I've Been a Stylist for 20 Years—These Are the Key Buys on My Winter Wish List
Angie Smith has been a stylist for over 20 years. As our columnist, she shares some fashion picks from her winter 2026 wish list.
You've probably heard of celebrity stylist Angie Smith from her work with household names like Holly Willoughby, Eva Mendes, Davina McCall and Rochelle Humes. Smith has a gift for making her clients look effortlessly chic, usually on an affordable budget. She's an advocate for shopping the high street, often mixing high and low pieces in her styling; and her own wardrobe and talent for uncovering the most expensive-looking finds is unrivalled. So I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear she's now aBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK columnist, here to share her expert shopping picks for the season along with some styling wisdom. Keep scrolling to see her key buys for 2025.
Angie wears the Free People Pendleton Western Floral Henley Sweater (£188)
I’ve been a stylist and brand consultant for over 20 years now, and I'm a strong believer in buying less and wearing those pieces more. I've learnt from my experience re-working clients' wardrobes that after editing them down to a smaller capsule, it becomes a lot easier to pull outfits together because you can actually see what's in there.
When shopping for new pieces, it’s important to be practical and think of all the outfits you could wear them with from your existing wardrobe. But most importantly, you have to really love those new items to justify adding them to your rotation. When you wear them, they have to make you feel good—really good. They have to feel comfortable on your body; I’m a strong believer in buying the size that feels and looks the best on you, and in some shops that might be a 12, in others an 18—it really doesn't matter. The buys I include in my monthly edits can be easily styled in multiple ways and will still be relevant years from now. We're talking true wardrobe classics, and I’m showing you where to find them.
Angie wears an off-the-shoulder top from H&M (£45)
The year is almost at a close, and January’s arrival is rolling in fast. I, for one, can’t wait for the new year to begin. However you feel about 2026’s approach, the winter break offers a moment of respite to reflect on the year we’ve had and ready ourselves for all that the new year will bring. For me, it’s a chance to take a step back, consider the pieces I’ve called upon most this year and the pieces that will push my wardrobe forward as we move into 2026.
For me, January is a time to take things easy, slowly easing myself into the new year, and in turn, it's reflected in the way I dress. The focus for the start of the year is on comfort and warmth; think soft layers, statement jumpers and relaxed silhouettes. This is true of my personal style throughout the year, just turned up a notch for the dark and cold days of January. So, I’ve created a concise edit of pieces to renew my wardrobe for the new year, whilst sticking to the core essence of my style.
Keep scrolling to explore my winter 2025 edit.
SHOP ANGIE SMITH'S WINTER 2025 EDIT:
A crew neck cashmere knit with a white t-shirt peeking through is one of my most relied upon styling tricks of the moment.
One of my favourite styles of denim has just made their debut in a chocolate velvet.
A chic tote brings together style and practicality. Take simple jeans and a jumper to a more special place with this sumptuous tote.
Meet the perfect crewneck for layering under knits as well as wearing on its own in the warmer months.
My favourite jeans of 2025!
And the boots that would look great peeking out under trousers or pared with bare legs and a skirt in spring.
When you want to bring together warmth and polish, look to a wool blazer in a rich hue.
When I'm ready to bundle up, a cosy fleece and leggings is my go to.
I always find myself reaching for leggings in January, whether it's for an active day of errands or for a little meditation.
No cold feet here.
A statement jumper for you want an instantly put together look without much thought. This will instantly lift jumpers, tailoring and skirts.
Nothing shouts ‘bring on 2026’ more than a smart selection of socks.
SHOP MORE OF ANGIE SMITH'S SHOPPING PICKS:
A coat you'll want to layer up in every single winter.
Bring an alpine accent to your winter looks with this cardigan.
Rely on this bustier top this party season.
It's the only time of the year that calls for contrast, and leather trousers are the first thing to cross my mind.
If you find yourself always reaching for black when dressing up, consider layering in this chic shade instead. Layer over a light coloured dress or play with contrast with lace or silk.
On the coolest days when you're headed out, reach for a long-sleeved top with a touch of sparkle. Just wait until you see the back!
Wear with a simple black turtleneck and boots, or up the ante with the matching top for maximum impact.
I've searched for soft cashmere knits with a brushed finish, and this is my favourite so far.
Slinky trousers with a casual edge for everyday wear.
Wear with the matching trousers for an easy après ski look.
Satin trousers are exactly what I look for when I want to dress up in a relaxed way.
I love every detail of this coat. Rely on it to make simple jeans and boots feel that much more elevated.
I've been searching for a plaid shirt to support my winter looks, and the green shade of this one has all my attention. I still can't believe that it's still in stock.
Another standout from one of my favourite brands. The colour mixing and sweet embroidery details are giving BODE in spades.
I love the look of these low Stan Smiths. An updated take on a classic.
This is exactly what I want to wear when the temperatures drop.
This is at the top of my wish list.
The cut of this pair looks so good with boots. Just add your favourite evening top.
A great tee will always be a useful addition, no matter the season.
The quickest way to update your outfits is by layering in a sleek leather jacket.
Take note of this tunic and trousers outfit formula when considering what to wear this party season. Plus, you'll find yourself restyling it throughout the rest of the year.
These charmeuse trousers should also be considered for party season. Add the sparkly top above, or bring a casual edge with a cosy knit.
This heavyweight cardigan-come-jacket is ideal for manoeuvring through the temperamental winter weather.
Personally, I'd wear this dress layered over trousers.
This is the kind of black top you only need to buy once because it’ll outlast every trend. Think quiet luxury tailoring with just the right amount of detail. The one everyone will stop you to ask about. Perfect with denim and loafers, or layered under a blazer for dinner.
Mini dresses aren't just reserved for the months. After styling with bare legs and sandals over summer, now we're switching gears and layering tights and fine roll-necks into the mix. For evening, swap in some elegant mules, a bag and a blazer.
The richness of this golden brown is chef’s kiss. Pair with denim, cream, deep red, or navy.
Classic but with a twist—the kind you end up throwing over everything.
Throw this over a vest, Tee, or summer dress for an instant new-season update.
I love the simplicity of this pair. Style with simple jeans and a soft knit this autumn.
It's never too early to add a good jumper to your arsenal, and this is a beauty.
A perfect light layer for cooler evenings as well as a timeless layering piece.
Layer under light knits for a fresh neckline or pair with the above cardigan and flats.
The shape and colour reminds me of a vintage pair of boots I borrowed from my mum.
Wear as is or add a turtleneck underneath on cooler days.
Perfect pocket placement, a vintage vibe—no endless hunting required.
Just the right amount of detail, giving a designer-looking feel.
Looking for a slouchy, black bag? This would be my recommendation. I love the effortless shape, as well as how versatile it is for day or evening.
I’m really feeling the colour marigold at the moment and keep seeing little pops of it here and there. This incredibly easy dress by one of my favourite brands comes with a sash that can be worn with the dress to pull in the waist it and would also look great with denim. The sash also works as a headscarf and I'd play with styling this dress over trousers, too.
This summer, satin shorts have emerged as one of my hero buys of the season.
I'm a big fan of crochet, and this dress does it all. On a recent trip, I wore this style to breakfast, as a beach cover-up and then for dinner by switching up the accessories.
Consider these festival-ready boots, or just a cute option for any time of year. I love the boho feel of this pair.
