I am a big fan of investing in winter whites—actually, whites for all seasons. 

The rulebook on Memorial Day and Labor Day serving as goalposts for wearing white was long ago burned up in a charming fireplace upstate somewhere—no one cares about that rule anymore. Don’t let your Aunt Marge convince you otherwise (she will try). Wear—and invest in—white any time you like, especially when you’re so sick of the chunky sweater + leather leggings vibe. (While that’s an amazing look, there are only so many times I can toss it on and run out the door before it starts to feel like fashion Groundhog Day.) The bonus of investing in white separates is that you get a ton of wear out of them all year long.

This look, that thinks it’s a dress, is actually a skirt and top combination from Co. 

The sweater has coziness without being too chunky to pair with a trench, and the skirt has length and drama without too much volume to get successfully in and out of a cab during a work day full of meetings.

Important side note:

You can always find affordable alternatives to the pieces I’m wearing listed under each item via the “Shop The Look” button on the right-hand side of this page.

You’ll notice I’m wearing heels which kind of make me cry as I write this because I’m looking out my window and it’s currently snowing, so I’ll just be here scowling at my waterproof boots for the remainder of the day. When I wore this outfit, it was a balmy 57 degrees. *Le sigh.* If you’re nervous about a bare-leg winter moment, add a pair of tights, and if you’re wrestling with what color, read up on that particular tight conundrum here. 

To top off a boredom-proof monochromatic winter look, I threw on a trusty printed trench. The subtle print of this one by Sea, apart from making me feel like I could steal Benedict Cumberbatch’s role in Sherlock, gives depth to the overall outfit while also protecting my ivory interior from random street smudges. A belted coat also mirrors the silhouette of the look underneath, because you never want your outerwear to compete with what’s underneath it if you can help it.

This adorable bag is by Brahmin, and is filed under cuteness category: Top Handles That Can Also Be Worn Cross-Body. Actual heroes. Does it fit my laptop? No. Do I care even a little bit? Negative. Also, honestly, if I don’t get my hands on the brown croc version, I may actually die. 

Winter outfit boredom is a real thing, but thinking outside of the box—and outside of the rule book—can keep your everyday winter style from feeling like a snoozefest. But chin up, friends, the first day of spring is exactly one month away!