Boots, Coats, and More Cold-Weather Musts

3 years ago

Boots, Coats, and More Cold-Weather Musts

Test-driving tech-driven base layers, finding coats that work on mild mornings and also really effing frigid evenings, casting our knit nets wide to reel in the soft, the chunky, and the cashmere: We consider sifting through the sartorial avalanche of cold-weather options a winter sport—and we’re pretty damn good at it.

THE KNITS

A mix of weights (to manage the midseason) + a few modern silhouettes (blousy sleeves and extra-long cuffs feel feminine and unfussy) + neutral hues (deep midnight brightens the lineup but won’t gather dust) = the formula for a streamlined sweater stack.

THE COATS

If you go big on one piece this season, make it your coat. A shearling collar to snuggle into, full-length down to fight flurries, or a belted wool robe that works two ways, depending
on your mood.

THE JACKETS

Sweater-weight with jacket-like details, these pieces can handle a hike without leaving you overheated and come in clutch for midday outdoor hangs. When January rolls around, just make these ribbed and quilted essentials the in-between layer on extra-blustery days.

THE BOOTS

Prada gave its boots a fanny pack, Gabriela’s hit the high knees, and Staud’s suede Chelseas are the answer to every outfit this side of spring. As for Gucci, this season, the house embraced shearling (goop fashion director Ali Pew swears they’re so cozy).

THE BASE LAYERS

If the last time you updated your long underwear was around the 2010 Winter Olympics, you’re likely due for a refresh. From technical nylon sets fit for the slopes (and chic enough for après) to silk-jersey leggings to slip under everyday denim, these are worth buying in multiples.

FOR THE CITY

Holiday lights, occasional flurries, a general uptick in cheer—Decembrrrr raises spirits but has the opposite effect on temperatures. Hit the sidewalks in merino tights (just add knee-high boots), chunky-knit gloves, and a
bluster-beating trench.

FOR THE MOUNTAINS

Safely hitting the slopes feels even more rewarding after a very cooped-up 2020—and a killer carve looks even better in high-performance gear. Build from the base layer up with a slim-cut midweight jacket, warm pants with pockets, and a coat to top it off.

ESSENTIAL EXTRAS

These six selects defy categorization in all ways but one: They’re all guaranteed to bring the heat (see that beanie with the supersize pom?), beat the chill (fleece masks that do double duty), and run circles around any winter-dressing rut (cashmere joggers, anyone?).

We hope you enjoy the products recommended here. Our goal is to suggest only things we love and think you might, as well. We also like transparency, so, full disclosure: We may collect a share of sales or other compensation if you purchase through the external links on this page.