The main concern in winter is warmth. Unless you're a street style star. Then you also have to worry about creating a sartorially-pleasing ensemble. Accomplishing both is a tall task. But after years of experience, street stylists have it down to a science. So we've looked through hundreds of looks and taken extensive notes. That way we can share the street style secrets to staying warm and stylish.
For starters, take a more strategic approach to layering. Each and every piece must serve a purpose and make a statement. That also goes for your accessories. From hats to gloves to scarves, there needs to be a rhyme and reason behind your accents.
Don't be afraid to double up, either. You can sport two coats, two sweaters, two skirts and even dresses and pants simultaneously. Tights, leggings and tall socks are your saviors this time of year. Make sure you have a good variety. You'll be amazed how much wear you'll get out of each pair.
Scroll down to learn all of the street style secrets to staying warm and looking cool.
A matching sweater and scarf set is a great cold-weather pairing. Wrap the scarf around your head, then add in a black miniskirt, black tights and black boots to round out the look.
There's still nothing wrong with double denim. Choose a darker-wash jean jacket and jeans and wear the former only buttoned on the bottom and off the shoulder. Work in a white shirt, a tie, a heavy coat and black boots to complete the outfit.
Jazz up a basic black turtleneck with a crochet bra top. Black pants, a black coat and black boots balance out the look.
Instead of sporting a cape or scarf coat solo, try layering it over a long, thin jacket. White pants and the shoes of your choice are all you need to polish off the ensemble.
Sport a patterned scarf wrapped around a patterned turtleneck and a blue button-down. Dark blue leggings, black boots and a satin bomber further define the look.
If you're lucky enough to find a sweater with an attached scarf, scoop it up. Then team it with a pair of khaki pants, a khaki trench coat and square-toe boots. Finally, slip a tan vest on top to really seal in the warmth.
You never know when you're going to need an extra layer. So use a ribbed sweater as a scarf and secure it on top of a camel coat. A white maxi dress, brown boots and an oversized clutch that complements the coat add even more texture.
A blazer doesn't supply enough protection from the cold. But a blazer worn under a cropped bomber jacket will keep you cozy. A black top worn under the blazer, split-hem leggings and pointy pumps keep the warm momentum going. If you're feeling bold, try turning the blazer inside out and cap off the outfit with a black beanie.
Here's how you flaunt your go-to minidress when it's freezing. Style a shirred take with thigh-high boots and work a long leather coat into the equation.
Go pull out those summer-ready perforated tops. We'll wait... Once you've rescued them from the back of your closet, pick one to slip on over a long-sleeve top. Next put on black pants and slip a coordinating skirt over said pants. A blazer and sneakers ground the look.
Take a track jacket and sport it under a pinstripe blazer. Combine with a matching pinstripe maxi skirt and slouchy boots FTW.
First, put on a long shirt. Next, add a patterned vest and the coordinating blazer. Work in baggy trousers, colorful kicks and a colorful beanie that pays homage to the color of your initial layer.
Start with a coat boasting pre-scrunched sleeves or just push the sleeves up on your favorite coat and then slip on opera gloves. Pull them down a bit so they're also scrunched. Incorporate a dress that coordinates with your coat and boots that match your gloves to finish things off.
Triple denim, anyone? A high-collared denim shirt and coordinating skirt look even better styled with jeans tucked into ankle boots.
No one, especially a street stylist, will tell you that you have to match. Layer a green collared shirt under a belted dress of a different color. Complete the ensemble with a khaki coat and black-and-white patterned boots.
Now that you're well-stocked when it comes to tall socks, use a pair to keep your legs toasty. Break out one of your skirt suits and work in a crisp button-down along with a tie. Top off the outfit with a second blazer before capping things off with heeled oxfords.
Remember the balaclava craze? Well, here's where your stockpile comes in handy. Pick a patterned one and show it off with a toggle coat, tights and knee-high black boots.
You can layer skirts just like you layer shirts and sweaters. Tuck a black turtleneck into a khaki skirt, then pull on a quilted skirt on top. A cropped trench-style coat and black boots make the look.
A red turtleneck really pops under a neutral button-down and blazer combo. Brightly patterned pants, black boots and a chocolate coat bring it all together.
Varsity jackets are making a major comeback thanks to the preppy resurgence. Wear yours over a white turtleneck. Sport a leather coat on top of the varsity jacket and complete the outfit with leather pants and cowboy boots.
A great scarf can literally make a look. Opt for a solid-colored version and wrap it around a black top and a shiny jacket several times. Split-hem jeans and boots that complement the jacket are all you need to finish off the look.
Don't sleep on leather overalls. They're a great layering device. Rock over a hoodie or a sweatshirt featuring a standup collar and tuck the overalls into patterned boots. Top it off with a furry baseball cap.
You can definitely still flaunt your denim skirts. Go with one boasting side slits and combine with black tights, a graphic bomber jacket and denim boots in a different wash.
Fringe isn't off the seasonal table, either. Sport colorful tights underneath the fringe before incorporating a cool jacket and ankle-strap sandals.
Turtlenecks are the tools of the sartorial trade. Slip a maxi dress, preferably denim, over a stark take. Rock a distressed jacket over everything to play into the acid-wash vibe.
Looking to add a touch of lace? Slip a lace skirt under a slightly shorter pleated skirt. Style with a satin bomber and black lug-sole boots.
You don't need a heavy coat if you layer thoughtfully. Begin with a thermal long-sleeve shirt. Put a vibrant ribbed sweater on top and tuck both into a quilted midi skirt. Cover all your bases with black tights, pumps and gloves.