A cozy, nostalgic guide to winter moods, visuals & outfits.
One of my favorite memories is from a Christmas Eve in New York City. I was at dinner with family friends and their two young daughters visiting from California. Just as we were getting ready to leave for a show, it began to snow—heavily. While the adults discussed logistics, my sister and I took the girls outside so they could experience snow for the first time.
Their reactions were pure magic: wide-eyed awe, total wonder, and that joyful disbelief that only happens when you see something beautiful for the first time.
Now, years later, living in the South—and not being a skier—my opportunities to experience that cold, quiet snowy vibe are rare. So this season, I decided to channel my nostalgia and inspiration into creating a series of winter mood boards: cozy, snowy, chic, minimal, and coastal-winter inspired.
Below are the vibes, visuals, and outfits that define winter—whether you’re bundled up in the mountains or enjoying a warm-weather December by the beach.
❄️ Winter Mood Board 1: Snowy City Chic
Think:
Soft flurries, grey sidewalks, tall buildings, wool coats, espresso in hand.
Minimal, elevated, timeless.
Mood Keywords:
• Quiet luxury
• Minimal layers
• Clean silhouettes
• Effortless neutrals
• City evenings
How to Wear It:
• A long wool coat in camel, black, or charcoal
• Slim turtlenecks layered under blazers
• Tailored trousers or dark denim
• Structured bags
• Leather boots (flat or heeled)
• Soft textured scarves
Where to Wear It:
• Weekend city walks
• Holiday shopping
• Museum dates
• Cozy coffee shop afternoons
🏔️ Winter Mood Board 2: Après-Ski (Even If You Don’t Ski)
Warm, cozy, chalet-inspired outfits for ski towns—or for channeling the vibe anywhere.
Mood Keywords:
• Fuzzy textures
• Chunky knits
• Hot cocoa energy
• Fireside warmth
• Sporty meets chic
How to Wear It:
• Cream or soft grey knit sweaters
• Faux-fur or shearling accents
• Thermal leggings or fleece-lined pants
• Puffer jackets in muted tones
• Snow boots or chunky winter boots
Where to Wear It:
• Après-ski lounges
• Weekend cabin trips
• Christmas markets
• Cold, quiet mornings outdoors
🌲 Winter Mood Board 3: Quiet Nature Walks
For the days winter is less about glamour and more about grounding.
Mood Keywords:
• Calm
• Minimal
• Clean air
• Earthy textures
• Soft light
How to Wear It:
• Lightweight but warm fleece layers
• Soft zip-ups
• Weatherproof boots
• Puffer vests
• Neutral beanies + gloves
Where to Wear It:
• Backyard or neighborhood walks
• Weekend escapes
• Cold morning coffee strolls
🌤️ Winter Mood Board 4: Coastal-Winter (Warm Climates)
Because winter doesn’t look the same everywhere—and sometimes it looks like sunshine and sand.
Mood Keywords:
• Breezy neutrals
• Linen mixed with lightweight knits
• Coastal minimalism
• Warm light + crisp breeze
• Beach walks in sweaters
How to Wear It:
• Oversized neutral sweaters with linen shorts
• Ribbed tanks layered under open cardigans
• Knit dresses with sandals
• Lightweight denim
• Woven bags (yes, even in winter)
Where to Wear It:
• Beach sunsets
• Brunch outdoors
• Coastal towns
• Warm-weather holiday trips
🧣 Winter Mood Board 5: At-Home Coziness
For days you’re not going anywhere—but still want to feel seasonal.
Mood Keywords:
• Soft textures
• Candlelight
• Oversized everything
• Calm mornings
• Cozy routines
How to Wear It:
• Soft matching lounge sets
• Cable-knit socks
• Alpaca or cashmere cardigans
• Minimal gold jewelry for a polished touch
Where to Wear It:
• Home
• Holiday movie nights
• Slow mornings
• Baking days
❆ Bringing It All Together
Winter holds so many moods—from quiet snowfalls to coastal sunshine—and each one inspires a different way of dressing. Whether you’re embracing freezing temperatures or enjoying a warm-weather winter, these mood boards are meant to spark inspiration and help you craft your own version of the season.
Let the textures, colors, and scenes guide your outfits, your mood, and the way you move through the next few months.
