck (I don’t like my clothes to strangle me, ha)! I have several that I rotate through. I just found this Nordstrom Signature (TTS, wearing S) on huge sale a couple weeks ago. I especially love the color-blocking on this one, as the camel color really brightens the face and is also a little more fun than all black.
#2 Fabulous Leggings as Pants
We’ve all heard it before – you can’t wear leggings as pants. I call BS! The key is in the fabric of your leggings and how you put it all together.
First, I prefer a thicker legging that is less workout material and more pants material (though I’m also not opposed to wearing my Lululemon leggings to the grocery store…) Look for either a ponte or velvet material which will speak to more elegance than casual.
Velvet / Soft Leggings
I’ve had my James Perse velvet leggings for three winters now and they are still going strong. While they are no longer available (except maybe on poshmark), Rachel has the Athleta ones and says they are great. I’ve linked a few more that look good and have positive reviews. Honestly — if you find a good pair of velvet leggings, I promise you will never look back! I seriously wear these probably 175 times every winter and they are the epitome of cool yet cozy winter outfit.
Ponte / Scuba Leggings
I have a couple pairs of scuba / ponte leggings – one that is totally fitted all the way down and the Vince ones that flare at the ankle (slit in the back). I wear the flared version more with heels and to dress up, but wanted to include them as they really are pretty and comfortable, and comfort is the key with this cozy winter outfit!
#3 Combat or Lug Boots
When wearing leggings as pants, I like to balance the silhouette with bulkier boots.
I absolutely ADORE my Zadig & Voltaire combat boots. They are three years old and still look brand new. And I love the big ribbons as laces. Just makes them more feminine and edgy. A side zipper is key for me with lace-up boots…just zip up and go!
This is a staple style for Zadig, though they do switch up the details every so often. I am so digging the studs and laces on their newest design. Let’s face it – combat boots can be kind of boring (which is fine if you’re into that). I just like mine to have a little something extra, and these definitely do not disappoint. These are boots you will have literally forever and you’ll never get bored of them.
The Zadig boots only come in full sizes, and I sized down to 37 and they are a perfect fit.
Rachel and I are also huge lug boot fans, as you’ve probably already noticed. Either style makes a statement while also being super comfortable (I have no patience for uncomfortable shoes). Rachel just texted me randomly last night.
“I love my Weitzman lug boots so much – so happy I bought them!”
~ Rachel
For a fashion blogger with a large shoe closet, that’s a pretty big endorsement, especially because she’s been wearing them almost daily since she got them.
Just as an aside, I feel so darn lucky to have this girl in my corner. A year ago, my world looked really different (more on that soon) and my friendship with Rachel has transformed my life in the best possible way. My wish is for everyone to have such a wonderful friendship in their lives.
#4 Killer Accessories
Scarf
A few years ago, I saved up all my Blooomingdale’s rewards to buy this Burberry scarf, and I’ve never looked back. My one and only scarf, I’ll have it forever, and it makes everything look and feel infinitely cooler. I wore it all over Spain two Christmases ago, and it saved me.
Gloves
I’m so glad I snagged Rachel’s top pick of the Halle Berry Sweaty Betty fingerless gloves. Words cannot express how much I love them. There are three colors currently available on Sweaty Betty’s site – these are my favorite gloves ever!
Hat
And I tried on hats at Nordstrom until I found this Treasure & Bond one that was a perfect fit and weight…and less than $25, too! I’m also a huge fan of Rachel’s Rag & Bone beanie (see her post here) but the Treasure & Bond fit my grande cabesa (ha!) really well and so I thought I’d start with this one, especially as I don’t need it too much in San Diego.
I’m also really intrigued by the head wrap. I think that would be fabulous for walking the dogs, as I get really bad earaches whenever it gets chilly or windy. Good accessories are the final key in any cozy winter outfit. Pick the pieces that best fit your climate and you will have them forever.
Crossbody Bag
Our favorite silver bag isn’t currently available, but we love pretty much all the Clare V. bags and the woven style in a contrasting color is what we would call perfection. Both of us prefer a smaller crossbody (hands-free, zero stress) that fits all the basics (sunglasses, wallet, lip balm, keys, etc.) Years ago I carried an oversized tote (because when you have little kids, you have to be prepared for any scenario, am I right?!) It used to give me such strain and my doctor told me I needed to start carrying a small lightweight bag that was more balanced on both sides. Voila, no more pain or strain!
And a cute crossbody is definitely the final piece for a cozy winter outfit!
I tend to wear this cozy winter outfit whenever it’s gloomy or cold, which it’s starting to get way more often. I do love this time of year!
