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Now that we’re a few weeks into colder weather, the appeal of throwing on a sweater, jeans, and boots is starting to fade. What once felt like such a simple and chic combination now feels totally uninspired. It’s our annual reminder that getting dressed in the summer is so much easier (and more fun!). When there’s snow or ice on the ground, your shoe options become extremely limited, the office is always too cold for a silk blouse or top, and your dreams of wearing a boxy blazer get dashed when it doesn’t fit under your coat. Honestly, why is it so damn hard to put together a winter look that’s easy, stylish, and also warm?
We flipped through February’s street style for inspiration and found the answer: You just have to get creative with what you’ve got. If your sweater doesn’t layer easily under your snug shearling, simply wrap it around your neck like a scarf; once you’re inside, you can throw it over your blouse when you inevitably get chilly. If your new favorite sweater is especially chunky and oversized, though, consider skipping a coat altogether and wear a puffy vest on top instead; you’ll be surprised how warm it is. As for that strong-shouldered blazer you’ve been wanting to show off, avoid the sleeves-bunching-under-coat dilemma and think of it as your final layer instead: Wear a cashmere hoodie underneath for a bit of sporty comfort, or if the blazer is extra boxy, you might even be able to fit a thin puffer in there.
Those are just a few of the “formulas” we’ve come up with to get us through winter, each inspired by a photo taken on the streets of New York, Paris, and beyond. Next time you’re standing in front of your closet with zero ideas, pull up these four-step combinations, and you’ll be out the door in minutes. Shop all nine of our favorite looks below.