Cheat Sheet for Dressing Chic For Winter
Let’s Make Winter Outfits Feel Easy
If I’m honest with myself, I’ve always thought winter is where style goes to die. That is, until I moved to NYC.
Winter layering always felt intimidating and chaotic - especially as a petite 5’2 I’m often drowning in fabric
My favorite discovery of 2025 was learning to dress chic for winter using the same capsule formula I’d used all spring and summer. Inspired by NYC girlies ofc.
TLDR: It really comes down to some core investment pieces especially in the visible outer layer and accessories. Focus on the visible layer - the right statement coat, leather gloves, and a quality handmade handbag or shoes will instantly elevate your look.
Here’s my winter uniform formula
The Winter Capsule Formula
You can think of your capsule in 4 layers - base, mid, outer, and accessories layer
Base Layer
Your base layer should feel like a second skin - warm, fitted, and invisible under everything else. For petites, this layer does a lot of the “polishing” work: it keeps bulk down, helps your outfit look streamlined, and makes your mid-layer drape better.
Think thermals like long sleeves, tanks, and fitting tights (swap for fleece lined for the very cold months)
Mid Layer
These are your shirts, pants, and the thin wind breaker jackets to add style and additional warmth.
They can easily transition into fall or spring outfits extending the lifespan on your closet
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Alpaca Wool Rolled Cuff Sweater
Outer Layer
Winter calls for statement outer layers - think well designed jackets, coats, boots, anything visible to the eyes. These are investment pieces and worth a little splurge.
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Accessories and Shoes Layer to Take it Up a Notch
Leather gloves, carefully picked brown/red tone shoes, a nice bag will instantly pull your outfit together. Pick according to lifestyle
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Petite Cheat Codes
Here are the 3 simple rules I’ve followed to keep me warm and polished all winter
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To dress taller leave 1-2 inches between pant hem and shoe. Or match your shoe color to your pants color to add a few inches
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Is it cold where you live? Swap a bulky sweater for a thin heat layer under your larger outer coat
Bonus: Choose a tote that sits comfortably under your arm and doesn’t overwhelm your frame.. Structured and streamlined wins.
I hope this winter uniform formula reduces some of your winter wardrobe overwhelm!
