Southern California may not deliver a snow-filled, traditional winter, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy cozy, festive vibes during the holiday season. Whether you’re lounging at home (which I plan to be doing plenty of), dressing up for a holiday party, or enjoying quality time with family, these closet staples will keep you effortlessly stylish without causing you to overheat. Here are some of my favorite comfy layering picks and must-have accessories that prove mild weather and classic winter fashion can still go together.
- An amazon Puffer vest
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Full transparency: just a couple short months ago, I was firmly on the side of “vests aren’t for me.” I didn’t quite see the point – why wear a jacket with no sleeves? But then came my groundbreaking revelation: the art of layering. They’re not meant to replace jackets – they’re instead a perfect addition for those in-between-chilly-but-not-freezing days. It wasn’t long until I discovered that Amazon has adorable puffer vests in practically every color, all at prices that my broke-college-student self can easily afford. My go-to is a comfy brown puffer that somehow manages to add a bit of effortless flair to every outfit. It also gets bonus points for its ability to keep my core warm without causing me to overheat (essential in Southern California’s mild weather). Pair it with a fitted long-sleeve top, high-waisted jeans, and boots for an easy, polished look.
- Cable-knit socks
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For many, socks may be an afterthought, but they’re my secret weapon for pulling any fit together. In fact, I have an entire bin in my closet dedicated to all my pairs of socks – from fuzzy ones to frilly pairs to even my Disney Princess socks (long story). But truly, nothing beats a nice pair of cable-knit socks in the winter. They’re cozy, chunky, and feature a textured and twisted pattern that mimics the look of traditional cable knitting. My favorite is the crew-length style, which looks adorable peeking out of Ugg boots or paired with leggings, adding an extra touch to otherwise simple outfits. I wear these around the house, out and about, and even as sleep socks. They’re thick enough to keep my feet warm during chilly mornings but breathable enough to wear all day.
- A Bomber jacket
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Time to talk about the ultimate versatile layering piece: a bomber jacket. It’s a waist-length coat with a fitted waistband and cuffs, and most importantly, it’s my favorite jacket to ever exist. My gray quilted bomber from Aerie is hands-down my favorite, and I wear it with practically everything. It’s lightweight but still warm, making it perfect for putting over crewnecks on colder days or wearing with a T-shirt when temperatures rise. I like wearing it with flair leggings or mom jeans and adding any sneakers or boots. The best part is that it’s stylish enough for brunch dates yet cozy enough to wear around the house.
- corduroy pants
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This may be a hot take – since I don’t see these around too often – but I love a nice pair of corduroy pants. They’re comfy, soft, and semi-vintage, making them a nice alternative to denim (which I wear all too often). The ribbed texture adds a little flair to any outfit, making them perfect for lounging or for casual outings. I thrifted my favorite pair, and it’s dark gray, going perfectly with everything from chunky sweaters to a bodysuit. I’ve seen corduroys in all sorts of colors, ranging from forest green to burgundy, which could also add a little pop of personality to a winter wardrobe.
- Wintery statement earrings
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As someone with six ear piercings, I’m always looking for ways to switch things up. And what better excuse than the holiday season? A fun statement earring is one of my favorite ways to add a little something extra to winter outfits. I love my snowflake earrings from Baublebar, but I’ve seen all sorts of pairs with other winter motifs – think snowmen, tiny reindeer, and Santa hats. These earrings are especially great when paired with a simple outfit, like a sweater and jeans, because they instantly make me feel more put-together. They’re also a great piece for holiday parties or other winter outings.
- A cozy pj set
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Obviously, this list would be simply amiss if I didn’t include a pajama set. Winter break means lots of chill time, meaning this will be my primary wardrobe during the time off. There’s something about a matching PJ set that helps me feel put together and like “that girl,” even when I’m just rotting in bed. My Snoopy themed PJs from American Eagle are everything I could ever ask for, not only because they’re beyond cute but also because they’re the softest thing I’ve ever owned. They also double as a cute option for inevitable holiday photos at home or lazy FaceTime calls with friends.
The “ber” months – September, October, November, and December – are my favorite time of year, and what better way to enjoy them than dressing for the vibes? Especially when it comes to December, there’s no need to sacrifice style for comfort. With these cozy layers and festive accessories, you can enjoy all the winter feels this season.