I've never once lived in a warm place, having grown up in Chicago before moving to New York after college, yet winter still stumps me fashion-wise every single year, especially those years when Mother Nature is extra testy. (This is one of those years.) But there are people who just get it—people whose style thrives in cold temperatures thanks to strategic layering and even more strategic shopping.
Lucky for me, a lot of those elite cold-weather dressers work in the desks adjacent to mine, which is exactly why I called on them after the brutal temperature drop in NYC recently to share those items that they've come back to time and again this season to keep them warm while simultaneously allowing them to maintain the integrity of their personal style. It's a fine line, but I swear that no one does it better than my co-workers here at WWW.
Scroll through their winter hero items, from Uniqlo Heattech (duh) to the perfect cashmere sweater.
"This has been my favorite sweater purchase of the year. The fit is so good, and it's ridiculously soft. After wearing the red one constantly, I wisely ordered it in brown too." — Allyson Payer, Senior Editor
"After owning Sheertex tights, I don't think I ever need to buy another tights brand again." — Payer
"I ordered this coat way back in the fall, knowing that I'd need the built-in scarf to keep me warm in the wintertime, and man, am I glad that I had the forethought to do so because I throw this on constantly. It's saved me on many a cold day." — Eliza Huber, Editor
"This is one thing I always borrow from the men's section. I love to layer my sweaters over a classic white tee, especially when it's a crewneck sweater and the tee peeks out a bit around the collar." — Jennifer Camp Forbes, Shopping Updates Editor
"I probably have 10 pairs of 501s at this point, but this winter, I've been grabbing for my dark-wash style most often. They just look more elevated and put-together than my light-wash options, especially when styled with mostly black, like a black button-down shirt or cashmere sweater and kitten-heel pumps or boots." — Huber
"Cashmere that looks designer without the price tag? Yes, please. Needless to say, it was an instant 'add to cart' moment when I came across this neutral turtleneck sweater. It always gets me compliments whenever I am out and about." — Camp Forbes
"After wearing Nanushka's leather puffer, you'll never want to try another puffer jacket again. I remember renting it through Rent the Runway in college, and it kept me incredibly warm through a freezing trip to Michigan. Years later, I finally own the jacket and love it just as much as I did back then. Nanushka is known for its buttery-soft vegan leather, and the hype this jacket has received in the past from the fashion set is very much well-deserved." — Yusra Siddiqui, Associate Editor
"I've been wearing these on heavy rotation with everything from leggings to dresses. Not only are they incredibly comfortable, but they also scratched my itch for '90s-inspired sneakers with metallic detailing." — Camp Forbes
"Let's be honest. Dressing for dinner or a night out in the winter is not fun. You're always thinking about how cold you might be and whether the place you are going to has coat check. However, this Helsa sweaterdress totally changed that. It is warm and the perfect simple sweaterdress that can be dressed up or down, and it goes well with every pair of boots in my closet. Helsa saves the day yet again." — Grace O'Connell-Joshua, Assistant Shopping Editor
"I've been wearing this quilted jacket for the past several winters, and I honestly don't know what I wore before I owned it. Even thick sweaters fit under it without it looking weird." — Payer
"This is a big splurge I blame Taylor Swift for, but I can tell you it is worth every penny. I love the slouchy, relaxed look it gives and have worn it with skirts, jeans, and trousers alike." — Natalie Gray Herder, Editor, Branded Content
"I read that there was one day last week when the temperature here in New York was lower than in Antarctica. Needless to say, the winter has been harsh, and I've been reaching for these heavenly cashmere socks at every chance I get with boots while working from home and even with a pair of pumps." — Anna LaPlaca, Editor
"I had the mob wife aesthetic before it was really a thing, and fur coats have been on repeat in my closet. While I love my statement floor-length one, this cropped option is incredible too." — Sierra Mayhew, Associate Editor
"After living in cold climates for years, I've found the key to surviving is layering. You can make just about any item winter ready if you add thermal layers underneath—even warm-weather items like dresses and skirts. While you can't go wrong with any thermal layer, I swear by Uniqlo's Heattech leggings, which work for ultra-chilly climates." — Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, Editor
"I've been wearing these on heavy rotation with everything from leggings to dresses. Not only are they incredibly comfortable, but they also scratched my itch for '90s-inspired sneakers with metallic detailing." — Camp Forbes
"There are turtlenecks, and then there's Wolford's iconic Colorado turtleneck. I guess there's a reason why celebs like Jennifer Lopez and Emily Ratajkowski wear theirs nonstop. The material is on the thicker side, which is ideal for cold-weather layering. The neckline is stitched so that it actually stays upright and doesn't awkwardly bunch down like so many others do." — LaPlaca
"I swear every outfit I've liked this winter has included a pair of fishnet tights. Usually, I have on a long coat, so these just peaking out the bottom helps to make my look a bit more interesting than just a coat and boots or heels." — Huber
"After searching high and low for the perfect pinstripe wool coat, I'm pleased to report I found the winner, and it's on sale. It makes even the most basic winter outfit look more polished." — Gray Herder
"I recently decided to splurge on a pair of long leather opera gloves from Jil Sander—it's the best money I've ever spent. Not only do they do an immaculate job of keeping me warm, but they also add that dash of drama that's missing from my 'dull' winter staples." — Fox-Suliaman
"I have loads of sweaters, yet I can't stop wearing this one in particular. The oversize look never gets old to me, and it's super cozy and warm. I only have it in one color, but now, I'm considering adding more to my collection." — Mayhew
"Maybe this one's obvious, but I don't think I would've ever survived NYC winters without my Uniqlo Heattech. I prefer the men's styles because their silhouettes are more comfortable, and they have more of the colors I like. I'm not good with the cold despite being born in NY and living in NJ my entire life, but wearing this keeps me from complaining about the weather." — Siddiqui
"I've worn my COS coat so frequently this fall and winter that it's like my second skin at this point. The structured shoulder and double-breasted shape are superb. As is the ankle-grazing length, which gives off such a chic silhouette that I always look good in it, whether I'm wearing a gown or sweats underneath. (Both have been done.)" — LaPlaca
The COS coat is sold out. Shop this similar style instead.
"As I said before, I'm not good with the cold, so getting dressed in the morning can be a challenge. After all, why would I want to wear anything else besides my pajamas and blanket? But if there is an item that makes me feel like getting dressed even when it's snowing outside, it's my colorful ACNE Studios scarf. I've had mine for almost two years now, and it has me looking forward to venturing out into the cold. It doesn't matter what I'm wearing underneath, as the scarf makes everything feel a bit more put-together and provides additional warmth." — Siddiqui
"I got these almost three years ago for their looks. This was back when Puddle Boots were super trendy, but I had no idea at the time that they'd end up being my most practical pair of shoes. I've worn them through multiple snowstorms and torrential downpours and just on cold days when all I want to have on are these, thick wool socks, and leggings. They're perfect because, while still fashiony, they're ultimately utilitarian, so they really check off every box." — Huber
"By far, one of my best investments for winter has been this coat. I've wanted a fur coat for a while, and I finally landed on the perfect one. The faux fur is super soft, and it looks so effortlessly luxurious. No lie, I get compliments every single time I wear it. You can also get it in a longer version, which is perfect for the mob wife aesthetic that's having a moment right now." — Emma Walsh, Associate Beauty Editor, Branded Content
"It might not be great for my hair's appearance, but when it's 10º like it was earlier in January, I need my wool-cashmere COS balaclava to keep my face and head warm, especially in the mornings when I'm going to a workout class while it's still dark out. If you don't have one and always feel like your neck and head are freezing, I suggest buying this exact option. Even better, it's chic too." — Huber
"This right here is the perfect long-sleeved ribbed tee for layering. Extra points for the thumbhole that helps me keep my hands warm." — Gray Herder
"While puffer jackets aren't exactly at the top of my list of favorite outerwear pieces, this Mackage puffer has been a lifesaver this winter. Every New Yorker has a good black puffer in their collection, and while this one is a little pricey, I know I'll wear it for years to come. After all the snow NYC has been getting this winter, I have a feeling I'll be wearing this jacket more often than not." — O'Connell-Joshua
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