Winter is right around the corner which means one thing: It’s time to start a winter wardrobe. What’s on my must-have list? Today, I’m sharing 5 essential winter items.
It’s hard to believe 2022 has flown by in a nano-second. But here we are with old man winter about to knock on our door. Honestly, winter can be the most challenging season of all to put together chic and stylish outfits. There’s slushy snow to contend with and bitter winds that blow right through you. Our heads need to stay warm and our tootsies dry. There are many components when it comes to your winter wardrobe it feels like you’re putting together a puzzle to create a stylish winter outfit. Right?! And you may be wondering where do I even begin to start a winter wardrobe.
First, you want to start before winter officially arrives. October or November is when the weather begins to shift from fall to winter. Use this time period to start removing fall items that you no longer need. These are your lightweight sweaters, denim or utility jackets, and lightweight sneakers.
Keep any pieces that are good for transitional weather like denim or utility pants, lightweight jackets, blazers, ankle boots and shakers.
Now it’s time to make a list of items you will add to your winter wardrobe. In a well-executed winter wardrobe, you’ll find outerwear, knit sweaters, basic tops and bottoms, tall boots, winter boots, beanies, wool fedors, faux fur bucket hats, leather gloves, and cozy cashmere scarves. A carefully crafted selection will give you a wide variety of outfit combinations all winter long.
The Summary
Today, I’m featuring 5 essential winter items
For each item, I’ve pulled in 2 inspiration outfits
I’ve built boards for the inspiration outfits and sourced my favorites for each item
Everything is shoppable via text- and image-widgets
5 Essential Winter Items Pt. 1
1. A Dressy Long Wool Coat
A long wool coat is a must-have staple for winter. Depending on your climate you may choose a thicker heavier wool coat or one that is lighter in weight. This one wardrobe staple is key as it can be dressed down with a pair of casual pants and ankle boots or dressed up with a sweater dress and tall boots.
When it comes to a wool winter coat there are a few things to remember:
- This is an investment piece so go as high as your budget allows and shop the after-season sales
- This wardrobe staple will be in your closet for a long, long, long time so pick a neutral color. Camel, black, grey, or navy are all good choices
- Choose a longer length that will cover a midi skirt or a long dress
Similar outfit
Similar outfit
Board: Bouclé Wool Coat (Talbots) | The Elspeth Chelsea Boots (Madewell) | The High Waist Ankle Pant (Ann Taylor) | Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater (Nordstrom)
Shop The Board
Wool Coats
Board: Mirabelle Topcoat (J.Crew) | Bouclé Wool Coat (Talbots) | Double Face Wrap Coat (TTahari) | Melton Wool-Blended Coat (Michael Kors) | Inverraray Wool Coat (Barbour)
Shop Wool Coats
2. Puffer Jacket & Parka
Next on your must-have winter wardrobe essentials list is a casual coat that will keep you toasty warm on the coldest winter days. A parka or puffer coat is my top pick. What’s the difference you ask?
Parkas are generally longer in length, thicker and heavier and come with a fur-lined hood which comes in handy when the north winds are blowing.
A puffer was made for outdoor activities and we have Eddie Bauer to thank for this winter essential after a case of hypothermia set in when a fishing expedition went awry. Puffer coats come in a variety of weights and lengths. Some are lighter making it a perfect option for fall and spring while some are heavier which are the best choice for winter.
Similar Outfit
Board: Winter Parka (Lands’ End) | Cindy High Waist Slim Fit Jeans | Funnel Neck Sweater (Nordstrom) | Black Watch Tartan Oblong Scarf (Talbots) | Tish Shearling Trim Suede Ankle Boots (Talbots)
Shop the board
Puffer Jackets & Parkas
Board: New Quilted Cocoon Puffer Coat (J.Crew) | Faux Fur Hooded Plaid Parka (Talbots) | Reversible High Neck Coat (Eileen Fisher) | Isabel Glossy Down Puffer Jacket (Sam.) | Byward Hooded Down Parka (Canada Goose) | Winter Parka (Lands’ End)
Shop Puffer Jackets & Parkas
3. Leather or Faux Leather Pants
Black or brown faux leather or leather pants, depending on your budget, are a great addition to your wardrobe. These pants are a nice alternative to denim and have the ability to be dressed up or down. Honestly, if you want to lean into the 2022/2023 trends choose a pair of straight leg faux leather pants that work with boots or loafer. You won’t be disappointed.
Similar Outfit
Board: 90s Icon Faux Leather Pants (Good American) | Cable Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater (Ralph Lauren) | Long Faux Fur Cocoon Coat (Stand Studio) | Essential Chelsea Boot (Free People)
Shop The Board
Similar Outfit
Board: Kate Straight Leg Pant (J.Crew) | High-Rise Slim Demi-Boot Pant (J.Crew) | 90s Icon Faux Leather Pants (Good American) | Faux Leather High Waist Easy Ankle Pant (Ann Taylor) | Hannah Faux Leather Straight Ankle Pants | High-Rise Faux Leather Leggings (Bagatelle.NYC)
Shop Leather Pants
4. Silk Blouse
Next on my must-have winter wardrobe essential list is a silk blouse. Silk blouses are a timeless edition to your wardrobe and worth every penny. They have a beautiful drape and can be worn with a humble pair of denim or tucked into a pencil skirt. Wear them on their own or underneath a crewneck sweater.
Similar Outfit
Board: The Clean Silk Relaxed Shirt (Everlane) | Strappy Asymmetrical Suede Pumps (Ann Taylor) | Classic Notched Collar Blazer (Vince Camuto) | The Everyday Ankle Pants (Ann Taylor)
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Silk Blouses
Board: Sandwashed Silk Shirt (Lily Silk) | The Clean Silk Relaxed Shirt (Everlane) | Chevron Burnout Button-Front Silk Top (Theory) | Silk Banded Collar Blouse | Denver Silk Shirt (J.McLaughlin)
Shop Silk Blouses
5. Knitwear
Three to five knit pullovers will serve you well all winter long. Pick neutral colors first as they are wardrobe staples that go with everything. After you have these basics in your closet choose colors that you love and will brighten any winter day. And the Apres Ski sweaters never go out of style. As a matter of fact, they’re tres chic.
Crewneck sweaters, turtlenecks, half zips, and hoodies are all great choices perfect for work or the weekend. Sweaters can be worn alone or layered over a blouse or cami on the coldest winter days. There are many price points when it comes to sweaters but if you invest in cashmere or merino wool they will last forever if taken care of properly and give you more bang for your buck! If your sweater starts to pill simply use a razor or handy dandy pill remover gadget to keep your sweater in tip-top shape.
Board: Brown Tinsbury Sweater (Tuckernuck) | The Belted High Waist Taper Pant (Ann Taylor) | Alina Flex Pump (Michael Kors)
Shop the outfit
Sweaters
Board: Rollneck Sweater (J.Crew) | Brown Tinsbury Sweater (Tuckernuck) | Black Sophia Sweater (Tuckernuck) | Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater (Talbots) | Cashmere Cable Sleeve Sweater (Talbots) | Relaxed Half-Zip Stretch Sweater (J.Crew)
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In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, Kelly shared 6 soups perfect for the winter months. Click the title or image below to read the article.
6 Soups for the Soul
About The Author
Good tips for winter! Yes, I agree that winter is the most challenging for putting a chic wardrobe together.
Great tips on coats.
The things you list are great if you go out during the winter. It would be fun to see a post with clothes to wear inside in the winter. I’m not talking about loungewear or sweats, but I’d love to see pants or leggings styled for indoor, stay at home wear.