Winter is my least favorite season to get dressed. I mean, living in Chicago, who’s really seeing my outfit if I’m wrapped in a gigantic coat just to keep warm? I digress. But I don’t dress for the male gaze I dress because I love the way I feel when I look put together. Even on work-from-home days, I’ll reach for a soft pair of jeans that feel more like sweatpants.
Lately, I’ve been experimenting with new outfit formulas to bring a little spark back into this cloudy winter weather. If your denim rotation could use the same boost, consider this your cheat sheet for jeans that actually feel worth getting dressed for.
Need outfit inspiration for every day of the year? Get 365 outfit ideas delivered to your inbox!
Read These Next:
I’ve Lived in Chicago for 15 Years—These Are My 15 Winter Must-Haves
The Fall Trends Chicago Women Are Actually Wearing Right Now
1. The Classic: Long Coat + Straight-Leg Jeans
Nothing looks more effortlessly pulled together than a wool coat draped over straight-leg jeans. It’s that quiet luxury moment — the kind where you could be running errands or meeting someone for coffee, and no one would know the difference. Bonus: it keeps you warm without swallowing your shape.
