STYLE NOTES: HOW TO PERFECT YOUR OFF-DUTY WINTER LOOKS

STYLE NOTES: HOW TO PERFECT YOUR OFF-DUTY WINTER LOOKS

Street style imagery

STYLE NOTES:

HOW TO PERFECT YOUR OFF-DUTY WINTER LOOKS

From celebrity street styling to your wardrobe, this is your winter styling guide for 2026.

WORDS: GIULIANA BIONDI Photographer: jane doe

With fashion week season just around the corner, there’s no better time to look for cues on how to master off-duty winter dressing. Think less try-hard, more effortless polish. The kind of outfits that look thrown together, but somehow always work. This year, we’ve turned to some of our favourite celebrities on the streets for inspiration, translating high-fashion moments into wearable, everyday style.

Consider this your mood board for the year ahead. In 2026, winter style is all about contrast: oversized silhouettes paired with structured bottoms, sharp tailoring softened by elevated knitwear, and layers that feel intentional without feeling overdone. Whether you’re drawn to slouchy, “borrowed-from-the-boys" proportions or prefer refined textured and quiet luxury, there’s a look to match every mood and every cold morning.

From Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski to Kendall Jenner and more, they’re setting the tone this season, reminding us that off-duty doesn’t mean off-style. These are the covetable looks and standout silhouettes to have on your radar this winter.

OVERSIZED OUTERWEAR

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Make room in your wardrobe for oversized outerwear. Think exaggerated proportions, easy layering and subtle tonal contrasts. When it comes to this trend, bigger really is better. Oversized silhouettes hit that sweet spot between comfort and confidence, delivering a look that’s relaxed and quietly powerful. Let the volume do the talking up top, then keep things streamlined underneath – miniskirts with tights, tailored trousers, or classic tapered jeans work perfectly to keep proportions feeling intentional.

Hailey Bieber, entrepreneur and founder of Rhode, does off-duty winter dressing justice. Her wool coat, complete with broad shoulders and oversized lapels, brings a strong, statement feel, while the cinched belt pulls everything back in at the waist. The result? A silhouette that still feels dramatic but polished and flattering. Paired with a simple tee, denim jeans, sleek boots and minimal accessories, it’s the kind of winter outfit that looks thrown together (in the best possible way).

LUXE KNITWEAR

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If your go-to off-duty uniform leans on luxe knitwear, you’re already working with one of winter’s easiest style formulas. Think of it as effortless elegance in action: cosy yet polished, comfortable yet chic. Investing in a range of high-quality knits is key. Turtlenecks provide that sleek, sophisticated base, while slouchier pieces bring a relaxed, easy-going vibe. Fine-knit sweaters add a touch of understated polished, and cardigans are perfect for layering or throwing over tailored pieces and simple tees. Lean into neutral tones (think creamy beige and warm chocolate), or experiment with patterns and pops of seasonal hues. Layer textures, play with subtle tonal contrasts and don’t shy away from slightly oversized silhouettes.

The It girl both on and off the runway, Bella Hadid, proves just how natural this can look. Her slouchy, eye-catching striped turtleneck is tucked into a pair of classic blue jeans, letting the knit feel relaxed but intentional. Layering textures, she cinches her waist with a leather buckled belt, giving structure without taking away from the laid-back vibe. A look that feels carefully curated yet still breezy.

ELEVATED BOTTOMS

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Well-cut, timeless bottoms are the backbone of any wardrobe. Seasonless and endlessly versatile, they’re the pieces you’ll reach for again and again. Wide-leg trousers continue to hold their place as a go-to, while denim in all iterations remains a reliable staple. Add a few mini and midi skirts into the mix and you have the perfect foundation for winter dressing. These understated pieces act as a clean canvas, letting statement outerwear, luxe knits and bold accessories take centre stage. Proof that the simplest silhouettes do the heavy lifting.

Kendall Jenner, the ultimate modern muse, makes off-duty winter dressing look undeniably chic. Her wide-leg trousers flow with ease, paired with a sleek leather bomber jacket and pointed heels, creating a look that balances relaxed comfort with sharp edge. The tailored trousers ground the outfit, while the statement jacket adds structure and dimension, keeping the silhouette elongated and modern. Minimal accessories allow the key pieces to shine, showing that sometimes, simplicity really is the ultimate sophistication.

FOOTWEAR FINESSE

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As winter marches on, the right boots aren’t just practical, they can make or break an outfit. The good news? There are plenty of stylish options that do both. Heading out for the evening? Knee-high boots are always a classic choice; polished and fashion-forward. For everyday wear, opt for a chunky silhouette with lug soles, perfect for balancing comfort with street-style edge. And when the temperature really drops, snow boots with cosy shearling linings will keep you warm while still looking put-together. With the right pair, your footwear can carry an outfit from casual days to nights out with ease.

Pop star and fashionista, Dua Lipa, proves just how transformative the right footwear can be. She offsets her almost all-black outfit with a pair of flat, chunky boots, injecting both weight and edge to the near-monochrome palette. The boots bring a grounded, utilitarian feel, preventing the look from feeling too sleek, while balancing the proportions of the overall silhouette. The result is an outfit that feels cool and intentional yet practical. It’s not only visually striking but also comfortable and wearable. A clear reminder that everyday dressing can still deliver serious style impact.

ACCESSORY ANCHORS

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Now, let’s talk accessories. The pieces that anchor your outfit, and more often than not, steal the spotlight. The secret is blending functional, cosy essentials like cashmere beanies, blanket scarves and leather gloves with elevated everyday staples such as tailored blazers, wool coats and comfortable knits. Whether you opt for beanies or caps with minimalist designs or standout prints, they instantly add personality while keeping you warm. Bags - crossbody or shoulder - are another must-have, bringing practicality and style in equal measure to elevate even the simplest winter look. And yes, it’s winter but sunglasses remain a non-negotiable. Oversized or sleek, classic or statement, they add that final touch of polish and flair.

Who better to turn to for model-off-duty inspiration then Emily Ratajkowski? Her fluffy animal-print hat is a showstopper, injecting personality and texture simultaneously. Paired with a black coat, serving as the perfect canvas, letting the hat shine on its own. The balance is everything: statement accessory up top, simple pieces below. Thoughtful layering, careful proportions, and just the right amount of attitude. We can’t get enough.

So, this season, off-duty winter style is all about balance. Mixing comfort with structure, statement pieces with classics and practicality with polish, proving that everyday dressing can be as stylish as it is wearable.


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