I had this post in my drafts before we got our visit from Elsa last week, so the pivot to extra bundled up layers felt most appropriate… but typically we’re not all dealing with sub-zero temperatures (at least not in the mid-Atlantic)! These are a few of my must-haves for our regular winter days; those days where it’s cold and you definitely want to be bundled up, but it’s not so cold your eyelashes are going to form eye-cicles (ha! Get it?).
I own a lot of what’s listed here in various forms, but there are always things I’m adding to my staples! Being able to rotate, especially things like tees, sweaters, and scarves, help keep those pieces looking their best and giving me many years of wear!
I’ll admit I am not the best about covering my noggin during the winter months and know that’s not for the best— have you seen those statistics that say you lose something like 10% of your body head through your head? A very old Army Field Manual said it was 40-45% but I don’t think that’s true! All said, sometimes I do want to put something on— like for a coffee run— but don’t want to look too sporty. A hat like this one from Clare V is a great option to look put together but also cover up bedhead on the way to my morning latte!
Another good option are these ones! Dry, cracked hands are one problem, but if you’re still holding on to cotton gloves, you’re probably dealing with bad grip when you’re driving to work, daycare, to meet girlfriends for dinner, etc.! Leather gloves give you better grip for your day-to-day tasks and because they are not knit (which can often let cold air through), they’re going to keep your hands much warmer! I try to find ones that are cashmere or wool lined, even if it’s a blend, for extra warmth!
I love these men’s tees from H&M to layer in the winter! They’re 95% cotton with a 5% spandex stretch, which makes them body-hugging in all the right ways. Yes, these are the men’s version/cut, because I find they hold up to daily wear and tear much better than any of the H&M women’s products. My husband wears these tees as well and loves them! I size down from my normal small to an extra-small in these so they’re tighter fitting. They are also great come spring to wear on their own! I take my normal size when wearing by themselves.
Get. some. cashmere!!!!! Buy it secondhand, get it at a thrift shop! You will never go back!!!!! Everlane’s cashmere is my favorite current brand, and I’ve worn cashmere sweaters from the brand for at least 5 years now. My favorite is their crewneck cashmere sweater, which is the perfect basic knit. They have so many different fit options, and they’re plentiful on Poshmark once you know your size!
I’m a ballet flats girl year round, although I haven’t quite gotten to the point of wearing them with socks… if I was going to, I’d pick a suede pair like these! The suede + a cable knit sock would look cool together as it would be an interesting balance and contrast of materials! If you’re not quite there yet, like me, maybe try a pair of flats like this layered with pantyhose under your pants. You can get ones that look like socks, or I prefer wearing a full pair as an extra layer for a little bit of warmth! Tone-on-tone would be really cool, but you could do a smoked black pair too.
Is a watch really necessary for the winter…? Maybe not. But I do think it’s helpful to have a watch on in the winter months, especially if your tech gloves don’t work (do they ever???) or you can’t get your phone out of your pocket or your bottomless pit of a bag (like me!). And they’re just so dang chic! This is a great brand, and if you’re looking for something in the style of a Cartier Tank watch, this is going to cost you a lot less!
7. Dark-Rinse Straight Leg Denim
I’ve become a big fan of straight leg jeans after finally finding a pair that fit me just right (I’m looking at you, Levi’s Ribcage). Now I’m on the hunt for as many pairs as I can find that have that same fit, and make me feel as good as the Levi’s do! These are another very popular style from Levi’s and I love this beautiful dark rinse. You could easily dress them up with a fitted blazer and kitten heels or down with a teeshirt and sneakers. I couldn’t find the shoes the model is wearing… but if I could, they’d pair perfectly with those jeans too!
There’s just not that much to be said here: I’ve worn low-quality scarves for a long time, and once you get a good one you will not go back! This one from Quince I talked about in my post about dressing when it’s freezing outside, and I mean every word about how cozy it is! It’s big enough to wear as a wrap as well, which I really like when I’m at a coffee shop or working from home because I can use it like a blanket. It comes in a variety of colors, so if neutral isn’t your thing don’t despair!
9. Cashmere-Blend Trouser Socks
Can you ever have too many socks? I don’t think so! While these aren’t 100% cashmere, I like a blend in my socks to help with moisture wicking and all-day comfort. I like that these come in a pack as well. I find crew socks or trouser socks like these to be perfect for ankle boots where I may need to break things in a little bit or just separate my leg from the top of the boot— sometimes that rubbing can be really irritating and boots this length help with that!
10. Lug Sole Boots
Speaking of boots— you need ones with grip and traction! I don’t think there’s any brand on the market better known for their winter shoes than Sorel, and I’ve watched this particular pair in multiple iterations throughout the years! These are great for really snowy days, walks if there might be ice, or heading out to the farmer’s markets to browse local produce and crafts!
xx happy hunting!
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