Before this year, I wasn’t exactly a fan of cold weather. It turns out, I actually don’t mind it—I just didn’t have the right clothes to keep me warm. Now that I’ve found quality basics, I don’t mind donning my wool blend trenchcoat to meet friends for happy hour after work or running out in the cold to cover my outdoor plants before the frost.
The right materials—like wool, wool blends, cashmere, cotton, or down—are the secret to being comfortable and cozy, even when it’s freezing outside. I’ve finally curated my perfect winter wardrobe, thanks to the essentials below that help make walking in the brisk air more tolerable.
My Favorite Winter Wardrobe Essentials
- Lands’ End Wanderweight Packable Down Long Jacket, $100 (was $200)
- Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie, $20
- A&F Double-Lined Long-Sleeve Baby Tee, $25 (was $29)
- A&F Carrie Wool-Blend Trench Coat, $196 (was $230)
- Quince 100% Organic Cotton Fisherman Crew Sweater, $40
- Cicy Bell Womens Faux Leather Bomber Jacket, $50 (was $58)
- Quince Mongolian Cashmere Gloves, $30
- Lands' End Women's Baselayer Cozy Thermaskin Turtleneck Top, $35 (was $24)
- Ugg Women's Tazz II Slipper, $145
- Lands' End Brushed Blanket Scarf, $24
Lands’ End Wanderweight Packable Down Long Jacket
Landsend
I get compliments on this jacket just about every time I wear it—which is almost daily because I love it so much (a barista told me I looked like “ice princess Barbie” while wearing it with a red lip, and I will be living on the dopamine of that compliment for months). It has a slightly fitted silhouette at the waist to create shape and structure, and in addition to being cute, the nylon and down blend keeps me warm. I love how travel-friendly it is (especially around the holidays) because it’s lightweight and can be rolled up and easily packed in a luggage or weekender bag. And as a 5-foot-9 girly, I appreciate that it’s available in tall sizes for extra length in the body and sleeves.
Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie
Amazon
I have three of these beanies (black, jade, and blue)—and because they’re so inexpensive, I’m actually considering getting a few more in pastel shades. They’re just thick enough to keep me warm, but they don’t make me sweat. They’re such a cute accessory when your hair is a little dirty and you’re trying to make it just one more day before washing it. If you have longer hair, the beanies look stylish and seasonal with braids or low messy buns.
A&F Double-Lined Long-Sleeve Baby Tee
Abercrombie & Fitch
I’ve been looking for good-quality cotton tees to layer under outerwear or sweaters—and I am picky, which is why I was so surprised at these tees. I was so impressed with the construction and fabric that I immediately bought three (black, gray, and pink) and have been wearing them almost daily. They’re double lined and made with 95% cotton, which makes them feel thick and durable. Because of their fitted design, they won’t get bunched up when you have a sweater or T-shirt over them, but they have some stretch to them, too.
A&F Carrie Wool-Blend Trench Coat
Abercrombie
I recently splurged on this wool-blend trench coat, and it was absolutely worth it—I wish I had gotten one sooner. When the temperature was around 19°F last week, I was surprised (and very thankful) at how warm this coat kept me when I was walking around downtown in the bitter cold. When it warmed up a few days later, I wore it to the farmer’s market and ended up taking it off because I actually started sweating. I’ve worn it with jeans, dresses, and even sweatpants, and it looks chic, stylish, and polished with every outfit.
For more sweaters, base layers, gloves, and scarves, shop even more of my favorite winter clothes from Quince, Lands’ End, and Amazon below.
Quince 100% Organic Cotton Fisherman Crew Sweater
Quince
Cicy Bell Womens Faux Leather Bomber Jacket
Amazon
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Gloves
Quince
Lands' End Women's Baselayer Cozy Thermaskin Turtleneck Top
Amazon
UGG Women's Tazz II Slipper
Amazon
Trendy Queen Women's Oversized Cable Knit Crewneck Sweaters
Amazon
Anrabess Women Striped Sweatshirt
Amazon
Herou Women's Casual Long Sleeve T Shirt Crewneck
Amazon
Chrleisure Women's Fleece Lined Tights
Amazon
Lands' End Brushed Blanket Scarf
Amazon