Winter, it’s the dreariest season of them all. And when it comes to cold-weather fashion, it’s hardly a controversial opinion to say it’s the season hardest to be stylish for, too.
Fashion-wise, there’s little redemption for, aside from the comfy coats and warm knits. Yet it’s when we require the most functional and versatile clothing to actually protect us from the elements. Winter essentials are also some of the biggest investments in our wardrobes, making it a never-ending challenge to find just the right coat that looks and feels good but also somehow keeps you warm enough to actually enjoy your day.
Luckily, the Refinery29 team has tried it all, from wool coats and knee-high boots to layer-friendly jeans and fitness-approved jackets. Before making your seasonal investments, take a look at some of the team’s winter must-haves.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Charles & Keith Claudie Patent Buckled Mary Janes
“When I tell you I haven’t stopped wearing these shoes, I’m not exaggerating. While red is a tricky color to style, they’ve become the literal cherry on top of my outfits. They’re also just incredibly comfortable — I walked around Manhattan for an 8-hour day during New York Fashion Week with them on and did not feel any pain.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Charles & Keith Claudie Patent Buckled Mary Janes – Red, $, available at
Aupen Sanctuary Earrings
I love the look of statement earrings for the way they can dress up the simplest of outfits. That said, in the past, I bought chunky earrings that I ended up having to take out after an hour of wear due to the heaviness and pain it caused. This is why I have been loving these earrings, which also come in gold, that only look heavy but are incredibly comfortable from the brand Aupen which has become known for its celebrity-beloved handbags. I wear them nonstop during New York Fashion Week with zero pain and discomfort. — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Aupen Sanctuary Earrings, $, available at
Babaton Stature Coat
“I had long wanted a coat that gave me the same feel of a blazer — you know that nonchalant wear that makes an outfit feel both elevated and casual. This Babaton coat is exactly that. While it’s not the warmest coat, it’s definitely ideal for layering, since it runs larger ( I bought a medium — my usual size — and it fits oversized). So far, I’ve worn it with everything from draped dresses to a sweater and jeans, and that feeling I was chasing is definitely there.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Babaton Stature Coat, $, available at
Cotton Citizen Mila Jean
“My pant wardrobe is filled with oversized styles, and winter is when my baggy denim truly shines. This pair from Cotton Citizen is unique because it has darting details at the knee and is slightly coated (the jeans feel almost waterproof), making the pants perfect for soggy winter days. Because I’m pretty petite, I roll them up to make a thick cuff at the bottom. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve worn them this season because they fit with everything in my closet and pair with all types of footwear like sneakers, flats, or loafers.” — Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Strategist
Cotton Citizen Mila Jean, $, available at
Nature Sound Long Sleeve Tee
“Never underestimate the power of the perfect long-sleeved tee. I never seem to have enough (if any) in my wardrobe, so I’m building up my collection. ‘Tis the season for layering, after all, which for me means comfort above all else. This charcoal print tee is made from organic cotton and looks best when paired with low-waisted wide-leg jeans for a skater girl feel. Add fluffy mittens and butterfly hair clips to soften the look.” — Kelly Washington, UK Social Editor
Damson Madder Nature Sounds Long Sleeve Tee, $, available at
Susamusa Jasmine Dress
“I vowed to stop impulse buying after scrolling through TikTok in 2024, but I made an allowance for this gorgeous dress, which I saw plastered all over my feed. Can you blame me? It’s the perfect A-line silhouette that can be styled in so many ways, whether it’s a chic ‘90s Calvin Klein way or in a ‘60s mod style (Priscilla fashion is definitely an influence!).” — Esther Newman, UK Affiliate Writer
Susamusa Jasmine Dress, $, available at
Essentiel Antwerp Wool-Blend Coat
“I love coats and use them as focal points when styling my winter looks. As such, I add a new one (or a few!) to my collection every winter. This season, I’ve been wearing this checked number by Essentiel Antwerp nonstop (and getting compliments to match!). While the gray colorway is versatile enough to go with everything in my closet, the hot pink windowpane design and the high collar add elements of interest to the cozy and warm winter essential.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Essentiel Antwerp Grey windowpane check wool-blend coat, $, available at
66°North Dyngja Jacket
“This pink jacket gives the perfect amount of pop for those gray winter days. It encourages me to style it with bolder pieces like my leopard print jeans or a maxi skirt with boots. Bonus? The recycled down is very warm.” — Ebony-Renee Baker, UK Fashion Editor
66°North Cropped recycled down jacket, $, available at
Canada Goose Severn ½ Zip Sweater Kind Fleece
“My tennis era has pushed me to do things I never considered before, like playing outdoors in 40-degree weather. And this Canada Goose fleece jacket is the only thing keeping me going back to the courts this winter. The fleece material is thick enough that I don’t freeze, but still thin enough to allow for movement and breathability. Plus, the deep pockets are good to store balls and warm up my hands in between rallies.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Canada Goose Severn ½ Zip Sweater Kind Fleece, $, available at
Ganni Wool Blend Herringbone Coat
“I had this oversized herringbone Ganni wool coat on my Christmas wish list, but when I checked on Black Friday, it was half off – and still is! — so I bought it for myself. It’s 1,000% upped my style game during a dreary winter, during which I am typically bundled into a puffer coat looking like that kid from A Christmas Story. But don’t take my word for it: my dog Bowie can’t keep his eyes off of it.” — Carli Whitwell, Senior Director of Editorial
Ganni Wool blend herringbone coat, $, available at
Mejuri Tube Oversized Hoops
“I love wearing my bigger, bolder earrings during the colder months as I find they help balance out all the layers and oversized silhouettes I tend to gravitate towards. The only oversized hoops I own are cheap and tarnished, and considering how much I wear them, they were well overdue an upgrade. These hoops are extremely lightweight to wear but still feel sturdy and made to last. The clicker closure is also a nice touch that makes them feel more secure and look seamless.” — Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design
Mejuri Tube Oversized Hoops, $, available at
Polène Numero Deuze Bag
“Let me just tell you, when I heard that Polène was releasing a miniature version of their Cyme bag, I was over the moon. I’ve never been a tote bag girl, but Polène has crafted a style that isn’t the typical boxy and rectangular shape but one in a cute flower silhouette with adjustable sides that you can fashionably cinch in. The Mini Cyme combines my love for timeless, dainty feminine accessories with its shape, camel hue, and delicate stitching. Plus, it can hold more than you can imagine and is equally great for brunch as travel (I recently wore it for an East Coast road trip).” — Vivien Lee, Affiliate Writer
Polène Cyme Mini Bag, $, available at
Kendall Ruffle Shirt
“Trying to find colorful clothes in winter can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, but this shirt from Damson Madder is proving it can be done. Featuring long pinstripe sleeves and a statement frilled collar, this shirt is perfect for layering under a chunky knit and adding a pop of pink to my winter work wardrobe.” — Alicia Lansom, UK Associate Editor
Damson Madder Kendall Ruffle Shirt, $, available at
Alex Mill Alice Polo in Cashmere
“I am not a polo person so imagine my surprise when I fell in love with this cashmere number from Alex Mill. The long-sleeve piece is the perfect thin-but-warm sweater layer to wear underneath blazers and leather jackets but also holds its own with plain jeans thanks to the bright colorway.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Alex Mill Alice Polo in Cashmere, $, available at
Sleeper Pajama Set
“Winter is my hibernating period. I dress up less and try to spend my days in comfy fabrics. So, when I get invited to go out, I don’t want to put on a show-stopping outfit. Instead, I go for my Sleeper pajama set, which is equal parts loungewear and party attire. Trust me, you won’t want to wear anything else to go out in the winter.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Sleeper Sleeper feather detail pajama set, $, available at
Wonderwelly Tall Wellington Boots
“These are my ride-or-die shoes for wet, wintery, muddy walks throughout the season. They’re bio-mechanically designed to move with and support your feet, and are super cushioned so they feel so comfortable to walk in, whether that’s for one mile or ten.” — Esther Newman, UK Affiliate Writer
Wonderwelly High-Performance Tall Wellington Boots, $, available at
Topshop Denim Cinch Waist Shirt
“I’m really into structured denim right now, and this shirt from Topshop is my wardrobe’s latest addition (after a strapless denim midi dress and my denim midi skirt, also from Topshop). The cinched waist gives the top a more intentional edge than the run-of-the-mill denim button-up and is just as versatile, if not more so. So far I have paired mine with everything from yoga pants (see here) to oversized cargo trousers.” — Ebony-Renee Baker, Fashion Editor
Topshop Topshop denim cinch waist shirt in indigo, $, available at
Nobody’s Child Dark Denim Maxi Skirt
“I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect denim maxi skirt — and this one from Nobody’s Child ticks all my boxes. It’s made from thick and durable organic cotton and comes in the perfect deep indigo blue, making it a timeless staple that I know I’ll wear all year round. The A-line shape is especially perfect in the winter as I can tuck in sweaters and wear thermal leggings underneath without it feeling (or looking) too bulky. I genuinely can’t fault it!” — Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design
Nobody’s Child Dark Denim Maxi Skirt, $, available at
Lamara London The Roma Bag
“Who doesn’t want a beautiful handbag that you can also use to reapply your lipstick? Silver had a major moment in 2023 and I’m carrying it straight through to the new year with this statement mirrored baguette bag from Lamara London.” — Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
Lamara London The Roma Bag, $, available at
Larroudé Kate Boots
“Cowboy boots aside, I’ve never worn knee-high boots before last year. If you’ve seen me over the last few months, you wouldn’t believe that though, as I have been wearing this pair from Larroudé on repeat (see slide 14). The croc print is super sleek and stylish, going with everything from skirts to pants, while the heel is comfortable to get me through a whole day on my feet.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Larroudé Kate Boots, $, available at
Katie Faux Fur Coat
“The mob wife aesthetic is taking over this winter, with all-black leather fits, animal print and, of course, gigantic faux fur coats. As someone who is freezing 24/7, I couldn’t be more obsessed. Using recycled faux fur made from plastic bottles, this over-the-top coat from Jakke is everything I’ve been searching for: sitting slightly oversized and sporting huge fluffy lapels. Catch me pretending to be Sharon Stone at my local Italian restaurant very soon.” — Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
Jakke Katie Faux Fur Coat, $, available at
Damson Madder Hickory Skirt
“While some items are seasonal, the best are the ones you can wear practically all year. This skirt from Damson Madder is warm enough to bring some color to winter fits, but the pink, white and red palette reminds me of the first hints of springtime. Bonus: it has front and back leg splits, so you don’t need to waddle like a duck on your way to the function. If you’re between sizes or prefer a looser fit, the brand recommends you size up. I’ve found my new favorite skirt and I’ll be wearing it to death in 2024.” — Kelly Washington UK Social Editor
Damson Madder Hickory Skirt, $, available at
I’ve never loved the colour of traditional trenches against my skin tone, as beige can wash me out. However, I love this one I found in the & Other Stories sale, which has black panels to break up the beige. It’s still a classic trench cut, just better for me and my colouring. I’ve been wearing it non-stop with jumpers underneath, and know it’ll transition nicely for spring with t-shirts under instead.
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