Ever find yourself overwhelmed when shopping for a new season? Even as an editor, I find it challenging to nail down my winter shopping list. This is partially because combing through Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Revolve on the daily to scope out the best affordable coats, cozy sweaters, or chunky knee-high boots can make the wishlist stack up, but also because there are so many winter trends this season that are worth adopting.
So what’s worth investing in this winter? We turned to 19 stylish women living everywhere from Oslo to Chicago that know a thing or two about shopping (and dressing for) the colder months ahead. Keep reading to see which winter staples they swear by, which winter trends they’re buying into, and the stylish winter shopping items already in their carts.
WHO: Alina Frolova
WHERE: New York, NY
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you’ll skip?
Saturated hues have been on my mind lately; I can not stop thinking about that deep, bright, cobalt blue hue. This color has become my new obsession. In terms of what I’ll be skipping, it would be anything that falls under the umbrella of "party fashion"—sequins, glitter, metallic, and all the other sparkling things are just not me.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
Faux-fur coats! I grew up in Russia, and I’ve been wearing them forever. It’s just the most practical, eco-friendly, and timeless piece for winter I believe every woman should have.
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
I’m always cold, so keeping my hands and feet in comfort is my first priority. Also, accessories make our style more personal and complete, so these Jil Sander Gloves are at the top of my wish list.
No winter shopping list is complete without knitwear. I love this Zara cashmere dress. It’s trendy and warm. What else can I ask for?
WHO: Shara Zaman
WHERE: Toronto, Canada
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
I am all about cable-knit sweaters, oversize coats, a well-tailored suit, and some knee-high boots this season. I love to keep it minimalistic and contemporary. A trend I think I’ll skip out on this year are moon boots. The slope style is appealing when you are literally going down a slope.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
One piece I swear by that helps me survive every winter is a coat. Not just any coat—it has to be a knee-length, oversize, beige two-button coat.
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
Vegan leather pants are essential this winter. They just dress up any outfit from day to night.
WHO: Candace Smith
WHERE: Chicago, Illinois
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
I'm most excited about saturated colors! In the Midwest, winters can be a bit dreary, so the vibrant colors are a great pop. I will be skipping Gen Z inspired trends. As someone who attended high school in 2000, I've been there and done that!
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
I live in Chicago, so boots are a must! I've had the Izzie Sherpa boots by Marc Fisher on my wish list this season.
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
My style is classic with a twist, and I recently purchased the perfect piece: this chartreuse trench coat by Pantora. I'm in love with the color, and It will look great with denim or add a twist to neutral outfits.
This sequinned set by Eloquii screams holiday festivities!
WHO: Xafsa Ismail
WHERE: Finland, Helsinki
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
I'm very excited to start wearing puffer jackets again. They've been around for a while and don't seem to be going out of style anytime soon. I will probably skip the slope style (for example, moon shoes), even though we do ski and ice skate here in Finland. Unless I'm going to a ski resort, I don't see myself purchasing anything to do with sloping/skiing gear this winter.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
A very good puffer jacket is a must to survive the cold while also looking stylish! Since it gets freezing here, that's something I'm ready to splurge on again and again.
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
I've been looking out for knitwear co-ord sets because they're easy to style and oh-so-cozy.
In addition to knit sets, I'm just excited to slip into chunky knitted sweaters in every form.
WHO: Alyssa Marie
WHERE: Denver, Colorado
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
I'm obsessed with layering in the winter. I gravitate towards mixing prints, vests, baggy pants and sweaters, blazers, chunky hats, layering a turtleneck with a waistcoat and leather jacket is *chef’s kiss*. I'll skip knee-high boots this season and replace them with my cowboy boots.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
I'd have to say a good staple boot. My go-to's are my Jeffrey Campbell cowboy boots.
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
I love the colors and print playfulness, but I love the boxy shape this jacket gives.
I love adding knit pieces like this to my wardrobe. I can choose to style it as the central piece in an outfit or just as an additional layer.
WHO: Emma-Danielle
WHERE: London, United Kingdom
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
I'll be skipping teddy coats this season, as I'm obsessed with long coats for the winter.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
My Prada puffer jacket for sure. The icy London wind is impenetrable when I have this jacket on!
A knitted vest would be a very stylish addition to my winter wardrobe.
A simple but envious cowboy boot is at the top of my wish list for the season.
WHO: Lola
WHERE: Los Angeles, California
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
I'm in love with the idea of tonal tailoring—give me all the layers. In terms of what I'll be skipping this winter, anything inspired by the '00s isn’t for me.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
My cream trench coat. It's for sure my survival piece.
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
This Proenza Schouler jacket is by far my favorite puffer coat for the colder days.
You can't forget a good leather bootie to dress up or down.
WHO: Fatimah Sansar
WHERE: Atlanta, Georgia
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
I'm so glad that faux furs are back with a bang! Furry pieces are a girl's best friend, especially during the winter season, so I’m super pumped about this trend! In terms of what I'll be skipping this winter season, while the overly exaggerated, oversize bag is having its moment, I'm not mad at it, but for me, it's overwhelming at this point. I think I'll pass on this trend until it resonates with my personal style.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
In my opinion, a puffer coat is the most practical winter fashion staple. It's proven to stand the test of time, and there are such chic takes on the staple to shop currently like the cloud coat that makes it a powerful piece in anyone’s wardrobe.
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
Furry pieces are always up my alley, and I love a good statement coat that can elevate any boring outfit. It's a no-brainer. I was drawn to the Stand Studio Coat—it ticks all the boxes for me this winter!
Hanifa's Zoe boots are the showstopping piece missing from my shoe collection. I love a stylish boot that can deliver a "wow" effect without compromising its functionality, and this one has a smooth silhouette, and the calf area is curvy/plus-girl friendly. I can't wait to lay my hands on these!
WHO: Matilde Mantini
WHERE: Rome, Italy
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
This winter is going to be all about tailoring: relaxed trousers, oversize blazers, and wool coats. I only want to invest in timeless pieces that will immediately give you that effortlessly cool look, so I'm going to skip the all Y2K aesthetic this winter.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
A classic for the winter season is a striped sweater. It's a must.
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
Chunky scarves with bright colors are a must for this season.
Black leather and white, fuzzy faux shearling make the perfect combination for a winter coat.
WHO: Shanti Djenné
WHERE: Dallas, Texas
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
I am looking forward to styling bold and saturated colors, thick knits, faux-fur pieces, and tonal tailored looks! Right now, my favorite thing in my closet is my faux-fur bucket hat—I can't get enough of it. As far as what I won't be buying into this winter, anything with over-the-top logos isn't for me.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
Insulated undergarments are a must for winter. They are seamless when it comes to layering and staying warm!
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
I absolutely love finding unique pieces for the winter. These 2-in-1 heel boots are on the top of my list!
I have been searching for the perfect long cardigan, and I think I may have found it!
WHO: Monique
WHERE: London, United Kingdom
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
As a stylist, I'm pretty obsessed with all the trends set for this season. My current obsession is stirrup leggings. I love when fashion trends circle back, and this is one I believe to be a subtle game changer to any basic outfit. While highly saturated bright colors are a key and fun trend for this year, I can't say I'll be getting too involved. It's just not my personal style—I like to stick to elevated minimalism.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
While a cashmere sweater, boots, and a staple coat are, in my opinion, great winter investments, I swear by my ACNE Studios scarf. I never go a winter without it. It provides all the warmth and comfort I need to challenge the cold and still look chic.
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
The first purchase on my list is this Source Unkown sweetheart neckline long knit dress in ivory. I look forward to styling it with a pair of nude Louboutin Pigalles and a red lip or a pair of black boots for a more casual look.
Who would have thought a faux-fur hat would be a must-have, but it sure is in my book this winter! I'm currently in love with this one from Zara and can't wait to wear it with a tonal or color-block style coat.
WHO: Christina Noia
WHERE: Chicago, Illinois
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
I am so excited for leather blazers! I'm a blazer girl, and adding leather to the mix is just perfection. In terms of trends I'm skipping, I will pass on camo this season (and maybe forever?). I wasn't into it in the early ’00s either, so it's just not meant to be.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
Living in Chicago, I'd have to say it's my vintage shearling coat. It's a lifesaver, literally. It's oversize enough to layer my chunky knits and blazers underneath, which is critical in the winter months!
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
I was hesitant at first, but I'm here for riding boots again. The chunky soles on these make these classic boots feel more edgy and fun.
I'm addicted to anything midi-length, and dresses are no exception. I adore the color, pattern, and retro feel of this knit midi. All that's missing is a chic pair of knee- or thigh-high boots.
WHO: Petra Henriette Rufi
WHERE: Oslo, Norway
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
I am a huge fan of colors, so saturated hues are a winter trend I'm excited about. The winter in Norway is so dull—everybody dresses in black, white, beige, dark blue, or dark green. So hopefully, I will inspire more people to wear more color popping pieces. In terms of what I'm not jumping on this winter, the oversize carryall bags aren't for me, as I hate carrying too many things with me.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
Don't underestimate the power of a hat. A knitted balaclava is timeless and will keep you warm all winter long.
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
These slingback pumps from Prada also make a whole outfit looks complete. I love the pointy toe and the sporty rubber sole.
Everyone needs a cool puffer jacket.
WHO: Khadija Sillah
WHERE: Los Angeles, California
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
I have to say I'm the most excited about saturated bright colors! I'm so happy people are embracing vibrant colors again and that designers are making them more wearable for us. Neutrals have completely dominated these past few years, so I'm excited to move away from them and embrace colors.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
This cardigan has gone through the past three winters with me, and it still looks like I bought it yesterday. It's super warm and has helped me handle seasonal transitions here on the west coast, where the cold weather is sporadic and unpredictable.
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
I can't stop thinking about Urban Outfitters' exclusive Champion collection. I love comfy sets for lounging around the house, so I need every piece from them.
Everything Farm Rio does is amazing in general, but their knitwear is literally out of control. I've never seen anything like their sweaters and cardigans. Each piece is so unique!
WHO: Kylee Walker
WHERE: Vancouver, Canada
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
I'll be skipping investing in neutral pieces this season to embrace saturated hues. I have always been a fan of vibrant colors for the summer/spring, so I am excited to see it take over neutrals this fall/winter.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
A warm, puffy down jacket! These are a key staple piece to the perfect winter wardrobe. I especially love black lamé nylon jackets for this winter. They can elevate a casual outfit.
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
I have my eyes set on this beautiful baby pink velvet sweatpants and puffer jacket set from Moncler! It gives me major Paris Hilton vibes. It's perfect for trips to the ski hill, and you'll be the most fashionable one there.
Shopping for brightly colored trench coats, blazers, and pants this season is a must for me.
WHO: Amida Williams
WHERE: London, United Kingdom
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
I'm a big fan of tailoring, so that's what I’ll be investing in this winter. I'm not into furs, so I won't try out the furry trend that's taken over runways.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
The one staple piece I'll always wear every winter is a pair of chunky boots. I love how a chunky boot can give a masculine edge to an outfit and is also comfortable.
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
This would be a dream wool coat to add to my closet. The style of this coat is effortless and yet stylish. This is the sort of coat that would last you forever.
I've been loving platform boots. I'm not a big fan of high-heeled shoes, but platform shoes make it very easy for me to walk in heels and are surprisingly very comfortable.
WHO: Chandni Shah
WHERE: New York, NY
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
I'm currently obsessed with the knee-high boots trend. The great thing about this trend is that you can purchase affordable boots and still get the same high-end and elevated feel. In terms of trends I would skip, I'm very into my neutrals, so getting into color for winter is pretty hard for me. I love seeing it on others, but I'm in a long-term relationship with my neutrals.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
As cliché as it sounds, winter is all about coats. Each year I treat myself to one winter coat/jacket because I know it's something I'll use often, and to me, it's a necessity and something to invest in. Every year, I try to pick out a different style (sometimes puffers, shackets, peacoats, etc.) that brings me joy.
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
We've seen this dream Cinderella shoe everywhere, and I think this is the perfect shoe for any holiday look. Definitely on my wish list!
How comfy and chic is this?
WHERE: London, United Kingdom
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
I'll be skipping anything that's not minimal and investing in winter staples like tailored coats, chunky cable knits, and knee-high boots.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
It's a long black tailored coat for me, always. Throw it on every outfit, and it will immediately make it so chic. The trick is in the length—make sure it's really long past the calves, closer to the ankles!
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
Arket Knits, as always, are my obsession in the winter—they have a great selection of cashmere. And I have loved this knit vest lately, as the texture and color are perfect for a gray day in London.
Miista boots remain top tier. I have eyeing them up for a few years now, and hopefully, this will be the year I get my hand on a pair! They are just so classy while at the same time so unique.
WHO: Thalie S. Gagnon
WHERE: Quebec, Canada
Which winter trend are you most interested in for the season? Which one do you think you'll skip?
I'm obsessed with vibrant colors for winter. After such a dark year, I need something more extra to cheer me up. In terms of trends I'll skip, I won't be shopping Y2K fashion. I grew up in the 2000s, so the thought of low-rise jeans, swirl prints, and butterfly clips make me anxious.
Is there one key piece you swear by to survive winter every year?
Honestly, I'm torn between my puffer coat and a beanie hat—they're winter essentials.
What pieces have you been eyeing for winter?
A teddy coat is at the top of my wish list for winter because I'm always cold! Going out in a blanket? Definitely a vibe. This one would perfectly complete my neutral looks.
I'm not a ski person, but après-ski fashion is absolutely a must-shop for winter! Since last year, I've been dreaming of Moon Boots and haven't got my hands (or feet) on a pair yet. How stunning are they?
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