Winter Fashion: Decoding Cosy-Chic

Figuring out how I want to dress in the coldest months of the year.

A struggle in itself — exciting nonetheless.

How does one look cute and fashionable during winter, whilst actually maintaining some body heat to minimise an otherwise likelihood of freezing?

Doom-scrolling Pinterest, 17 days into Sydney's official winter, and eyeing countless fashion cuties, I began a board based on inspo I’d love to draw into my daily and weekend outfits this season. These girls have figured it out, and the cosy-chic energy they’re bringing is it.

Cosy-chic originated from the spike in a hygge way of being, back in 2016. Hygge is a Danish word centred around the concept of enjoying the slow, cosiness of life; well-being, and a content way of living (very winter fashion girl core). This bled into the fashion world that same year, showing up in knits, warm and cosy fits, and a heavy focus on soft activities like tea-drinking, reading, chilling in cafés and eating pastries. From here, the trend only grew — especially during the COVID era — and it’s stuck around since. Social media and the rise of niche fashion influencers who centre their content on things like minimalism, cosy living, cottage-core fashion, craft, and the Pinterest-girl aesthetic (such as Emma Chamberlain’s want to “get dressed up and walk around town”) all helped keep it alive.

I can definitely relate to the hygge movement — it’s a great way to rationalise my Friday nights in as a twenty-something. Or the second red wine night of the week, sitting on the lounge room floor in my PJs, doing absolutely nothing with my roommate. And as The Guardian said in 2016, 'it’s a chic way to bow out of the frenzied jollity of party season'. And that’s all I needed, folks... not that it’s exactly party season.

So if you also feel the impending doom and dread of having to go out and do something exciting just because you’re in your twenties and meant to be doing things like going out on a Wednesday night this winter — please, join the club or more accurately, don't. I will be spending the rest of the 2026 winter happily in my new Hommey robe (vanilla stripe, if you were wondering), drinking red wine, and dressing cute *see mood board above* when I absolutely have to leave the house.

Back to the Pinterest girls though — apologies for the tangent — cosy-chic and hygge fashion are the ticket this winter, and now that we know why, here’s how to achieve the look.

DECODING winter fashion trend: cosy-chic

1. a warm coat

2. baggy tailored trousers OR baggy jeans (to fit thermals underneath...?)

3. layers upon layers

4. cosy, thick, chunky knits

5. scarves

6. boots

7. cute bags

8. and a hat (if you’re lucky enough to pull it off)

Further detail on the mood board above

I’ve become obsessed with the black and light-olive green colour combo that some of the girlies are rocking. Another combo I love, is the striped long sleeve as a base layer, under pretty much anything. Also loving the blend of fabric textures such as silk, and ruching.

Dressing To enhance the warm factor

1. baggy pants = thermal layering potential

2. knee-high boots = extra leg warmth

3. layered tops

4. a hefty wool coat

5. maxi skirt layered over pants, or skirt over maxi dress

DRESSING: for the chic factor (aka fashionability of the ensemble):

1. heeled boots (extra points for a pointed toe)

2. a high-neck, button-up coat (iykyk)

3. the bag is everything

The main thing I’ve noticed with executing these outfits? You need a strong base. I’m talking black and white basics, a striped top here and there, and some beige, navy or brown tonal pieces. Then you layer the shit out of the base with selective fun pattern, or texture pieces. If you’re anything like me, your closet may be overflowing with fun items, which makes it really hard to piece together a fit when the basics are lacking.

5 pieces that will help with this

If you don’t already have these in your wardrobe, go scout your local op shop this weekend:

1. blue baggy jeans

2. black/white long sleeve

3. black/white/navy knit (turtleneck or crew neck)

4. baggy tailored trousers in a neutral (black/white/beige/grey)

5. boots

6. big, neutral-coloured coat

From here, you can pull together a lovely fit by simply adding a patterned scarf or a statement coat or bold-coloured bag and voilà — cool, cosy-girl energy achieved. Extra points if your colour pairings are matched (e.g. belt + bag, shoes + barrette/scarf).

Stay warm cuties.

with love,

xx

ps. you can view my cosy-chic fashion board on Pinterest here