As I longingly await sunny jaunts, T-shirt weather and longer daylight hours, I still find myself waxing lyrical about the art of layering, chunky knitwear and everything faux fur. Suffice to say, dear reader, we are very much in the depths of cold-weather season, but before you recoil into your sweats, blankets and slippers, I’m here to show you how you can step out in style whilst staying warm, comfy and protected from the elements for the months ahead.
I detest the cold, and often have friends tapping me for tips on how to stay both warm and chic in equal measure. And, I can tell you that it can be done in unison. With clever hacks, investing in the right pieces and layering correctly, you can keep the biting winds and rain at bay, all while smartly improving and honing your hard-working capsule wardrobe.
My key takeaway for staying toasty in these (almost) Arctic-like temperatures is opting for naturally heat-holding fabrics like shearling, wool, merino and leather, which all hold back the cold and ensure your clothing retains the heat inside. Tech fabrics and fleece are specifically built to withstand biting cold, and so pieces in these materials make for great base layers and outerwear.
To withstand the super-cold months ahead, I’ve prepared a list of seven elegant pieces every discerning dresser should have in their arsenal. From classic wool coats to fleece-lined leggings, sturdy boots and cashmere knitwear, consider this your one-stop shop for looking cool but staying well insulated this season.
Scroll on for my edit and some inspiration from Instagram’s most elite dressers. Stay warm out there!
Shop My 7 Key Pieces for a Cold-Weather Capsule Wardrobe:
1. Classic Wool Coat
(Image credit: Future)
Style Notes: Great outerwear is a non-negotiable in the cold. Coat trends come and go, but classic long, structured wool coats will never date. Camel coats have been at the forefront of fashion for decades, so they’re an apt choice to invest in if you’re looking for something to return to, season after season, without the fear of it feeling dated. Go for something a touch oversized in fit so it can comfortably layer over knitwear and thermals.
Shop the Style:
Reformation
Tula Oversized Coat
So timeless, so cosy. The tie waist gives it an expensive allure.
ZARA
Soshiotsuki X Zara Wool Blend Coat
I always turn to Zara for classic, foundational wardrobe pieces.
Max Mara
Manuela Icon Coat
The original and the best! Max Mara coats are elite.
Anthropologie
Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Coat
I love the rich, nutty tone to this wool-blend coat.
2. V-Neck Cashmere Knitwear
(Image credit: Future)
Style Notes: Cashmere knitwear is a smart choice for cold weather days, as it just keeps the warmth in so expertly without overheating you. It also has such a luxurious look and feel that every other material pales in comparison. V-neck knits are what the cool girls are reaching for in 2026, so a cashmere V-neck is a no-brainer. Opt for a chunky iteration that sits a little higher on the décolletage, just like the style set has been wearing lately. Simple, chic and infinitely cosy.
Shop the Style:
Rise & Fall
Women’s Cashmere Merino V Neck Jumper
I have this, and can attest to how soft and warm it is.
Whistles
Neutral Cashmere V Neck Knit
This neutral knit is a great cold weather starter piece.
LOULOU DE SAISON
Anzor Cashmere Sweater
Loulou De Saison is the Parisienne brand to know now.
Reiss
Wool-Cashmere V-Neck Jumper in Chocolate Brown
Team with jeans, skirts or other chocolate-hued pieces.
3. Wide-Leg Trousers
(Image credit: Future)
Style Notes: Remaining put-together, polished and cosy is easy when you’re armed with a solid pair of wide-leg trousers. I say this because you can layer leggings, thermals or hosiery underneath for extra insulation if you so wish, without that feeling of tightness or constriction. They also drape beautifully over chunky boots and loafers, giving your legs and ankles the coverage they need against the cold, wind or rain.
Shop the Style:
ZARA
Zw Collection Wide-Leg Trousers With Pleats
Zara trousers are such a staple, and will take you from desk-side to dinner plans with ease.
MANGO
Wide-Leg Mid-Rise Pleated Trousers
Relaxed, but still so polished.
Autograph
Wide Leg Trousers With Wool
Autograph is full of exquisite wardrobe staples.
Such a great affordable buy!
4. Faux-Fur Scarves
(Image credit: Future)
Style Notes: I’ve been noticing an uptick in all things shearling, faux fur, and fuzzy over the past few months, but the biggest trend I’ve spotted on the style set is scarves made from tactile fabrics. Faux-fur scarves keep the bitter chill from reaching your neck, and these accessories add a luxurious touch to your ensembles, elegantly sitting atop wool coats and cashmere knitwear. Chocolate brown and neutral tones seem to be the hues of choice amongst fashion people, as they add a timeless, wealth-whispering appeal.
Shop the Style:
NOUR HAMMOUR
Shearling Scarf
Now, this is real shearling, and will keep you extra toasty this season. Nour Hammour is every fashion editor’s favourite outerwear brand.
New Look
Mink Faux Fur Stole Scarf
Free People
Snow Angel Faux Fur Scarf
The soft taupe tone sets this scarf apart.
Topshop
Sophie faux fur scarf in Dalmatian
Everyone is talking about animal-print right now. This Dalmatian-print scarf is so fun.
5. Thermal Leggings
(Image credit: Future)
Style Notes: Leggings will always be a staple item in any capsule wardrobe, but to level them up for frosty days, thermal or fleece-lined pairs are my go-tos. You can wear them under trousers or even team them with oversized knitwear, wool blazers or faux-fur coats for that off-duty, just-got-back-from-the-Alps look. Leather knee-high boots pair with them flawlessly, too.
Shop the Style:
M&S
Heatgen™ Thermal Shaping Leggings
Effective and affordable. M&S is unbeatable.
ASOS 4505 Ski & Snow
Ski Thermal Fleece Back Base Layer Leggings
Hitting the slopes soon? ASOS is packed full of essential base layers, like these fleece-backed leggings
Alo Yoga
Airlift Winter Warm High-Waist Leggings
The brushed interior to these leggings feels so soft on the skin.
lululemon
Thermal High-Rise Running Tight 28″
Great for running, yoga or for off-duty-looks, too.
6. Cosy Hats
(Image credit: Future)
Style Notes: Now, this trend is so up my alley. Fluffy headgear has been spotted on almost every stylish Londoner this season, and I, for one, have jumped on the bandwagon. These hats add a rich texture to your look and really do trap in the heat, which is essential for when you dare to step outdoors. I’ve been eyeing up vintage styles, classic colours and natural fabrics that team with my pared-back wardrobe—just how I like it.
Shop the Style:
Free People
Vegan Cozy Fisherman Hat
This looks vintage! Obsessed.
Toteme
Shearling Winter Hat Black
So luxe, and so chic. Team this with a shearling jacket for the full effect.
ZARA
Faux Fur Turn-Up Beanie
The limit to the faux-fur trend does not exist.
LOEWE
Leather-Trimmed Leopard-Print Shearling Bucket Hat
Leopard-print and shearling? Sign me up, Loewe!
7. Knee-High Boots
(Image credit: Future)
Style Notes: So, you want to wear a skirt, leggings or tailored shorts in winter? Best be prepared with a practical pair of knee-high boots, preferably in black leather. They’ll retain the warmth in your feet, legs and ankles, and when paired with leggings, tights or wool socks, you’ll no doubt be doubly protected from the cold. Look for styles with a rubber or lug sole, so you won’t go skidding on the ice or snow!
Shop the Style:
Whistles
Black Knee High Riding Boot
I have these boots and wear them almost daily! They are really comfortable.
Lili Curia is the London-based shoe brand to keep on your radar now.
Such a great price, and will do doubt pair with endless looks this chilly season.
PROENZA SCHOULER
Bank Leather Knee Boots
These boots are made for walking! Step out in style, courtesy of Proenza Schouler.