31 Outfit Ideas to Try This March (with Nary a Puffer Coat in Sight)

Rather than resign yourself to a series of solid-hued wool peacoats, try something with a more interesting texture, like a croc-embossed faux-leather. It has the same wow factor as a detailed pattern but is much easier to mix and match with your existing wardrobe.

Shop similar styles: Nasty Gal Faux Leather Trench Coat ($245; $74); Theory Knit Dress ($595; $357); Cuyana System Tote Bag ($278); Vagabond Blanca Boots ($200)

If you’re beginning to worry winter may never end, it’s OK, you’re not alone. But wrapping yourself in a super bright blanket scarf will make your ensemble feel at least a little bit springlike and is sure to bring smiles to the faces of everyone you pass.

Shop similar styles: Acne Studios Mohair Scarf ($310); ALO Accolade Sweatshirt ($128) and Accolade Sweatpants ($118); Sarto by Franco Sarto Eda Loafers ($120)

Rather than pull on the same old jeans for the 400th time, consider swapping in a maxi-length denim skirt instead. The ’90s wardrobe staple is having a major moment right now. The easiest way to rock the trend is by keeping things simple—opt for a slim-fitting turtleneck tee, plain white kicks, a sleek crossbody bag and a comfortable sneaker.

Shop similar styles: Lands’ End Cotton Turtleneck ($40; $28); Diesel Denim Maxi Skirt ($295); Topshop Crosbody Bag ($45; $36); Sam Edelman Ethyl Low-Top Sneakers ($70)

Don’t just leave your coat belt hanging loose behind you. Instead, knot it around your waist, whether you’re rocking a plaid suit or a floral sundress, to tie your look together in a new (and quite literal) way.

Shop similar styles: J.Crew New Icon Trench Coat ($348); Ann Taylor Notched Blazer ($179) and Eva Suit Pants ($109); Staud Bean Ruched Bag ($195); M.Gemi Esatto Heels ($328)

If you’re currently using your coat’s belt to cinch your favorite blazer, try a colorful cardigan or even a thin scarf instead. The pop of color feels much more fun than coordinating black or khaki and even gives you a bonus layering piece should you find yourself feeling chilly mid-afternoon.

Shop similar styles: Aria Cove Trench Coat ($165); Cider Stripe Polo Sweater ($28); Abercrombie & Fitch Tiered Midi Dress ($120)

The cargo pant trend is definitely here to stay, so if you haven’t hopped on board yet, now might just be the perfect time. To make them feel a bit less casual, try picking up a more minimalist pair and wearing them with preppy staples, like a polo collar sweater and penny loafers.

Shop similar styles: Sézane Scott Coat ($305); Banana Republic Johnny Polo Sweater ($90; $54); UO Jana Nylon Balloon Cargo Pants ($59); Janessa Leone Belt ($160); Linea Paolo Margie Loafers ($120)

You love a cozy sweater dress, but have you tried a cozy knit maxi skirt? They’re every bit as comfortable, but offer a bit more versatility since you can pair them with a wide variety of tops. To avoid getting swallowed up in all that material, we suggest sticking with slim-fit or cropped tops and jackets to help emphasize your waist.

Shop similar styles: Abercrombie & Fitch Cropped Denim Jacket ($100); DISSH Sadie Knit Top ($130) and Knit Maxi Skirt ($150); Sam Edelman Loraine Loafers ($150; $90)

We totally get it, sometimes sporting head-to-toe black really is the easiest way to get dressed in the morning. But swapping in just one or two attention-grabbing pops of color—like highlighter pink, electric blue or cherry red—can transform a simple outfit into a truly spectacular one...and one that’s likely to bring a smile to your face every time you catch a glimpse of your reflection.

Shop similar styles: Express One-Button Blazer ($158); lululemon All Yours Cotton T-shirt ($58); Abercrombie & Fitch Faux-Leather Pants ($110); Acne Studios High Spectrum Sneakers ($560)

An oversize scarf is intended to keep you just as warm and cozy as a regular jacket, so why not treat it like one? Wrap your scarf over your shoulders and tuck it around your waist for a dramatic draped effect. (Pro tip: Wear your faux outerwear with a pair of leather pants for some additional warmth.)

Shop similar styles: Ted Baker London Charloa Scarf ($80; $55); GAP 24/7 Split-Hem Turtleneck ($80; $40); Wilfred Melina Pants ($148); Bandolino Rainaa Heels ($59)

Varsity and bomber jackets are set to be a big trend this year, especially in leather and faux-leather variations. Classic black will never be out of style, but we’re actual partial to other neutrals like navy, dark green, chocolate brown or tan. Whichever color you choose, wear it with dressed up basics to avoid looking too much like an extra from Grease.

Shop similar styles: The Frankie Shop Hane Jacket ($275); Uniqlo Cotton Sweater ($50); American Eagle Outfitters Straight-Leg Pants ($60; $45); Adidas Supernova+ Sneakers ($120; $72)

Who knew marigold yellow, navy blue and Prince purple could look so good together? Have some fun mixing up all the solid-hued pieces in your wardrobe to see what other uncommon combinations you love. (Might we suggest starting with ice blue and chartreuse, or creamsicle orange and lavender?)

Shop similar styles: Reformation Garrett Cashmere Oversized Turtleneck ($268); Quince Washable Silk Skirt ($60); Marc Jacobs Snapshot Bag ($325); Charlotte Stone Stickley Boots ($278; $194)

The easiest way to mix and match different prints or patterns is to stick with simple black-and-white designs. It doesn’t much matter whether they're different scales or textures or incorporate multiple types of patterns (i.e., florals and plaid and stripes, etc.) so long as they feature just those two colors.

Shop similar styles: Lulus Plaid Wool Coat ($108; $85); Madewell Ribbed Turtleneck ($42; $30); Farm Rio Organic Cotton Midi Skirt ($185); Ted Baker London Allicon Bag ($95); Aerosoles Epigram Boots ($145; $76)

Swap your overused puffer for a long wool wrap coat, your winter boots for a pair of pointy-toe suede knee-highs and your beloved sweatsuit for sleek skinnies and a cashmere turtleneck. This easy combo is still mighty comfortable but looks (and feels) infinitely more chic.

Shop similar styles: Lattelier Belted Wool Coat ($279); Summersalt Cashmere Blend Sweater ($95); Good American Good Legs Jeans ($125); Steve Madden Montana Boots ($180; $80)

Rather than pulling your sweater vest on over a blouse or button-up, try wearing it as a shirt all by itself with an open-front cardigan over top (to keep your arms from freezing). The combination is much less bulky than layering two regular knits on top of one another, and will give your look a cozy cottagecore vibe.

Shop similar styles: Aqua Fuzzy Cardigan ($88: $53); Maje Melonie Sweater Vest ($265); Telfar Small Shopping Bag ($150); Madewell High-Rise Skinny Jeans ($128)

That cozy cream turtleneck deserves at least one more wear. But instead of pairing it with jeans, put on a colorful skirt you’d normally reserve for summer weather.

Shop similar styles: Mignonne Gavigan Bird Earrings ($250); Reformation Siro Regenerative Wool Sweater ($278); Charles & Keith Gabine Curved Shoulder Bag ($83); Maeve Silky Pleated Skirt ($168); Schutz Mikki Boots ($168)

Wide-leg jeans, sweater vests and crochet detailing are all in this year, and when combined they give off a vintage ’70s vibe we can’t get enough of. Add a sleek leather mini bag and classic boots, like Coterie member Liz Teich, to keep things modern.

Shop similar styles: Sézane x SEA NY Adelin Sweater ($265); Runo Layla Sweater Vest ($390); Levi’s ’70s Flare Jeans ($108; $81); Madewell The Sydney Bag ($168); We The Free Wesley Ankle Boots ($298)

First you’re cold, then you’re hot, then you’re making bad jokes about Katy Perry songs. Instead of choosing between wearing too much or too little, try adding an extra layer in an unexpected way—knot a sweater over your shoulders like a scarf. Now if you get chilly you can just slip it on under your coat.

Shop similar styles: Michael Kors Wool Blend Wrap Coat ($325; $127); Athleta Azalea Sweater ($249; $150); Madewell Perfect Vintage Straight Jeans ($138); M.Gemi Esatto 70mm Heels ($328)

Get more use out of your date-night pieces by pairing them with more demure staples, like Katie Sturino does here. A slim-fit turtleneck and flat knee-high boots lend a more casual air to ruffled party dress.

Shop similar styles: Lands’ End Lightweight Turtleneck ($40; $28); Tanya Taylor Blaire Dress ($565); Sheertex Classic Sheer Tights ($59; $35); Stuart Weitzman Reserve Boots ($795)

We’ve all gotten pretty used to living life in fleece and terry cloth, and those comfy basics are tough to give up. Ease your way back into “regular” clothes by swapping your loungewear for similar styles in dressier fabrics, like faux-leather joggers.

Shop similar styles: ASOS Graphic Long-Sleeve Shirt ($26; $15); BCBGeneration Faux-Leather Jogger Pants ($98); Nike Air Max 270 Sneaker ($160)

Regardless of whether or not the spring weather is cooperating, go forth and wear those Easter favorites—pale pink, lavender, Robins’ egg blue and buttercup yellow. Try pairing them with chocolate brown or navy blue to tone down the sweetness.

Shop similar styles: Loulou Studio Borneo Wool-Cashmere Coat ($795); Ser.o.ya Elm Dress ($295); Steve Madden Ally Boots ($190)

Button it all the way up and tuck it into your waistband, just like you would a classic chambray button-up.

Shop similar styles: 7 For All Mankind Vintage Trucker Jacket ($248); J.Crew Denim Trousers ($158); Rothy’s The Point Flats ($149)

Nothing has the power to lift your spirits during the dreary last days of winter like yellow kicks or a cheeky bag charm (especially when the rest of your outfit is in grayscale).

Shop similar styles: Mango Houndstooth Wool-Blend Coat ($250; $170); Spanx Better Base Turtleneck ($78); Everlane The Way-High Drape Pants ($128); Tory Burch Kira Chevron Bag ($348); Dans Crafts Shop Bag Charm ($4); Cariuma Canvas Sneakers ($79)

Bottega Green is swiftly replacing Barbie pink as the most-loved color of the year. So why not go all in? Invest in a two-piece suit you can wear separately with dresses, jeans and cozy knits, or together for maximum impact.

Shop similar styles: Mango One-Button Blazer ($130) and Straight Suit Pants ($80); Marcella Eloise Sheer Turtleneck ($65); By Far Leather Shoulder Bag ($474; $285); Birdies The Goldfinch Flats ($130)

Metallics have been slowly but surely growing as a trend, and while we’ve long been seeing lots of metallic boots and bags, pants and jackets can feel a bit more intimidating to pull off. If you’re looking to embrace the trend, we say opt for silver over gold and straight-leg silhouettes over skinnies or ’70s wide legs. Then, pair them with super casual basics, like a plain white tee or denim jacket to tone down the glitz.

Shop similar styles: Pangaia Cropped Hemp Denim Jacket ($250); GAP High-Rise Faux-Leather Silver Pants ($98; $78); M.M.LaFleur Rowan Flats ($245; $145)

What’s an easy way to make leather pants, cozy knits and a long coat feel a bit lighter for spring? Follow in Shanna Battle’s chic footsteps and throw a summery woven handbag into the mix. We love that hers is light pink to offset some of those overtly beachy vibes.

Shop similar styles: Gentle Herd Wool Coat ($228); Vineyard Vines Seaspun Cashmere Sweater ($288; $144); Ann Taylor Faux-Leather Lana Pants ($129); Frances Valentine Buzzy Basket Bag ($298); Steve Madden Faris Booties ($140; $98)

Slim-fit knit dresses were big in fall and early winter, but now we’re all about the lampshade look (aka, sporting a chunky, oversize knit with either bare legs or skinny jeans). To ensure you look cute and not overwhelmed, choose a sweater that hits at least a few inches above the knee but no higher than mid-thigh.

Shop similar styles: JDY Roll Neck Sweater Dress ($58); Mejuri Hoop Earrings ($88); Mansur Gavriel Mini Cloud Clutch ($545)

Button that baby up, add a belt—et voilà!—it’s like you have a brand-new cozy jacket without spending a dime.

Shop similar styles: Staud Shoko Striped Maxi Cardigan ($195); Clinch Belts Micro Belt ($144); Susana Monaco Mina Dress ($198); Alona Aeolian Necklace ($166); AUrate x Kerry Washington Chain Necklace ($350); White House Black Market Studded Heels ($160)

It can be 70 degrees and sunny in the morning, and 45 and raining by 2 p.m. Adjustable layers are key to making it through this tumultuous time, and a comfy sweatshirt looks just as great tied around your waist.

Shop similar styles: Old Navy Oversized Boyfriend Sweatshirt ($40; $35); & Other Stories Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress ($129); Vasic Bond Mini Bag ($355); Vince Camuto Oskana Booties ($195; $75)

Take some inspiration from Rihanna’s bold Super Bowl halftime show with this comfy getup. Cinch your waist with a belt and add some glitzy jewelry to avoid feeling like you’re on your way to repair a faulty transmission. Feel free to play with layering a colorful or patterned turtleneck underneath, as well, for some added interest.

Shop similar styles: The Kit Alex Jumpsuit ($168); Vince Essential Turtleneck Sweater ($95); Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneaker ($110)

Wearing head-to-toe brown, while often very professional, can look a little boring. But all you need to spice things up is one neon piece, be it a sweater, a handbag or a headband. Opt for a warmer hue, like pink or orange, to better compliment warm chocolate and beige hues.

Shop similar styles: Abercrombie & Fitch Dad Coat ($450); 525 Ria Pullover ($99); Mare Mare x Anthropologie Faux Leather Skirt ($148); Michael Kors Leigh Suede Boots ($275)

Sporty jackets and tailored trousers may not seem like an obvious match, but if you opt for pieces with minimal detail in the same color family, an opposites attract approach can look supremely chic. Be sure to keep any accessories similarly minimal.

Shop similar styles: PrAna Othello Falls Anorak ($180; $72); Max Mara The Cube Greenh Jacket ($895); A&F Sloane Tailored Pants ($100); Reformation Mason Pants ($178)