Winter’s chill doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Braids offer a versatile and protective hairstyle perfect for the colder months, allowing for endless creativity in pairing them with winter outfits. From cozy casual to chic and sophisticated, we’ve curated 20 braided hairstyle ideas to elevate your winter wardrobe, incorporating the latest color palettes, design styles, and trends from both the US and EU.
Chunky Braid with Oversized Sweater
Embrace the cozy vibes of winter with a chunky, loosely braided hairstyle paired with an oversized knit sweater. Opt for neutral tones like cream, beige, or soft gray for the sweater, allowing the braid to take center stage. Accessorize with a chunky scarf in a contrasting color like burgundy or forest green for a pop of visual interest. This look embodies the effortless chic aesthetic popular in both the US and EU, prioritizing comfort and warmth without compromising style. Consider adding a beanie for extra warmth and a touch of playful charm.
French Braid Crown with a Fitted Blazer
Elevate your winter look with a classic French braid crown. This elegant hairstyle adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Pair it with a fitted blazer in a rich jewel tone like emerald green or sapphire blue. A crisp white button-down shirt underneath adds a touch of formality, while tailored black trousers complete the polished ensemble. This look is perfect for a professional setting or a night out, reflecting the trend towards powerful femininity seen in both US and EU fashion.
Side Fishtail Braid with a Leather Jacket
A side fishtail braid offers a romantic and textured look that perfectly complements the edgy vibe of a leather jacket. Opt for a black or brown leather jacket and pair it with a fitted turtleneck sweater in a contrasting color like mustard yellow or deep red. Dark wash jeans or a corduroy skirt complete the look, creating a balanced blend of feminine and rebellious styles. This combination reflects the ongoing trend of mixing textures and styles, popular in both the US and EU.
Double Dutch Braids with a Puffer Vest
Embrace a sporty and playful look with double Dutch braids. This hairstyle is both practical and stylish, keeping your hair out of your face while adding a youthful touch. Pair it with a puffer vest in a bright color like cobalt blue or vibrant orange for a statement piece. Layer a hoodie or sweatshirt underneath for added warmth and comfort. This look aligns with the athleisure trend that continues to dominate both US and EU street style.
Box Braids with a Turtleneck Dress
Box braids offer a versatile and protective style that looks stunning in the winter. Pair them with a form-fitting turtleneck dress in a neutral color like black, gray, or beige. Accessorize with gold hoop earrings and a long necklace for a touch of glamour. Knee-high boots complete the look, adding a touch of sophistication. This minimalist yet chic aesthetic is a popular trend in both the US and EU, showcasing the beauty of simplicity.
Cornrows with a Shearling Coat
Cornrows are a timeless and protective hairstyle that exudes confidence. Pair them with a luxurious shearling coat for a warm and stylish winter look. Opt for a coat in a neutral color like beige or brown, allowing the intricate cornrow pattern to stand out. A simple black turtleneck and jeans underneath complete the look, creating a balanced blend of texture and sophistication. This combination reflects the growing appreciation for natural textures and craftsmanship in both US and EU fashion.
Halo Braid with a Velvet Jumpsuit
A halo braid adds a touch of ethereal beauty to any winter outfit. Pair it with a luxurious velvet jumpsuit in a rich jewel tone like emerald green or ruby red. The contrast between the soft braid and the opulent velvet creates a visually stunning effect. Heels or ankle boots complete the look, elevating it to a sophisticated evening ensemble. This romantic and elegant style resonates with the current trend of embracing vintage-inspired glamour in both the US and EU.
Waterfall Braid with a Plaid Shirt
A waterfall braid adds a touch of whimsical charm to a casual winter outfit. Pair it with a cozy plaid shirt in warm tones like red, brown, and orange. Layer a turtleneck underneath for added warmth and a pop of color. Dark wash jeans and ankle boots complete the look, creating a comfortable and stylish ensemble perfect for everyday wear. This rustic yet chic style aligns with the ongoing popularity of Americana-inspired fashion in both the US and EU.
Pull-Through Braid with a Knit Cardigan
A pull-through braid offers a textured and voluminous look that complements the cozy vibe of a knit cardigan. Opt for a chunky knit cardigan in a neutral color like cream or gray. A simple white t-shirt and jeans underneath complete the look, creating a comfortable and effortless ensemble. This relaxed yet stylish aesthetic reflects the growing appreciation for comfort and practicality in everyday fashion in both the US and EU.
Rope Braid with a Denim Jacket
A sleek rope braid adds a touch of sophistication to a casual denim jacket outfit. Pair a dark wash denim jacket with a light-colored sweater or turtleneck. Black leggings or skinny jeans complete the look, creating a balanced and versatile ensemble. This classic and timeless style remains popular in both the US and EU, demonstrating the enduring appeal of denim.
Milkmaid Braids with a Floral Dress
Embrace a romantic and whimsical look with milkmaid braids, even in winter. Pair the braids with a long-sleeved floral dress in dark, rich tones like burgundy, navy, or deep green. Layer a cardigan or jacket for warmth and add ankle boots or heeled booties for a touch of sophistication. This style blends rustic charm with modern elegance, reflecting a trend seen in both US and EU fashion.
Side Braid with Beanies and Scarves
A simple side braid can be elevated with winter accessories. Pair a loose side braid with a chunky knit beanie in a contrasting color. Add a large, patterned scarf for extra warmth and a pop of personality. This look is perfect for casual outings and embraces the practicality and warmth of winter accessories, a trend seen in both US and EU street style.
Braided Ponytail with a Statement Coat
A high braided ponytail is a chic and practical hairstyle for winter. Pair it with a statement coat in a bold color or pattern, such as a leopard print or a bright red. Keep the rest of your outfit simple with black pants and boots, letting the coat be the focal point. This look embodies a blend of practicality and high fashion, a popular trend in both the US and EU.
Braided Bun with a Turtleneck and Statement Jewelry
A low, braided bun is a classic and elegant hairstyle that works well for both day and night. Pair it with a fitted turtleneck sweater and statement jewelry, such as a bold necklace or large earrings. This minimalist yet sophisticated look is popular in both the US and EU, showcasing the power of understated elegance.
Half-Up Braided Hairstyle with a Leather Skirt
A half-up braided hairstyle offers a romantic and bohemian vibe. Pair it with a leather skirt and a flowy blouse for a look that’s both edgy and feminine. Add ankle boots or heeled booties to complete the outfit. This style blends different textures and aesthetics, a trend seen in both US and EU fashion scenes.
Braided Headband with a Jumpsuit
Create a braided headband by incorporating a French braid or Dutch braid across the front of your head. Pair this hairstyle with a jumpsuit in a solid color or a subtle pattern. This creates a chic and put-together look that’s perfect for both casual and semi-formal occasions, aligning with the trend of versatile dressing popular in both the US and EU.
Fishtail Braid Pigtails with a Bomber Jacket
Fishtail braid pigtails offer a playful and youthful look. Pair them with a bomber jacket and jeans for a casual and trendy outfit. This style embraces a sporty yet feminine aesthetic, reflecting the continuing influence of athleisure in both US and EU fashion.
Five Strand Braid with a Maxi Dress
A five-strand braid is a more intricate braid that adds a touch of bohemian elegance. Pair it with a flowy maxi dress in a rich jewel tone or a floral print. Add a layer of warmth with a cardigan or jacket. This look is perfect for a winter event or a holiday gathering, blending comfort and style, a trend appreciated in both US and EU fashion circles.
Four Strand Braid with an Oversized Scarf
A four-strand braid is unique and visually interesting. Pair it with a neutral-colored outfit and let a large, oversized scarf be the statement piece. This look emphasizes texture and accessorizing, a popular trend in both the US and EU, demonstrating that simple outfits can be elevated with carefully chosen accessories.
