12 Winter Clothing Trends Inspired by Québec Locals

Growing up in Buffalo, New York, just across the border from Canada, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Canadian cities. One region that always stood out to me for its European-inspired charm, outdoor experiences, and friendly, stylish locals is Québec. In recent years, the region has become a popular cold-season escape—in 2024, it welcomed nearly 62 million visitors—with its winter festivals, unique culinary experiences (there’s an ice restaurant), and a European-style old town called Old Québec, making it the perfect destination for travelers keen on a winter trip to Europe without the transatlantic flight. 

But temperatures in Québec dip well below freezing, and it’s not easy to look put-together while sightseeing in frigid weather. Bundling up without sacrificing style is an art form. During my many trips to Canada and Québec, I’ve been amazed at how Québec City residents have mastered looking chic regardless of what the thermometer reads. After taking style cues from locals, I’ve curated 12 must-pack winter clothing pieces to help you channel an effortless European winter aesthetic while traveling and sightseeing in the cold.

Quebec Local-approved Winter Staples:

Spanx Faux Leather Fleece-lined Leggings

Cold-weather dressing is all about comfort. Nothing says comfort more than leggings, but they don’t exactly scream “European chic.” In Québec City, I saw stylish locals wearing all types of faux leather pieces, from jackets to pants to skirts. Leggings made of faux leather meld comfort with the popular leather trend—add in some fleece lining and you’re good to go on a cold winter day. These Spanx fleece-lined faux leather leggings are a smart choice for exploring Québec City, where days often shift seamlessly from sightseeing to drinks to dinner. The cozy lining provides comfort while the glossy leather finish delivers a polished look that fits right in, day or night. 

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Cropped Cable Crewneck Sweater

Québec City is full of women wearing colorful, eye-catching sweaters, but nothing feels as effortlessly chic as a classic cashmere cable-knit crewneck. Quince’s Mongolian Cashmere version has a great price point in a variety of shades, with a cropped cut that gives a fresh spin on a timeless staple. The traditional cable-knit texture looks at home against the city’s Old World architecture, and the cashmere delivers exceptional warmth without bulk. I can envision wearing one while exploring Île d’Orléans, a small, rural island in the St. Lawrence River that’s a short drive from Québec City, a must when visiting, if you ask me. 

Blondo Natasia Faux Shearling Cuff Waterproof Boot

All across Québec City, the single fashion item that stood out to me the most was rubber-soled black boots. For the snowy, icy streets, a waterproof boot with a sturdy sole is a must, and these Blondo boots have a lugged rubber sole that provides the traction needed to navigate the ice-slicked, hilly cobblestone streets of Old Québec, and the faux shearling detail adds a city-ready, stylish touch. I can see myself wearing these at the Carnaval de Québec, the city’s iconic winter celebration that takes place every February; they would keep me warm, while still feeling polished, as I spend hours outside taking in the festival’s night parades, ice sculpture displays, and ice canoe races. 

Isotoner Water-repellent Touchscreen Faux Fur Cuff Gloves

Gloves are a necessary cold-weather accessory, and this pair is another perfect mix of practical and stylish. They’re water repellent, and the faux fur cuff elevates an otherwise mundane winter essential. The sleek, tailored silhouette feels polished enough to pop into the cafes and galleries that line Old Québec, while still keeping fingers toasty. The gloves are also touchscreen-compatible, which makes it easy to navigate the city’s winding streets and snap photos without sacrificing warmth or sophistication, making them a smart and stylish travel essential.

Gap Brushed Fringe Scarf

I don’t think I saw a single Québecer without a scarf. It’s an elegant accessory that really does make a difference on bitterly cold days. Draped over a coat or wrapped snugly against your neck to shield from the wind, it adds movement and texture to even the simplest outfit, channeling an effortlessly European sensibility that feels at home in the city’s historic streets. Grab one of Gap’s Brushed Fringe Scarves in a bright color, like yellow or pink, to stand out against a neutral colored winter jacket and brighten up a grey winter day. 

Quince Responsible Down Belted Puffer Maxi Coat

You can’t go to Québec City in the winter without a heavy-duty coat. Of course, every Québecer has one in their closet they reach for in the cold months. Quince’s Responsible Down Belted Puffer Maxi Coat gives full-body coverage, is wind-resistant and water-repellent, so it’s sure to keep you warm and dry even in a blizzard. Unlike many puffy winter coats, this one has a polished aesthetic. It comes with a removable belt so you can cinch in the waist for a sleeker look in the evening, or let it be looser to fit all of your layers. Bonus- the coat is crafted from 100 percent recycled nylon.

Intimissimi Boat Neck Modal Cashmere Ultralight Top

Chic winter dressing is all about layers. I spent hours in charming cafes in Québec City, sipping cappuccinos and eating croissants and seeing how locals layered coats over sweaters over shirts. My favorite base layer in the colder months is the Intimissimi Ultralight With Cashmere collection. These are the brand’s best-selling knit tops that have gone viral for good reason. They’re extremely soft and come in a variety of styles like boat neck, scoop neck, and high neck. The boat neck is my favorite silhouette. It feels luxurious and is a very flattering design, providing warmth without extra weight. On a less cold day, they make a chic top paired with jeans or tucked into a faux leather skirt.

Flygo Faux Fur Coat

Faux fur is everywhere in Québec City. A faux fur coat instantly elevates any outfit, adding a sense of warmth and sophistication that reads as both polished and playful. It’s a chic yet practical winter coat that offers a touch of old-world charm mixed with some glam. Pair it with jeans and winter boots to add a touch of elegance to everyday winter dressing. This $64 faux fur coat option is on double sale, and I love the notch collar. I can see wearing it doing an outdoor activity, like ice skating at one of Québec City’s many outdoor rinks, or having afternoon tea at the city’s most iconic hotel, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.

Everlane The Cashmere Ribbed Beanie

The brisk winter wind off the Saint Lawrence River can bite as it sweeps through the city. A cashmere beanie is the ultimate in cozy headwear. Here, the ribbed fabric and folded cuff bring a modern, effortless look to the hat. In Québec, no one braves the cold without a hat, and this cashmere beanie keeps you warm while adding a touch of understated elegance. It’s also small enough to fit in your purse or coat pocket when you go indoors. 

Chrleisure Fleece-lined Tights

Québec City’s European charm gives it an elegant feel that lends itself to elevated dressing. But when the temperatures fall below zero, it can be hard to reach for anything other than sweats. Fleece-lined tights are an absolute must to pair seamlessly with skirts, dresses, or even under pants, for extra warmth. Opt for an opaque black pair for a more modern and versatile look, or pick a sheer black style for classic styling. The fleece lining keeps you warm without sacrificing style and can be effortlessly paired with a skirt or dress for an evening out sampling the city’s Michelin-starred dining.

Naturalizer Axel Weatheproof Knee-high Boot

Another footwear trend I spotted everywhere in Québec City was knee-high black boots. My go-to fall and winter silhouette has been a mini skirt or short dress with knee-high boots, so this made me excited to locate the perfect pair of black boots that would last through winter. I love that this pair from Naturalizer is waterproof, so you can wear them year-round and even in the snow. The size zip makes it easy to take them on or off, and the 2.75-inch heel gives it a sophisticated look while still being walking-friendly; they’re the perfect shoes for a winter day when you want more than a snow boot, but still need to wear weatherproof footwear. 

Abercrombie & Fitch Scarlett Vegan Leather Mini Skort

The Abercrombie & Fitch Scarlett Vegan Leather Mini Skort is a winter-ready piece that combines edge and elegance for exploring Québec City. The sleek silhouette and luxe faux-leather finish give a modern vibe, while the skort design allows for easy movement. I own this in multiple colors, and I always reach for it when I know I’ll be walking a lot, but the occasion doesn’t call for pants. Pair it with the fleece-lined tights and the weatherproof knee-high boots for a warm look without sacrificing style. You can easily wear this skirt from a daytime sightseeing stroll through Old Québec to dinner in the city’s waterfront area, the historic Old Port.

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