From Paris to Copenhagen, These 25 Winter Staples Reign Supreme
Harsh truth coming at you: Living in a colder climate isn't for the faint of heart. Sure, the idea of living in a city like Paris, New York, Copenhagen, Toronto, or even Chicago seems cute, until that gust of chilly wind slaps you in the face. Nothing can humble you quicker than the start of winter. One day, you can be so excited about buying a new coat or living your "best" life in the big city, and the next, you're filled with existential dread. Witnessing the sunset at 5 p.m. can send the most even-keeled person into a tailspin that makes them wonder whether the solution to their woes would be solved by booking a vacation or simply switching moisturizers. If that weren't enough, mustering the mental strength required to leave your bed on a cold morning to put on clothing is not easy!
We all need little things that make the season more hospitable. While we won't say we have all the solutions to combating winter blues, we do know that one thing can make winter more bearable—spoiler, it's your closet. The importance of building a solid winter capsule wardrobe if you live in a cold climate cannot be understated. From a functional perspective, the right garments can make or break your winter experience. But on an emotional level, having a curation of winter clothes that you love can bring you a spark of joy in a time that might not be as sunny (quite literally). However, if you're unsure what garments meet the emotional and environmental requirements needed to survive the winter, don't fret. We dug through hundreds of outfit images from fashion people in colder climates to identify the most popular staples for the season.
Ahead, we're sharing a comprehensive list of the 25 best winter clothing items to add to your wardrobe. While you won't necessarily need every single item on this list, it's a great starting point for helping you curate a closet that melds function and fashion seamlessly. Rest assured these items can make anyone less weary of wintertime.
Having a heavier coat on hand is a nonnegotiable for colder months. But if you're not interested in unflattering bulkier options, you'll want to consider investing in a tailored wool coat. Opting for more formal tailored outerwear, such as double-breasted coats or jackets with built-in scarfs, will allow you to easily elevate all your winter staples without exerting too much effort. Plus, they're the type of items that will make the prospect of rolling out of bed on a cold winter morning to put on a coat actually appealing.
Next in line to the tailored wool coat, the turtleneck sweater is an essential item to have in your winter arsenal. The staple's signature high neckline makes it appropriate for more formal settings (e.g., work parties or holiday celebrations with the in-laws) along with being a pragmatic way to fight back against frigid wind gusts in the winter.
Another winter staple that you should absolutely have on hand is a pair of wool trousers. Not only will these pants be the hero of your winter work wardrobe, but the heavier-duty textile will ensure you're warm throughout the winter.
Pro tip: Consider sizing up your trousers in the winter to allow space for layering thermal underpinnings.
It's not a roundup of the best winter clothing without mentioning footwear! Like it or not, colder temperatures mean you must switch out your shoes. Luckily, some fashion-forward styles allow us to still feel cute no matter how cold it is outside—enter ankle boots into the chat. When in doubt, you can always rely on these boots to add the finishing touch to all your winter outfits.
Chocolate-brown booties? Don't mind if I do.
As obvious as it might seem, it's worth mentioning that every winter wardrobe needs to include at least one pair of gloves. While most might overlook this staple, true fashion people know that leather gloves can be the glue for all your winter looks. Although small, this accessory can play a big part in making your wardrobe fit for frigid temperatures, in addition to adding a fashionable flair to just about any outfit.
Make your leather gloves more of a statement item by opting for a longer pair.
Rest assured your fingers won't freeze in these gloves!
Do you know those winter mornings when you dread getting dressed? Well, there's a simple solution: matching knit sets. There's no better staple to turn to when you want a simple way to look stylish sans effort. Just be sure the set you choose to invest in is made from heavier textiles (e.g., mohair, wool, or cashmere), or add layers over/underneath to make it weatherproof.
No longer will you have to worry about what to wear during the winter.
Pair with the matching flared merino wool midi skirt ($135).
As a proud owner of this matching knit set, I can attest to it being the warmest thing you'll wear all winter.
Pair with the matching bubble sleeve turtleneck sweater ($390).
If you happen to live in a region that gets a lot of rain or snowfall during the winter, it's essential to have a pair of boots on hand that can easily withstand the weather. However, if you're searching for a more fashion-forward option beyond proper snow boots, you'll want to consider riding boots. With a more elevated silhouette than chunkier rain boots, this style can be easily worn with jeans, sweaterdresses, or skirts while also being practical enough to withstand winter weather.
The hardware detail elevates these riding boots.
While we've already mentioned the importance of having a turtleneck sweater on hand, it's not the only knitwear worth making space for in your closet. Another classic piece you can count on to carry you through the winter months is the crew-neck sweater, as it's a super-versatile staple. Not only can you wear this item for any occasion, but it can be layered with just about any item in your closet, making it the most functional item you can find.
If you were to ask a fashion person what winter item they can't live without, nine times out of 10, they'd say leather trousers. For many, these bottoms have become an alternative to denim in winter, as the thicker material makes them much warmer. Plus, leather trousers can make even the most casual items (e.g., an oversize T-shirt or chunky cable-knit) feel 10 times chicer, hence their eternal allure.
Last season, these leather trousers from Abercrombie and Fitch managed to blow up on TikTok. Luckily, the brand restocked them.
You'll want to take a moment to note the distressed effect on these leather trousers.
It's no secret that blazers have long been a beloved wardrobe staple, but even more so for the winter. When choosing what to buy for cold weather, you can't go wrong with investing in this outerwear, as it's timeless. Just be sure to check the fabric label, as opting for a blazer made from a heavier-weight material (e.g., mohair, wool, etc.) will ensure it's practical for colder weather.
The wool blend of this blazer will ensure maximum warmth all winter.
Look for blazers with texture (like the one above) to add a little dose of luxury to your winter wardrobe.
While leather trousers have earned a spot in many winter wardrobes, that doesn't mean denim is worth ditching altogether. After all, there's no staple easier to wear during the winter than jeans, as they can be paired with any footwear, knitwear, or outerwear. The key to making them look as chic as any other bottom is paying attention to the denim silhouette. You'll want to opt for more classic styles (e.g., straight-leg, relaxed-fit, or skinny jeans) to ensure their longevity in your wardrobe.
When shopping for denim for the winter, opt for more relaxed silhouettes to ensure you can layer underneath when temperatures really drop.
These jeans will look great with every type of footwear—ankle boots, sneakers, knee-high boots, and so on.
Sure, winter might be associated with boot season, but it's not the only footwear worth wearing during this time. When you're tired of the hassle of putting on boots, minimalist sneakers are a great alternative. From a functional perspective, not only are they far easier to put on, but they're also far easier to style than most boots. Plus, they're still practical enough to navigate winter terrains in, making them the perfect purchase for the season.
You can pair these white kicks with just about anything.
Much like gloves, scarves are often an afterthought—don't let them be. Investing in a quality scarf is something you'll never regret, as this item can make all your winter outfits snuggly and stylish. The key to choosing the right scarf is to pay attention to the details—e.g., you'll want to check the length, as an oversize one can make a statement, and most importantly, pay attention to the materials to ensure it won't be scratchy to the touch.
If you want to stick to a tight winter edit, be sure to only buy neutral-hued scarves so they stay in style longer.
Scandinavian brands make the best winter staples—case in point: this scarf from Filippa K.
If you thought dress season was dead and gone, think again. In the winter, you can definitely get away with wearing a sweaterdress; you just need to invest in the right one. Look for a version of this staple that checks a few of our requirements to ensure its functionality: one that's made from a heavy-knit weave, one with more modest hemlines for coverage from the elements, and one in a natural hue to ensure its longevity.
Styling tip: Layer another knit over (or under) this dress to add extra warmth.
Fair warning: You may not want to take this dress off on account of it being so cozy.
You can't possibly round up the best winter staples without paying tribute to the popularity of knee-high boots. Although seemingly less "pragmatic" and "harder" to style during the winter, these boots have earned their rightful place in wardrobes everywhere. What's made the style so endearing are the variations available on the market—you can find them in everything from leather to suede to pony hair in every color under the rainbow. It's this versatility that makes them a viable addition to just about anyone's closet.
Pro tip: Make heeled boots more pragmatic for the winter by opting for shorter heels.
I've never owned a more comfortable pair of heeled knee-high boots than these Staud ones; they're worth every cent.
Anyone who lives in an icy climate knows that there comes a point in late winter when the idea of putting on a larger coat isn't a suggestion so much as a requirement. It's best to have a puffer coat on hand when that time comes around, as the outerwear can ensure maximum comfort in the cold. But just because you "have" to turn to this outerwear doesn't mean it has to be humdrum. Be sure to shop for variations of puffer coats with more fashion-forward elements to make this outerwear feel special—e.g., coats made from vegan leather, vibrant colors, bold prints, and even hardware or built-in belts.
Nanushka's vegan-leather puffer coats are proof this outerwear can be posh.
Made with a high-shine finish in 16 colorways, this puffer coat is sure to make you stand out in the crowd.
Not to be dramatic, but if there's only one thing you buy for winter, let it be thermal underpinnings. Just as imperative as a great coat, leggings that are designed to compress heat are the must-have piece for perfecting your layering game. Of course, you can wear these just as pants for a day of errands, but styling them underneath jeans or a dress will ensure the cold weather won't impede you and your stacked calendar.
When it comes to thermal leggings, no other brand makes them better than Uniqlo.
Don't be afraid to use the stirrup strap on these leggings to spice up your winter footwear.
Let's be honest: While we all love heeled boots, there comes a point in the wintertime when they're not ideal for navigating icy streets or snow-packed sidewalks. In those moments, it's important to have at least one boot designed to navigate winter conditions. Hence the need for a pair of Chelsea boots. The classic style has been a must-have among Scandis, Parisians, and New Yorkers for a long time because it hits all of the functional requirements of a winter boot (e.g., waterproof finishes and grip lug soles) without having to push style to the side.
With over 800 reviews on Nordstrom, these boots make for a safe purchase all around.
Consider this your sign: It's time to buy Ganni's popular Chelsea boots.
If we haven't made it abundantly clear by now, let us reiterate that foundational layers are the only way to beat frostbite. Every winter wardrobe needs a few pieces that can be easily layered on top of other items to ensure maximum comfort. And while numerous items can do just that, they don't hold up to the cozy cardigan. No other item can be as easily incorporated into your winter looks—they go with everything and come in every form imaginable. Plus, they can be worn once the snow melts in the spring, making them the perfect piece to purchase for the long haul.
Khaite's cashmere cardigan is a beloved winter staple among the fashion crowd.
PSA: Just because temperatures have dropped doesn't mean you have to ditch wearing skirts. In order to make this staple stand up against colder temperatures, shift from wearing skirts made from lightweight textiles to ones made from heavier ones. Shopping for a skirt in a thick wool or knit material will ensure this staple is winterized. And should you find that you're still cold when making this minor swap, be sure to style your skirt with other layers (e.g., tights, layered knits, and a thick winter coat) to add an extra shield of coverage from the cold.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, we must reiterate that layering is the surefire way to winterize any staple. It's imperative to have items on hand that allow you to make even the most "impractical" items pragmatic. One item that does just that? Thermal tights. Style this hosiery with your skirts, dresses, and even shorts, and watch how "summer" items suddenly feel winter-forward.
You can also shop these thermal tights in gray, cherry, camel, cream, green, pink, and a few other colorways!
Not to sound like a broken record, but Uniqlo's Heattech underpinnings will change your life.
While we've already spoken at length about the importance of investing in winter clothing that covers your entire body, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention headgear. As much as the prospect of putting on a hat, earmuffs, or headband might not seem imperative compared to other winter staples, that's far from the truth. Although small, this accessory can make the difference between feeling frozen or toasty—it's why we've seen fashion people in Copenhagen, Toronto, and even Tokyo take to them! It's an item you'll never regret wearing, trust.
You can also shop this beanie in nine other colorways, including black, burgundy, and navy blue.
Controversial take ahead: You cannot survive ultra-chilly climates without some form of a fur coat. Sure, layering works, but when you're dealing with subpar temperatures, you have to turn to heftier outerwear. Luckily, there are enough faux-fur coat brands and vintage options out there that you no longer have to have qualms about incorporating this coat into your wardrobe.
All of the faux-fur coats from Apparis are made from sustainably sourced materials, making them a solid long-term investment.
When it's friggin' cold outside, the last thing you want to do is spend time fretting over what to wear—hence the endearing appeal of leather bottoms. When in doubt, opting for a leather skirt will always keep you looking cool without exposing you to the cooler temperatures. Plus, the style can be dressed up or down, allowing you to make the most out of the piece.
Now, here's a winter staple that works for an office setting or any off-duty plans you might have.
You can add extra warmth by layering tights or leggings underneath this skirt.
Lastly, we couldn't possibly forget to mention the athleisure staple that everyone loves: fleece hoodies. For many fashion people in Paris, Copenhagen, and New York, this loungewear staple isn't something to be solely worn on the couch; it goes beyond that. A minimalist sweatshirt, when styled creatively, can strike the perfect balance between being cozy and chic—case in point: the outfit above. At the end of the day, we all want our winter clothing to make the process of getting dressed easier; the fleece hoodie and all the previously mentioned staples do just that.
Aerie's sweatshirts are the coziest thing you can buy, hands down.
