The 10 key pieces: Winter wardrobe essentials
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As we enter the real winter in New York (we just had our first snow day this week), I’m re-organizing my Manhattan-sized closet to swap my thinner fall jackets and lighter sweaters for all the winter staples. As 70% of what I own consists of timeless basics that don’t go out of trend, I already have most of what I’ll need this winter.
However, having said that, I do update some key essentials every year. Especially this year, since our lifestyles have changed quite a bit. So I recently added a few new items, including some I received as gifts from brands. Read on to see the top 10 pieces that make up the core of my current winter wardrobe.
1. A wool coat (or two)
One of my favorite brands for wool coats is Petite Studio. I’m not petite in size, but I am in height (I’m 5’2”). So the length of the coats at Petite Studio tend to fit me perfectly. The slow fashion brand also offers a lot of reversible coats, and I love them because you can easily create multiple looks with just one coat!
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2. A puffer jacket
This is a new addition to my wardrobe — in fact, it’s one of my first ever puffer jackets! This particular one from Aritzia I’m wearing uses 100% responsibly sourced goose down and features a light grey water-repellent “Wool Tech” fabric. It’s designed for temperatures as low as -20°C / -4°F!
3. Cashmere sweaters
I love a good cashmere sweater — they’re made of natural fibers, they keep you warm, and they can last for many years to come.
A lot of people assume cashmere sweaters are always expensive, but you can actually get quality options that are available under $100.
At Italic, for instance, the transparent brand offers cashmere sweaters at cost to their members! (You can get $10 off by signing up with me.)
4. A face mask with more coverage
Before we all get vaccinated, we must continue to wear our face masks in public spaces! For the winter, I’m opting for ones made of thicker fabrics but are still breathable. And of course, preferably stylish, too.
This tweed mask handmade in New York by RYin is one of my current favorites because it also offers more coverage than most of the masks I’ve seen so far. There are 5 other beautiful colors you can choose from — and for every mask purchased, the brand is donating $10 to someone in need.
Use promo code TRISHA10 to get 10% off your order.
5. Soft leather pants
A good pair of soft leather pants are basically elevated sweatpants that you wear out.
I’ve been wearing the 2 pairs of buttery soft leather pants I own — one in black and another in caramel brown — very, very often because they actually keep my legs warm, too!
One of my favorite places to search for leather pants is at Shopbop because they offer a wide range in different price points.
6. Comfy chic loungewear
A lounge set comfortable enough to wear at home but cute enough to be seen in the public — it’s the new must-have.
The recycled cashmere lounge set I’m wearing is from Naadam. I thought “recycled” cashmere may not be as soft but I was wrong! The set is really soft — it doesn’t irritate my skin at all. It’s also really warm, which is great.
7. Winter booties
I love knee-high boots as well but I do feel like booties are more “everyday.” If you’re looking for really comfortable boots that are also very stylish and chic, you must check out Daniella Shevel!
The brand uses memory foam insoles and soft, durable nappa leather to make its boots in Italy — their best known for their BellaDonna boot which comes in 10 different colors.
8. A wool bucket hat
A lot of my coats don’t come with a hood, so I like to grab my wool bucket hat in the winter to keep my head warm!
Opt for one in a neutral tone so you can wear it with several outfits without worrying about clashing.
9. A faux fur tote
That is reversible! And because it would be nice to keep my belongings warm, too.
This faux fur bag by Donna Zhong is super soft to touch and roomy enough to hold everything you need to carry — including your scarf, gloves, hand sanitizers, etc. I also love that it’s ivory on one side since it goes with almost everything. The other side features a logo print and a side pocket for easy access.
10. Leather gloves
Obviously gloves are essential — they keep your hands warm but it now also doubles as an extra layer of protection, keeping you from touching public spaces directly.
About 7 or 8 years ago, I invested in this pair of cashmere-lined, black leather gloves, and even until today, they are still as good as new!
What’s a key winter piece that’s essential to you and not listed here? Leave a comment and share it with me!
Stay warm and thank you for stopping by Happily Ever Style.
xoxo,
Tricia
Photos by Ashley Gallerani Photography and Wini Lao Photography.
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