This post was originally published in January 2021. It has been updated to share the best cute casual winter outfits for this chilly season!
I’ve discovered the secret to creating cute, casual winter outfits every single time.
Want to know what my secret is? A fabulous, chunky, colorful scarf. Now, I know some of you may be thinking that color isn’t really your thing. Never fear, I’ve got lots of ideas for you as well. All I know is that the moment I put this long, plaid scarf on, it took what would be otherwise ordinary winter outfit and made it something absolutely fabulous.
From what I can tell, all of us have varying tastes when it comes to winter accessories. Some people love a pom-pom hat, others collect festive gloves. Me? I’m all about scarves. I have wrap scarves and blanket scarves, infinity scarves and chunky wool scarves like this one. I love mixing and matching them with my neutral outfits to see how they’ll elevate the look.
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similar sweater | pants | similar scarf | boots | similar bag
While I mentioned before that colorful scarves can make a huge difference, there are also perks to neutrals!
My outfits are primarily neutral tones. I like soft browns and camel colors, black, gray, and khaki. I don’t stray super far from this “rainbow” during the winter season, so a colorful scarf is a great way to add some vibrancy without taking me too far outside my comfort zone. If you prefer to stick with the warmer neutrals, opt for a pattern. Plaid, stripes, or even houndstooth are all great options to bring a pop to your look!
Another great thing about scarves is how cozy they are. Blanket scarves can really be used as just that: a blanket. I also love these thicker, woolen scarves that warm me up without the need for any additional layers. You can catch me wearing this kind of outfit all throughout the winter season. It’s so easy to style and perfect for any number of activities.
related posts
Casual Green Sweater Outfit // Cozy Warm Winter Outfit // Oversized Sweater Outfit
Are scarves one of your key winter accessories?
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Lisa says
Your photos are great and I have to agree with you on scarves being a must-have. They are without a doubt my favourite accessory in the winter – the bigger the better!
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s so kind of you to say. Thank you! Scarves are definitely a must-have accessory for me too. They’re just so cozy!
Anika says
Love the colour combination and the knit of the scarf, it matches really well! Great outfit 🙂
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Isn’t it such a gorgeous scarf? It was given to me by a friend so I have no clue where it’s from, but I’m in love with it! Haha!
Caitlin says
Seeing this post reminds me that I have so many scarves I never wear! Since most of my trips outside the home are rushed school dropoff or picking up groceries, I don’t think to wear them. Now I shall have to try it out 🙂
Stephanie Whitman says
I totally relate to the rushing around and not thinking about accessories. Scarves are pretty easy to style, so that makes them a total winner in my book, especially if I have a little more time to think about my look overall!
Rosie Ireland says
OK I’ve fallen in LOVE with your blog! OMG how was I not following you before!? I’m going to go and follow you on everything so that I can get updates on your new content! Love Love Love!
Rosie
Stephanie Whitman says
Ahhh! That means SO much to me! Thank you for the kind words. You’re seriously the sweetest.
Claudia says
You have nailed my look: dark leggings(or jeans), an oversized scarf, and a neutral cozy sweater. Unfortunately, these days it’s mostly PYJAMAS ALL DAY ERRY DAY for me! LOL
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m just such a fan of cozy-casual now. If I’m not in my own pjs or just yoga pants and a graphic tee, this is my ideal outfit. Seems like we’re on the same wavelength 😉
Brooke Ressell says
I am terrible at putting outfits together. You look great so thank you for inspiring those of us who can’t do it on our own. I love the scarf.
Stephanie Whitman says
I find that hard to believe! But I’m here to help give any inspiration I can 🙂 I love the scarf too. It’s so cozy and pretty!
Kelly Diane says
Scarves are so underrated when it comes to winter outfits. This post shows how much of a difference they can make. I absolutely love your outfit.
Stephanie Whitman says
I think they are too! In the last few years, hats have really been in the spotlight, but I’m a huge fan of scarves. They’re cute AND functional (they keep me so warm and cozy)!
Ruth| Ruthiee loves Glamour says
I love this winter outfit Steph! I love scarves, they are unavoidably one of my favourite winter outfits haha. I do love colourful things lol so the colourful scarves are my fav, sometimes, I prefer neutral scarves and I rock them a lot too. You have such gourgeous photos. Great post x!
Stephanie Whitman says
Scarves are seriously a game-changer for any outfit. They just add something special to what might be “boring” otherwise. I love it! And they take little-to-no thought when it comes to styling!
Lizzie says
Love this outfit and love this scarf! I don’t have many scarves but the ones I do have are neutral lol! Probably because my wardrobe is super colorful haha!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Stephanie Whitman says
That doesn’t surprise me. I have this beautiful ballet pink scarf that I know you would look incredible in!
Emily says
A scarf can just change your outfit so much and I love that about it!
https://www.emilyclareskinner.com
Stephanie Whitman says
It really can. It’s such a versatile piece to have on-hand!
brooklynsbookcase says
So cute! Love this outfit! A question I’ve always had is how to style a blanket scarf indoors. I always feel like it’s too chunky but I don’t know how to style it!
Stephanie Whitman says
Really?? I’ll have to share something like that on my Instagram or LiketoKnow.it soon because I totally wear blanket scarves indoors haha. They’re just so cozy!
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
Scarves are a total outfit game changer! I love adding them, especially if my outfit isn’t very colorful.
Stephanie Whitman says
They are, aren’t they? I love that you can wear them with nearly anything! Such versatile accessories!
Lucy says
The scarf in your photo’s is lovely, I love that pattern! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Stephanie Whitman says
Isn’t it??? Someone gave it to me as a gift last year and I didn’t get to wear it until this year because I got it at the end of winter. But I LOVE it!
Jennifer L Prince says
I definitely like this! It’s like an updated blanket scarf, but I feel like a rectangle is so much more practical. You can do a lot more with it than you can with a square. It looks so cute!
Stephanie Whitman says
I think the longer woolen scarves can sometimes feel more classy than a blanket scarf. They’re a little less “chunky” but they’re still just as cozy and warm!
Neely says
I love that scarf and this makes me want to wear normal clothes! I feel like I’m in lounge clothes all the time
Stephanie Whitman says
Haha! I feel that! I usually only wear “normal clothes” when I run errands or visit my parents now. But it’s nice to add fun accessories when I can!
Merry Sari says
Always LOVE your cozy and casual outfit tips, Steph! I like the scarf’s color 😀 Would be nice to have one for me 😀
Stephanie Whitman says
Thank you so much!!! I’m definitely all about cozy and casual 🙂 You should totally get yourself a fun scarf like this!
Sarah Lindner says
For that very reason is why I have a healthy collection of scarf options. I will easily have the same outfits on repeat but a different scarf totally switches it up! xoxo, Sarah
Stephanie Whitman says
You definitely have some amazing scarves. I love the ones you have too! They’re all so cute!
Greta says
I love a fun colorful scarf! This one compliments your outfit perfectly.
Stephanie Whitman says
Me too! They’re just such a great addition to any outfit – but especially a neutral outfit like this.
Amanda says
This scarf totally adds more color and vibrancy to this outfit! Always love seeing your wearable outfits and getting some new ideas!
Stephanie Whitman says
It does a great job just adding that perfect pop of color!
WanderlustBeautyDreams says
This is such a great tip! I started buying colorful hats and scarves to make spice up my winter wardrobe since I’m always wearing black. I love the scarf you have in these pictures, looks super cozy! I need to get more chunky ones to add to my collection.
Vanessa says
A pop of color is what all our winter outfits definitely need! Also, it keeps you warm and cozy, so great tip😊keep going on with your blog posts!
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
I used to add fun scarves to my outfits all the time, but I stopped at some point. Your scarf in these photos is so cute and you’re totally right! They are cozy and can add so much to an outfit!
Cristina Rosano says
I really love the idea of how a scarf can change an outfit so much! I need to admit that first of all I really need some fashion advice and that I am quite averse to scarves, but I will have to give this a try because that scarf looks so cosy! Pictures are amazing as usual x
Amanda says
I agree- scarves are warm and they can totally take an outfit to the next level. You look so warm & cozy!
Deborah says
As cold as it gets around here, I ALWAYS forget to wear a scarf! I don’t know why because you’re right that they’re a great way to jazz up a look! I love how cozy yours looks and that plaid pattern is classic!
Gemma Jayne says
Absolutely stunning photos! Also I am a huge scarf lover, and this one is right up my street! Although I already do have a nice collection so I don’t think I necessarily need a new one, but I do make sure all my current scarves get as much use out of them as I can! Mine all vary some are just one colour and then I have patterns in others, I also have a bright yellow one which has served me very well over the years, and I still get compliments on it! x