7 Cool (and Warm) Winter Outfits to Wear With Flats

Unlike summer when you choose to spend as much extra time outside as you can and opt to walk instead of grabbing that six-minute Uber, winter is a good excuse to be on your feet a little less and, thus, break out the heels a little more. However, there’s value in relying on cold-weather looks that skip the stilettos in favor of shoes that are comfortable, practical, and close to the ground. We’re talking winter outfits with flats, of all varieties and styles.

The options for flat winter shoes run the gamut. There’s a classic ballet option, of course, and in case you need a bit more coverage, sneakers, lug-sole boots, and lace-up Dr. Martens do the trick. And to demonstrate exactly how to compile seasonally on-point looks that don’t skimp on comfort, warmth, or creative styling, the seven looks below serve as examples. Read on for tips to re-create, and to shop all the necessary pieces.

Slip-on sneakers are some of the easiest flat shoes to wear with any chilly-weather ensemble. We like this version that mixes neutral tones in a variety of cozy textures.
Iconic Timberland boots complete this outdoorsy winter look, especially when paired with dark denim and a layer of Patagonia.
If you stick with ballet flats, may we suggest something with some shine? It’ll make any jeans-and-chunky-sweater ensemble extra special.
Opt for an itty bit of flatform via Dr. Martens to achieve this polished yet comfortable ensemble that’s perfect for any day at the office.
While we’ve seen several Kardashian sisters wearing heels with their athleisure in the winter, we suggest breaking out your favorite coordinating sneakers instead.
Yes, hiking boots are a quite popular option for flat shoes in the winter. And we suggest elevating the look by pairing them with your fuzziest, and most statement-making, coat.
Crisp white sneakers are an all-weather necessity. For this season, simply pile on all the long layers and toasty accessories and go.

Next, plan the perfect holiday look while sticking to your simple sense of style.

10 No-Effort Ways to Dress Up Jeans and Boots

Jeans are such a wardrobe staple, but sometimes they can end up feeling a bit too casual, especially for an evening out (or a day at the office). As it turns out, though, elevating denim is actually pretty easy, and celebrities have proven time and time again that they know exactly how to dress up jeans without much effort. Looking to breathe new life into your jeans and boots outfit this winter? You’ve come to the right place.

Below, we’ve rounded up the 10 best no-effort examples of how to take the pants-and-shoe pairing to new levels of cool. From Gigi Hadid’s easy way of making denim feels super edgy to Dakota Johnson’s go-to piece for sprinkling in refined, sophisticated elements, these are the celeb-approved jeans-and-boots outfits to take note from. Read on to see and shop the looks; then use the styling tricks you’ve learned to instantly dress them up for your upcoming holiday celebrations.

Throw on a longline leather trench for an edgy yet chic top layer that instantly elevates casual jeans. 
Come wintertime, put on a sleek, wool-blend coat to instantly dress up jeans without much effort.
Go for an edgy ’90s look by wearing your favorite cardigan as a top. 
Pair your jeans-and-boot combo with a silk crop top and a leather jacket for a casual yet elegant nighttime look.
One of the easiest ways to dress up jeans? With a faux-fur coat.
Pair white jeans with tall, white boots for a super streamlined look. Add in a blazer and a fitted top to pull everything together.
Dress up the Canadian tuxedo by layering on an oversize teddy-bear coat. Not only is it a super-cozy outerwear addition, but it looks so luxe.
A leather jacket keeps jeans and boots from looking too casual.
Add in statement accessories like a belt and oversize hoop earrings to dress up the jeans.
A fitted blazer is a great go-to to pair with all your jeans-and-boots combos.

Creamy Pesto Shells

Creamy Pesto Shells - The most epic pesto cream sauce ever! It's fresh, vibrant, and amazingly creamy. Served with pasta for a quick family favorite meal!

The most epic pesto cream sauce ever! It’s fresh, vibrant, and amazingly creamy. Served with pasta for a quick family favorite meal!

Creamy Pesto Shells - The most epic pesto cream sauce ever! It's fresh, vibrant, and amazingly creamy. Served with pasta for a quick family favorite meal!

New Year, New You pesto cream sauce here!

Made with a fresh basil pesto, heavy cream, mozzarella and Parmesan, we have the creamiest, most rich and velvety sauce of your life.

And you don’t have to feel guilty about eating all of this.

Creamy Pesto Shells - The most epic pesto cream sauce ever! It's fresh, vibrant, and amazingly creamy. Served with pasta for a quick family favorite meal!

Why? Because the pesto has some hidden secret broccoli in it! Broccoli that you can’t even taste.

And the blistered cherry tomatoes are also an added veggie.

The shaved Parmesan, however, is not a vegetable, but it is a very important garnish that cannot be skimped.

Creamy Pesto Shells - The most epic pesto cream sauce ever! It's fresh, vibrant, and amazingly creamy. Served with pasta for a quick family favorite meal!

Creamy Pesto Shells

The most epic pesto cream sauce ever! It’s fresh, vibrant, and amazingly creamy. Served with pasta for a quick family favorite meal!

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 medium sweet onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

For the pesto

  • 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
  • 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 1/2 cups packed fresh basil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup chicken stock

Directions:

  1. To make the pesto, combine spinach, broccoli and basil in the bowl of a food processor; season with salt and pepper, to taste. With the motor running, add chicken stock in a slow stream until emulsified; set aside.
  2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add tomatoes, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to burst and have softened, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
  4. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in the skillet. Add onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
  6. Gradually whisk in chicken stock. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 4 minutes.
  7. Stir in pesto and heavy cream until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Stir in pasta until well combined, about 2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Remove from heat; stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted, about 1 minute.
  9. Serve immediately, topped with tomatoes.

Did you Make This Recipe?

Tag @damn_delicious on Instagram and hashtag it #damndelicious.

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7 Outfits That Make Athletic Sneakers Look Fancy

You can’t deny the power of a good pair of athletic sneakers. The ideal style is not only comfortable, but can instantly add a cool twist to any look given their forward-feeling nature. Aside from wearing at the gym (obviously), we tend to gravitate towards the silhouette when we’re sporting more casual ‘fits. But as we’ve seen throughout our Instagram feeds recently, the kicks can 100% work with more elevated ensembles as well.

To prove it, we’re showcasing seven outfit ideas that actually make athletic sneakers look fancy. Meaning: You can now look polished and put together for a more formal affair or a night out while remaining extra-comfy. Keep scrolling for primo inspo and kick your wardrobe into high gear.

Next, check out the shoe trend that will take over 2019.