It’s that time in the season where I inevitably become just about done with the cold weather and winter dressing. But since it’s still only February, the cold likely isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. When I get to this stage in the season and am feeling less inspired by my wardrobe, I tend to fall back on a few staple pieces and combinations which always seem to bring a little bit of spark back into getting dressed. I figured I would share my favourite winter essentials to help you mix up the monotony if you’re mentally at the same point I am.
Perhaps most importantly for wintertime is a long wool coat. I got mine back in August during the SSENSE sale, by a Korean brand I love called Nothing Written (since it’s old I unfortunately can’t link it for you). The sales are my favourite way of shopping for coats, because you can get a really beautiful piece for a bargain (mine was nearly half-off).
In terms of criteria, of course a winter coat has to fulfill the usual practical duty of keeping you warm, and for that I look for as close to 100% wool as possible (mine is 90% and keeps me nice and toasty). Bonus points for added technical aspects such as 3M Thinsulate lining.
Beyond that, a beautiful coat has the power to reinvigorate any old outfit, and can provide so much styling inspiration in and of itself (at least for me). It’s the details that count here — I love the voluminous cut, deep box pleat, and slightly short sleeves of mine for feeling like a stylish woman out of the 1950’s, but pick a cut that inspires you and works with the pieces in your wardrobe! For example, if you gravitate towards 1990’s influences, something like this with a blazer-style lapel and structured shoulders would slot in seamlessly.
Secondly is to never underestimate the power of winter accessories to pull a look together. I swear by my leather gloves (which unintentionally match my coat) and wool berets for keeping me warm, and also adding a touch of “I put effort into this outfit” sort of a vibe. Next year I’d love to add a pair of black leather gloves into my collection for some contrast against the coat and to coordinate with my myriad black bags. A super easy way to look pulled together and keep warm at the same time.
Lastly is to invest in quality knitwear (heavy emphasis on the quality). I stopped buying fast fashion knitwear last year, because I was increasingly disappointed by how quickly the sweaters would look old and worn. I feel very strongly that it’s better to have a small collection of quality knits than an overflowing one of acrylic-mixes that will look old by next season. I pretty much strictly buy 100% natural fibres: wool, cotton, and cashmere.
Good quality knitwear just brings me so much joy and is one of my favourite things to invest in. &Daughter do my absolute favourite sweaters, and I love that knitwear is their craft and focus, so you know you’re going to get a top-quality product (and one that respects everyone throughout the production process — sheep included!).
This cable knit from them (old season, bought on sale — similar here), is a piece I know I’ll love and cherish forever. I just love the styling possibilities of it — either paired super casually with jeans, or dressed up with a voluminous skirt (knits are my favourite way to bring summer pieces into the colder months as well). Some other brands I’ve been lusting after for quality, ethical knitwear are Babaà and Skall Studio. I’m also a massive fan of made-in-Scotland Shetland knits; they have a great texture, are quite hardy, and are easy to find both secondhand and new.
And that’s the roundup! All of these pieces are true essentials in any winter wardrobe, but chosen intentionally, can have real power when it comes to breathing some life into late-winter outfits.
