Okay, yes, it’s cold out there, but don’t let the weather force you into turning down plans for a fun cocktail soirée. Whether you’re meeting up with friends after work for some happy hour drinks or attending an event with a bit of a fancier dress code, there are so many ways you can bundle up and look fab doing it, all while fitting the exact occasion. But if you’re stumped about what to wear (girl, I’ve been there with you!), I’m here to help take away the stress. Here, I rounded up 12 cocktail winter outfits to inspire you to say “yes” to those plans—and feel amazing when you walk through those doors, duh.
From statement faux-fur coats to strapless dresses, these cocktail winter outfit ideas will ensure you turn heads and stay toasty warm at the same time. (Ahem, these TikTok fleece-lined tights will also help you achieve just that.) Even better than rounding up some cocktail winter outfit inspo is the fact that I shopped out exactly how to replicate each look. If you find a certain ensemble (or more!) compelling, you can snag these items to help you pull the whole thing off without a hitch. Want even more winter fashion to get you through the polar-like temperatures? Check out these winter date outfits, sweater dress outfits, and winter work outfits.
Bold tights + black blazer
Who remembers the iconic Gossip Girl episode when Blair Waldorf first wore red tights? A black-blazer-and-turtleneck combo looks a lot more dressed up (and unexpected) when you add some bold hosiery to the mix. Accessorize with a chic shoulder bag or a sparkly one if you want to add even more flair to the occasion.
Open Edit The Icon Blazer
House of Harlow 1960 Peyton Turtleneck Sweater
Hiltzo Women’s Tights 80D Semi Opaque Soft Solid Color
Head-to-toe monochrome
A monochromatic ’fit never misses. Channel those winter blues into a whole ensemble with a pretty cableknit sweater, miniskirt, tights, heels, and a bag. A bold red lip adds some contrast and all your friends will be impressed when you roll up to the function.
Alex Mill Amalie Pullover Sweater
Favorite Daughter The Favorite Skort
Standout coat + wardrobe staples
A statement coat takes your outfit from work to happy hour. The trick to this look though is all in the fleece-lined leggings to keep you warm when those icy winds don’t let up. Pull on some over-the-knee boots to add more layers to your lower half and you’re all set to order a cosmo—or whatever your cocktail of choice is.
Steve Madden Bramble Boot
CRZ YOGA Thermal Fleece Lined Leggings
Business cocktail
You take cocktail hour seriously. Show up like you mean it in a boss blazer, pants, and tie. Add some heels and a stylish purse, and all your friends will turn their heads once you enter the room.
Re Ona Bobbi Blazer
Now 25% Off
Amanda Uprichard Slater Pants in Grey
Brandon Blackwood Mini Leah Bag
Winter whites
Winter whites never looked better. There’s no outfit that a huge faux-fur coat can’t improve. Bundle up with one over a cream-colored maxi dress and stiletto boots.
ASTR the Label Morana Coat
Now 30% Off
L’Academie Marianna Renia Maxi Dress
Now 17% Off
Sweater dress + a bright hue
A sweater dress will never do you wrong when it comes to a cocktail winter outfit, especially one in this hard-to-miss shade. Knee-high boots and a structured purse pull the whole thing together.
& Other Stories Knit Belted Mini Dress
Now 29% Off
Vagabond Shoemakers Hedda Knee High Boot
Animal print + a cozy jacket
A minimal-looking bomber jacket paired with an animal-printed skirt (and bag!) is an undeniable combo for a cocktail occasion.
LIONESS Essential Bomber Jacket
Abercrombie Mid Rise Pattern Maxi Skirt
Cherry mocha trend
Burgundy is such a luxe color, you know? With a black skirt and cutout white top, wine-colored accessories really add a certain je ne sais quoi.
Charles & Keith Rachel Elongated Multi-Pocket Shoulder Bag
Jeffrey Campbell Darling Pointed Toe Boot
Reformation Carmina Knit Top
Icy blue + silver
An ice-blue strapless dress with metallic heels is a perfect pairing. Add some tights or knee-high socks to add some layers against the winter chill as you make your way to the cocktail function.
X-CHENG Fleece Lined Tights Sheer
Vagabond Silver Metallic Leather
Now 40% Off
Scene-stealing accessories
Yes to this whole silver situation! A black long-sleeve maxi dress with statement earrings and boots takes it to a whole new level.
J.Crew Long-Sleeve Dress
Now 28% Off
SHASHI Casino Earrings
Now 64% Off
Charles & Keith Metallic Pointed-Toe Stiletto-Heel Knee-High Boots
Matching top and shoes
A jewel-toned jacket with black pants and coordinating shoes is *chef’s kiss*. Hoop earrings and a minimal bag complete the look.
Abercrombie Wool-Blend Short Coat
Now 20% Off
Good American SoftTech Good Waist High Waist Palazzo Jeans
MANGO Mini Faux Leather Top Handle Bag
Studded details
Hey, stud. Throw on an embellished, fitted jacket and contrast it with red heels for a sleek and standout cocktail outfit.
Rag & Bone Emile Studded Blazer
Now 51% Off
Coco and Breezy GRACA-101
Good American Luxe Suiting Trousers
I’m Cosmopolitan’s Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.
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