Winter Outfit Inspiration – A Chic Smart-Casual Look

Update: I originally published this winter fashion wishlist after a trip to Paris and featured pieces from womenswear retailer Paulie. The retailer and many of the original pieces are no longer available, but this post continues to be popular with readers, so I've updated it and kept it as inspiration for creating a similar timeless winter look.

After a trip to Paris, I came home feeling completely inspired by winter fashion.

I wanted to put together an outfit that captured that effortlessly stylish winter look – something elegant and smart-casual but still comfortable and practical enough for colder weather.

My original wishlist featured five pieces that could be worn together to create the complete outfit: faux-suede leggings, a classic Breton top, suede ankle boots, a tailored jacket and, of course, a beautiful scarf.

Although these particular pieces may no longer be available, the combination still works wonderfully as inspiration for creating a chic winter outfit today.

Black Faux-Suede Leggings

I started the outfit with a pair of black faux-suede leggings.

I love how versatile black leggings can be, but choosing a faux-suede finish adds a little more texture and interest than an everyday pair.

The ones on my original wishlist had a mid-rise fit with ties at the waist and were available in both black and taupe.

I'd still choose black because they're so easy to style.

Team them with knitwear and flat boots during the day, then add a smarter top and heeled ankle boots to take the same basic look into the evening.

A Classic Breton Striped Top

Next came one of those pieces that never really seems to go out of style – the Breton striped top.

The Paulie version I originally chose was made from soft wool with a relaxed fit, making it perfect for a comfortable winter outfit.

I'd tuck it loosely into the black leggings and let the stripes break up the otherwise dark colour palette.

A Breton top is also incredibly easy to wear with jeans, skirts and trousers, making it the sort of wardrobe staple you can reach for again and again.

Suede Fringed Ankle Boots

The statement piece of my original outfit had to be a gorgeous pair of Joie suede fringed ankle boots.

I loved the slightly Southwestern feel of the fringe detailing and thought they'd look fabulous worn with skinny trousers or leggings.

While fringed boots are more of a statement than a classic plain ankle boot, that's exactly what I liked about them.

With relatively simple black leggings and a striped top, the shoes could do some of the talking.

A Tailored Winter Jacket

To pull everything together, I chose a Harris Wharf tailored safari jacket.

A good jacket can completely change an outfit, and I loved the combination of a more structured coat with the relaxed Breton top and skinny trousers.

It's that balance between casual and polished that I was trying to achieve with the whole look.

For a modern version of the outfit, I'd look for a tailored wool jacket or structured winter coat that provides warmth without feeling overly formal.

Finish With a Statement Scarf

Anyone who knows me knows that I love a scarf.

I've owned far too many over the years, but they're such an easy way to change an outfit.

They're warm and cosy during winter, but they can also introduce a different colour, print or texture without having to completely rethink what you're wearing.

My original choice was a Max & Moi grey tasselled floral-print scarf.

I loved the softer print against the stripes and darker colours elsewhere in the outfit, while the tassels added another little bit of texture.

Recreating the Look Today

Looking back at this wishlist years later, I actually think the basic outfit has aged rather well.

You don't need these exact pieces – or even the original retailer – to recreate it.

Start with black faux-suede leggings or slim trousers, add a Breton striped knit, choose a pair of suede ankle boots, layer over a tailored winter jacket and finish everything with your favourite printed scarf.

It's comfortable enough for a winter day out but still feels put together.

And perhaps that's why I still like this outfit all these years later.

Trends come and go, but a few well-chosen pieces – stripes, black trousers, ankle boots, a good coat and a beautiful scarf – can be reinvented winter after winter.

I'd still happily wear this outfit today.