The 9 Best Winter Basics to Survive the Season in Style

last updated 11 November 2023

best-winter-basics-290454-1699628083637-main

Every season has its key basics. Summer has sandals, fall has light sweaters, spring has the trench, and naturally winter has its own set. While, at first, basics might not sound like the most exciting pieces in a wardrobe, today I’m here to show you that they very well can be.

Whether it’s hats and scarves or knit dresses and down jackets, these essentials aren’t just functional, they’re fashionable, too. So whether you were on the hunt for a basic or something to shake up your every day outfits, the below pieces can check both boxes off your list. Heard enough? Simply keep scrolling to shop my favorite winter pieces that will ensure you get through the season in style.

Hats

Toteme

Shearling Hat

Toteme never misses.

Nordstrom

Recycled Cashmere Blend Beanie

It's the reviews for me.

Zara

Wool Cap

The winter hat for those who don't like winter hats.

Wool coats

Favorite Daughter

The City Longline Wool & Cotton Tweed Coat

I'm loving extra long coats right now.

The Row

Malika Belted Wool-Blend Felt Coat

A forever buy that you'll never get sick of.

H&M

Wool Coat

I'll take the coat and the outfit inspo.

Knee boots

Reformation

Remy Knee Boot

I've been living in these.

Steve Madden

Brocks Buckle Boot

Our (stylish) readers are loving these.

Neil J. Rodgers

Seta Stretch Boot

Ideal for styling with a mini skirt.

Scarves

Soia & Kyo

Athena Oversize Scarf

The bigger the scarf, the better.

H&M

Cashmere-Blend Hooded Scarf

Seems fun, no?

Totême

Wool & Cashmere Scarf

Chic.

Cashmere sweaters

Proenza Schouler White Label

Cotton Cashmere Sweater

Click through to Shopbop to see all the ways you can style this reversible knit.

Nordstrom

Crewneck Cashmere Sweater

Because red is the color of the season.

Zara

Cashmere Knit Sweater

Zara does it again.

Knit dresses

Loulou Studio

Bolga Long Sleeve Merino Wool & Cashmere Blend Rib Sweater Dress

My favorite knit dresses are maxi length this year.

Topshop

Long Sleeve Maxi Sweater Dress

Just add ankle boots.

H&M

Rib-Knit Dress

A classic.

Pumps

Valentino Garavani

Nite-Out Bow-Detailed Satin Pumps

Consider me blown away.

Open Edit

Cammie Slingback Pump

A steal if you ask me.

Larroudé

X Altuzarra Exclusive Leather Slingback Pumps

Where were these all my life?

Puffers

Ganni

Mixed Media Hooded Puffer Jacket

The jacket I wish I was wearing today.

Reformation

Patagonia W's Silent Down Jacket

Can't go wrong.

R13

Refurbished Liner Puffer With Ties

I mean...

Gloves

Nordstrom

Cashmere Lined Leather Touchscreen Gloves

Touchscreen is a game-changer.

Jenni Kayne

Fingerless Cashmere Gloves

This brand never misses.

Agnelle

Kate Leather Gloves

Might red gloves be the new red tights?

Up next: 49 Expensive-Looking Winter Finds That Are Actually Affordable

Explore More:

Investment Buys

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2020, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch 90 Day Fiancé.