It’s funny how some years, it feels almost impossible to shop for the go-to fashion items you love to wear on repeat—for example, if you aren’t a fan of red, I can only imagine the fun you had in 2023 trying to buy a cute sweater in literally any other color. And if you aren’t particularly into barrel-leg jeans, I’m so sorry for the journey you’ve been on lately.
The good news is, it’s the winter of 2024 (very soon to be 2025), and if you’re a fellow lover of elevated basics, this is a great time to be alive and have internet access. There’s really such a lot on offer this season when it comes to shopping for pieces that are chic and effortless, including the handful of winter wardrobe staples I’ve relied on as a stylist. From reliable knits to outerwear to footwear, these are the items that have helped me make getting dressed easy for at least a decade. So whether you’re looking to treat yourself a little splurge (with zero regrets, given the cost per wear) or are sticking to more affordable buys, here are a bunch of ways to shop the six winter items that I never regret shopping.
A Covetable (and Roomy) Bag
Winter means hats, gloves, and scarves, and it specifically means taking them off just about every time you enter a shop or sit down at a cafe. Do yourself a favor, and carry a chic bag that actually has room to stash them.
Manu Atelier
Le Cambon 40 Black
Mango
100% Leather Shopper Bag With Buckle
Staud
Maude Textured-Leather Tote
Reformation
Oversized Patrizia Bag
Madewell
Transport Early Weekender Woven Tote
Slightly Dramatic Coats
A long coat has the power to take even my laziest winter look and turn it into something. Whether your vibe is faux fur, an attached scarf, or just a super-elegant silhouette, a little bit of drama is an immediate outfit upgrade, and my personal shortcut to getting out the door without overthinking my outfit.
Topshop
Super Oversized Statement Borg Coat With Hooded Scarf
Massimo Dutti
Long Wool Blend Coat With Belt
A.L.C.
Franklin Faux Fur Coat
Naked Wardrobe
Faux Leather Trench Coat
Toteme
Draped Fringed Wool-Blend Bouclé Coat
Mock-Croc Accessories
Fall and winter outfits sometimes demand mock croc accessories. It just makes sense, I don’t make the rules, and I won’t be taking any further questions at this time.
Zara
Mock Croc Kitten Heel Boot
Demellier
New York Croc-Effect Leather Tote
Hyer Goods
Upcycled Leather Medium Shoulder Bag
Sézane
Monique High Mary Janes
Neutral-ish Crewneck Knits
I can’t get enough crewneck knits, from my ultra-soft cashmere to some under-$50 styles from Zara that somehow don’t mind going in the washing machine non-stop all winter long. Wearing as a sweater if just the beginning—if 2024 has taught us anything, it’s that we should also be styling our sweaters as a scarf, and tied under our chins when we’re in need of a make-shift hood.
By Malene Birger
Mantea Sweater
The Frankie Shop
Rafaela Oversized Merino Wool and Cashmere-Blend Sweater
Nordstrom
Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Reformation
Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater
Not-Quite-Flat Boots
There’s maybe no greater achievement than finding a great black ankle boot with a heel so tiny it wears like a flat. I find having just that little bit of lift makes such a difference when you need an outfit to work from running around all day to dinner at night—plus a few extra mils can be the difference between jeans that soak up rain off the street, and jeans that don’t.
Jeffrey Campbell
Ichabod Square Toe Bootie
Reformation
Rosina Ankle Boot
Steve Madden
Dusty Bootie
Cos
Square-Toe Leather Ankle Boots
Veronica Beard
Cecile Leather Cap-Toe Bootie
Franco Sarto
Gracelyn Zip Boot
