Yep, the Coolest Winter Outfits All Feature These 8 Pieces

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Want to know the key to looking cool this winter? It's not about planning all your outfits days in advance, buying into a bunch of new trends, or nailing down a precise layering combo. While all of those things will definitely help you to achieve a good cold-weather look, it's actually much simpler than that. In all the research I've done on Instagram, I've found that the coolest winter outfits come down to a few key (and on-trend) wardrobe staples

I'm not saying you need to go out and buy all of the things I'm highlighting here (my wallet hurts at the thought), but hopefully, you'll see how swapping in one of these of-the-moment pieces will totally upgrade your outfits for the rest of the season. Whether it be wearing leather pants in lieu of your usual jeans or opting for some practical-chic chunky boots, scroll through to see the eight must-have pieces to keep you warm, snug, and stylish, and fill up on styling ideas from our favorite fashion people.

1. Leather Pants

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Forget wearing jeans and a sweater—leather pants make even the simplest outfits so much cooler.

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(Image credit: @chanelmckinsie)

Style yours like fashion girls are right now with a cardigan and loafers.

2. Tall Chunky Boots

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Leggings and this boot trend are a match made in heaven.

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

These trendy boots are comfortable and also happen to be practical for winter, so yes, they're elite.

3. Second-Skin Tops

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Make a graphic-print top the centerpiece of your outfit.

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They're basically made for tucking into high-waisted jeans.

4. Knit Sets

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Comfy, cool, and put-together—what's not to love?

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Some chain jewelry makes the look so elevated.

5. Ripped Jeans

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(Image credit: @EMMALEGER)

Ripped jeans with a basic sweater and loafers or ankle boots make for the perfect casual winter look.

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

They also happen to pair well with chunky-sole boots, another A+ winter trend.

6. Asymmetric Tops

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

Asymmetric tops are the kind of item that's an easy-to-wear basic but adds a little something extra.

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

The simplest winter outfit—a long-sleeve top with trousers—looks all the cooler with an off-kilter neckline.

7. Retro Sneakers

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(Image credit: @sofiamcoelho)

If you're going to wear sneakers right now, reach for a cool throwback pair from brands like New Balance and Reebok.

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Wear them now with winter pieces like a camel coat and keep wearing them with your basics year-round.

8. Layered Collars

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(Image credit: @emmaleger)

Two pieces that were made for each other, sweater-vests and collared shirts. Combine them to make a trendy winter 'fit.

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(Image credit: @modedamour)

Style the combo with your trusted black pants and ankle boots.

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.