12 Winter Wardrobe Essentials You Probably Want in Your Closet Right Now
Maybe take some notes for your holiday wish list.
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Two things have been true my entire life: I love getting dressed and I hate being cold. And since I absolutely refuse to sacrifice style for comfort, I’ve had to get pretty inventive with my winter ’fits. Over the years, I’ve perfected the art of functional-chic winter dressing (Midwestern girlies know a thing or two about the cold), and that’s mostly thanks to a few trusted winter wardrobe essentials. Which wardrobe essentials, you might ask? Well, dear reader, I’ve laid them all out for you ahead!
There are plenty of cold weather classics on the list, of course—like ribbed beanies, plush scarves, leather gloves, cashmere sweaters, and puffy parkas. But I’ve also taken the liberty of adding some of my personal favorite finds—the pieces you might not find on a transitional winter wish list. Some examples include: my favorite platform Docs that basically double as snow boots and faux leather pants that will shield you from the most brutal winter winds.
I love a flashy new trend just as much as the next fashion editor, but I literally couldn’t get dressed without these tried and true essentials (okay, technically I could, but I’d be really cold).
Our top picks for the best winter essentials in 2024:
The days of wearing ugly winter coats to keep warm are over. We’ve evolved! And thankfully, fashion has too. Shop the warmest, coziest, and most importantly, chicest winter essentials straight from this fashion editor’s closet. Here are the pieces I return to season after season for holiday parties, February fashion week, and beyond.
Though we’ve laid the Pinterest-era blanket scarf to rest (RIP), the practical need for a cozy wrap hasn’t budged an inch. A colorful plaid style will keep you warm and make the most basic winter coat feel like a serve.
Once you find the right parka, it can last you for decades. And with more than 600 5-star reviews, this Lululemon style is a top contender. (ICYWW, fans say it’s the “warmest and softest coat ever.”)
These phone-friendly leather gloves will keep you warm, stylish, and chronically online. Who knew doomscrolling could be so chic?
No one, I repeat, no one does faux leather like Aritzia. I break out my leather pants every year, like clockwork, because they stand up against the coldest winds—and, yeah, they look incredible too.
Traditional snow boots can be a tranquilizer in the face of a fabulous outfit. Platform boots, however, accomplish the same goal, while simultaneously making you look like a total baddie. Shop styles with good traction (like these cult-favorite Docs) for the ultimate all-terrain shoe.
Like a good puffer coat, puffer vests are a cold-weather requirement. My advice? Shop oversized styles, like this 4.3-star version on Amazon, for cool-girl and cozy-girl vibes.
I see your plain black beanie and I raise you this chic striped style. This ribbed knit hat is handmade from cruelty-free merino wool and is guaranteed to keep you insanely warm.
Nordstrom x Harlem's Fashion Row Megan Renee Oversize Wool Coat
I seldom feel chicer than when I’m dressed in my favorite top coat. Something about the minimalist design just exudes “rich girl” energy.
Uniqlo’s Heattech is every editor’s secret weapon for February fashion week. The entire collection is worth the buy, but I recommend starting with this top-rated layering turtleneck. Reviewers say it “fits under everything like a second skin and keeps you warm,” a statement I can personally attest to.
Sorel Tivoli Suede Resort Winter Booties
I don’t know what it is, but there’s something about slipping on a pair of snow boots on the first fall of snow that makes me feel like I’m in a Hallmark movie. These Sorel beauties give off that energy but are also “very comfortable, warm, and [have] good traction on snow and ice,” fans report.
Naadam Super-Luxe Cashmere Mixed Stitch Turtleneck
Everyone—and I do mean everyone—deserves a little cashmere in their life. Invest in an oversized style with a chunky weave and a neutral colorway. You’ll wear it to death, trust me.
Parkas are great, but statement coats are just as important for a well-rounded winter wardrobe (albeit for different reasons). Pop it on any time you don’t feel like picking out a whole outfit and wait for the compliments to roll in.
Why trust Cosmo:
Cosmo’s team of fashion experts—which includes fashion features director Rachel Torgerson, senior accessories editor Andrea Zendejas, and fashion editors Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien and Danielle Flum—have decades of experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated a chic little corner of the internet for you like it’s our job (because it is, heh).
We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don’t have to. You’re welcome!
Kelsey (she/her) is a freelance digital fashion editor and writer with a knack for turning top-performing content into top-selling content. She has extensive experience in editorial and e-commerce strategy, having worked in both divisions during her years at Seventeen and Bustle. With more than a decade of experience in digital media, she also offers creative and social media consulting, as well as copywriting services. She enjoys cheeseburgers, traveling, and vintage hauls. Follow her on Instagram at @klstieg.
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