It can be daunting to come up with winter travel outfits that will keep you warm but pack easily. Bulky winter coats and cardigans take up precious space in your luggage. And don’t even get me started on winter boots! And then there’s the challenge of looking cute while staying warm. Don’t panic, I’m here to help you navigate your winter wardrobe so you feel confident for your next winter trip.
Personally, I draw outfit inspo from my favorite celebrity style icons. When it comes to winter outfits, Gigi Hadid ranks supreme. She effortlessly incorporates bold patterns and neutral colors into her laid-back ascetic.
If you need outfit inspiration or help building a capsule wardrobe for your winter vacation, keep reading. These outfit ideas are trendy and affordable and will keep you warm while looking like you just stepped off the runway.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Wear your bulkiest items — the warmest winter coat, thick oversized sweater and heavy boots — on the plane to save space in your suitcase!
Packing Tips
Bulky winter clothes make packing light a challenge. Space-saving packing cubes to rescue! These are fantastic organizational tools are must-haves for winter travel. Stuff them full of heavy sweaters, then zip them down to the skinniest size.
Depending on how long you’ll be gone and how many sweaters you plan to pack (do you really need ALL of them???), packing cubes might mean the difference between packing a carry-on and paying for a checked bag!
Must-Have Winter Travel Outfits
Building a capsule winter wardrobe is easy. This is my list of must-have items:
Coats
- Water Resistant Puffer: if you are traveling in wintry conditions, this is a must-pack to keep you warm and protected from the elements.
- Wool blend, long jacket: if you don’t anticipate wintry conditions, a stylish, wool-blend jacket is perfect for sightseeing around town.
- Leather Jacket/Faux Fur Bomber: great layering pieces for dressier dinners or a night out on town.
Tops
- First base layer: 2-3 long sleeve thermal or turtleneck shirts.
- Second layer: 2-3 heavier layers like a turtleneck sweater, cardigan or hoodie.
- Optional: 1-2 dressier blouses for evening events.
Pants
- Leggings: one casual pair and one dressy option.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Try faux leather leggings with an oversized sweater and boots for an easy daytime look.
- Jeans: 2-3 pairs of dark or light denim. Personally, I’ll do one of each for variety.
- Loungewear: one pair of joggers or sweatpants.
Shoes:
- Sneakers: 1 pair
- Boots: 2 pairs max, an everyday boot for sightseeing during the day and something dressier for the evening.
Accessories
- Gloves/mittens: 2 pairs
- Scarves: 2 warm scarves and as many dressy ones as you need to accessorize
- Beanie: 1-2 max
- Tote: 1 crossbody bag for daytime activities that can double for the evening
Airport Outfit
Focus on being comfortable and warm on the day of travel. If you pack more than one coat, wear the heaviest coat and boots to the airport to save space.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you bring a puffer jacket, roll it up and squish it into your luggage. Wear your heavy boots onto the plane and pack travel shoes like sneakers in your carry-on so you can change into them on the plane.
Cute Sightseeing Outfit Ideas
There’s something nostalgic about sightseeing in the cold, wintry weather. That said, dressing for the elements does not mean you have to compromise on style!
Wearing a cute jacket is the easiest way to stay warm and look stylish. An oversized teddy coat is perfect for galavanting around town in the cold weather.
Look for merino wool socks, gloves and base layers. This fabric is lightweight, odor-resistant, and absorbs quickly. Due to the structure of its fibers, merino wool is thinner than regular wool. It keeps you warm without the added bulk. It can be pricey, but it’s worth the splurge.
You can’t go wrong with this everyday winter outfit idea.
SheBuysTravel Style Tip: Want to elevate your outfit? Try faux-fur gloves for an edgy, chic look.
Chic, Winter Evening Outfits
Winter travel is not complete without a nighttime outfit (or two!) A travel essential is the sweater dress. Trust me, they’re going to be your best friend when it comes to cute outfits for hitting the town.
Shoe-wise, I’m a big fan of pairing a sweater dress with a mid-rise, low-heel boot. If mid-rise isn’t your thing, ankle boots are another great option. Finally, solid or patterned tights provide added warmth while making you look effortlessly put together.
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