What to Wear When Socializing Outside in the Winter
No matter what activities you’re planning this winter, the right clothing and accessories can make all the difference when it comes to warmth, comfort, and style. There are plenty of fashion options to consider for every body type, size, and style preference. Here are some outfit ideas for socializing outdoors during the winter months.
Winter Outfits for Women
If you’re going to be outdoors when it’s really cold, you may want to start with women’s thermals as a foundation. Thermaskin undergarments are made from a blend of polyester and spandex, so they’re soft and comfortable. The fabric has moisture-wicking properties to keep perspiration away from your skin, and its antimicrobial finish prevents the accumulation of odor-causing bacteria. These long underwear separates come in styles that include cami, crewneck, and turtleneck.
Women's jeans are appropriate for most casual outdoor occasions. Whether you’re shopping, having lunch in the open air, or building a snowman, jeans fit the bill. And speaking of fit, there are skinny jeans, high-rise jeans, and other styles, sizes, and cuts for every body type. Leggings are another pant option for winter wear, especially when you wear them over thermal shirts and bottoms.
When choosing a top for dressy outdoor winter social events, you can’t go wrong with a cashmere turtleneck sweater accented with your favorite statement jewelry. There are women’s petite cashmere sweaters in an array of colors, along with regular, plus, and tall sizes. Women’s tunic sweaters are another semi-dressy top option, along with women's cotton sweaters.
Flannel shirts are always a good choice for winter events. They’re versatile enough to layer over turtlenecks and thermal tops, and you can wear them under a sweater for a casual preppy style. There are all kinds of flannel shirt colors, ranging from traditional red plaid to prints featuring blue and pink. For a coordinated country look, wear a quilted barn coat and straight-leg jeans with a buttoned flannel and boots.
Outdoor events call for women's coats in classic and on-trend styles, such as ultra-warm down jackets and parkas. If the forecast calls for snow, layer a women's down vest over a long-sleeve top for extra warmth. On mild winter days, a women’s fleece jacket or hoodie may provide enough protection against cool temperatures.
Winter Outfits for Men
Men have just as many fashion options when it comes to dressing for outdoor winter events. Start with men's jeans or chino slacks, which are versatile enough to wear with a variety of shirt styles. There are men’s pants for every body type, including slim and big and tall. The exception is outdoor winter sports. For athletic events, stay comfortable and enjoy supreme freedom of movement in a pair of sweatpants or joggers.
Men’s thermal tops can be worn under men's polo shirts or tees for a casual look that provides lightweight warmth. For more formal occasions, a collared dress shirt under a sweater or blazer is always appropriate. To make the outfit even dressier, add a necktie or bow tie. Dress shoes are a must if you’re heading to an outdoor wedding or other formal events, while boots work for most other occasions.
Men's down jackets are a standard for cold days, or you can go dressier with a long black winter coat crafted from lined wool. There are men's fleece vests and jackets for warmer winter days, along with sherpa-lined hoodies and Serious Sweats sweatshirts and sweatpants for comfort and warmth.
Winter Outfits for Kids
There are plenty of cute winter outfits for kids too. Leggings for girls can be worn over thermal bottoms for plenty of warmth, plus they allow for flexible movement. Tunic tops and sweaters go well with girls’ leggings, or you can dress your daughter in a roomy hoodie for casual style. Boys' hoodies pair well with everything from athletic pants to denim and chinos, and they come in an array of solid colors and prints from neutral to bright.
Kids' winter coats come in just as many styles as women’s and men’s coats, including insulated parkas and puffy down jackets in on-trend colors. Look for hooded coats to keep your child’s head warm, and add winter accessories such as gloves and scarves to cut the chill even further.
Another must-have for kids’ winter outfits is the right footwear. Kids' snow boots come in many sizes and styles, often insulated for cozy warmth, and made waterproof to keep out rain and snow. When choosing winter boots for kids, look for a durable rubber outsole with a slip-resistant tread pattern on the bottom.
Now that you’ve got some fashion ideas for your next outdoor winter event, all that’s left to do is shop. Stock your wardrobe with versatile winter staples for plenty of mix-and-match outfit possibilities.