Cold Weather Outfit Ideas | Mademoiselle | Minimal Style Blog (2024)

As a bit of an ode to the cool wet weather we’ve had here in Sydney over the past week, I spontaneously decided to put together five looks which encapsulate the way I like to dress during the colder months. You can see each of the five looks in motion via the YouTube video embedded above; but I thought it might also be nice to give you more of a static look, while chatting through the composition of each outfit.

Wearing Sezane knit; Everlane way high jeans; Porte & Paire boots (affordable here); Quaint coat; Cafune bag

The first outfit is super minimal; for the most part. A fine merino knit sweater in black, which is elevated and special due to the gold rimmed buttons on the shoulder. For me it’s a favourite as a base or layering piece as while it does have those subtle details, it’s not a show stealer if you want to put that emphasis elsewhere. The jeans, are ones which have been worn on repeat. The way highs. I have these in a few washes, and will say that the inseam does vary, but the coal colour that I’m wearing here is the best for those with long legs. These have a nice high rise but are also really straight through the leg. Great for layering over boots. You’ll note the whole outfit is monochromatic, down to the shoes and handbag. This was intentional, because I really wanted the coat – this taupe and gingham checked wonder – to be the hero of this look. It’s muted but still a statement. And I love how the gingham check adds a sense of modernity to a classic silhouette. I finished the outfit off with a structured bag; for me this works as it feels like just the right amount of polish for this outfit.

Wearing Joseph roll neck sweater; H&M trousers; Tods loafers; The Curated boyfriend coat; Acne Studios mini musubi bag

My second outfit is comprised of absolute wardrobe staples. The roll neck sweater I’ve been pulling out for the last three (or is it four?) winters. Straight leg trousers with just a little bit of crop above the ankle. And the wrap coat which I wore on repeat this year. I often find that your hardest-working essentials not only work back with the rest of your closet with ease, but also generally pair well together. It’s classic, but the chunky chain loafer gives this outfit a modern edge.

Wearing Everlane diamond stitch knit; Everlane cheeky straight jeans; Vaneli two tone pumps; Kindersalmon coat; Everlane waffle scarf; Polene Umi bag

Of all the colour combos I like to wear when it’s cold, creamy neutrals are by far my favourite. They’re uplifting and add lightness at a time of year that usually feels dreary and dull. The key to making a full neutral tonal look like this work is to have a variety of textures. Knitwear is generally a good starting point. Nubby wools, cable knits, or in this instance: a diamond stitch. I also like that this sweater has a flecked heathered yarn which gives it extra dimension. I paired them with a straight leg jean, and for a Sydney winter went with two tone pumps. That said, these jeans would also look fantastic with a slim beige, brown or black boot. The coat you might recognise from previous years; another favourite of mine that I pull out every year. And then the scarf adds another layer of texture with the waffle knit stitch. When finishing off with accessories I like to choose something that is either going to be complementary – as in this case – or add friction and contrast. The question is, is the bag the hero, or is the outfit?

Wearing H&M stripe knit (old but this is a good alternative); Everlane way high jeans; Mute by JL mac trench coat; Sam Edelman loafers; Everlane studio bag

I always feel like my outfit has a Parisian edge when I wear stripes. Perhaps a subconscious association of the mariniere to anything French. But I like it. Leaning into that “stereotypical” Parisian style uniform, I decided to co-opt it here, but with more interesting proportional elements. Usually I’d wear a slim or skinny jean, but this time went with a straight leg crop. For shoes, a flat loafer with minimal gold bar detailing across the toe. Though a ballet flat on milder days or a chunky lug sole boot on chillier ones would also work just as well. Or socks. The trench isn’t a “classic” trench. It’s elevated and stylised; the collar has a pin tucked detail, and the sleeves are gathered with a blouson shape which adds to the silhouette. Not visible is the vibrant mustard yellow interior. Cohesion in an outfit comes in many forms; replicating colours throughout being one of them. It’s a basic styling technique, but one that you can generally rely on. Matching shoes with your bag.

Wearing Arket black merino turtleneck (this is a more accessible option); Sister Jane checked dress (also here); About Arianne ballet flats; Polene onze bag

One thing I’ve really leaned into this year has been my love of denim. But every now and then I’ll opt for a more feminine silhouette, like this stunner of a dress. I bought this as a dupe for the Cecilie Bahnsen Beth dress, and have to say… I actually think I like it more. The desaturated navy and cream tartan check has a festive feel, without being too costumey or cliche. Which makes it a perfect candidate for wearing year round. Personally, I plan to wear this dress Christmas Day, probably with a little black slip on slide. But for the colder months, I’ll make it work by layering it under a black merino turtleneck. Here I’m just wearing ballerina flats, but if it were especially cold, I’d also throw on some tights. Perhaps a tall boot too. Because I thought of this as more of an occasion outfit, I went with a bag to match; a mini bag with a gold chain strap, which feels like a special bit of adornment.