The 30 Items Set to Define Winter 2025 Fashion
What to buy before the temperatures drop.
As much as I'm not looking forward to walking home from the Subway at 6 p.m. in freezing temperatures and total darkness, I am excited about all the cold-weather clothes, shoes, and accessories that come with less sunlight and the promise of New York City slush. Winter is coming, people, and it's time we accept it, and by that, I mean start figuring out what to buy for the season ahead. Fortunately, there are plenty of can't-miss pieces that are warm, cozy, and very "in," thus making it possible to look chic no matter what your too-often-incorrect weather app might read.
For winter 2025, the defining buys range from Prada Fair Isle sweaters to $80 dark-wash jeans, with lots in between to fill in the gaps. Think furry stoles, Jennifer Lawrence–approved coats, and the new Uggs that everyone from Kaia Gerber to Bella Hadid has already started wearing on repeat. (I own them too, and I can confirm that they are 100% regret-proof.) And those are just the highlights. For the ultimate guide to shopping for winter 2025, keep scrolling. Trust me, you're in for a holiday treat.
Every time Grace Wales Bonner releases a new pair of Adidas sneakers, people go wild. Her collections for the sportswear brand consistently sell out, and this new satin shoe style is hardly an exception. Both this blue pair and the black version are almost completely out of stock at Adidas, but Moda Operandi still has sizes. Run.
When Hailey Bieber, who could wear jeans from practically any brand, starts repeat-wearing her Gap jeans, you know they're good. She's been wearing the low-rise version of this $80 pair, but this new, higher-rise alternative is set to take over for winter.
If you've spent as much time as I have wishing you would have just splurged on Chanel's sold-out patent-leather moccasins from last winter, you're in luck because a similar pair just arrived at Mango, and they're ready to accompany you this holiday season. Just imagine wearing them with fun socks or tights with a miniskirt or dress to festive events. I can practically hear the compliments already.
A pair of genuine-leather gloves is essential for winter. Not only are they warm, but they also make every outfit chicer and more elegant. Bonus points if you find a burgundy pair that goes to the elbow and costs less than $150. Oh, wait, I just did.
This dress already sold out once in navy blue—don't let this winter-white shade follow suit before you snag it in your size. It's a great investment because it can be worn all year long, with tights and boots in the winter and with kitten-heel mules in the spring.
After The Row's recent show, all anyone can talk about is the updos the models donned in the lookbook, all of which included French hair combs like this one from Alexandre de Paris. Want to keep your hair up and out of the wind? This is the way to do it with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's approval.
Speaking of The Row, the brand's new Alger shoulder bag is quickly becoming a Margaux competitor. Kendall Jenner has been spotted carrying hers for a few weeks now, and most recently, it was spotted on the shoulder of Elsa Hosk. It's currently sold out on the brand's website, but don't worry. We found an available version.
With her Alger bag, Elsa Hosk wore this viral green suede jacket from her brand Helsa in the chicest way possible. Green jackets have slowly but surely been taking over fashion, with versions by Burberry and Prada being spotted on the streets of Paris and runways in Milan.
The double-layer skirt trend is heading into winter, but unlike the summer and fall versions, this time, you can get it for an affordable price—$90 to be exact. Zara just released this black-and-white style that's truly too chic to pass up.
Want the sunglasses every It girl in Paris and New York City are wearing right now? The Elvie from French eyewear brand Jimmy Fairly is the pair for you, and before you try to argue that sunglasses are for summer only, stop. That's simply not true.
We're almost to winter, which is probably why all I want to wear is plaid, from button-down shirts to midi skirts. If it's checked, I want it, and I'm not the only one. Brands like The Row, COS, Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, and more are all leaning into the print this season, but my personal favorite version is this one from Aflalo, one of the It brands of the year.
Sorry, beanies, but this winter, cloche hats are dominating the cold-weather accessories game, and for $79, you can get one of the chicest, simplest versions I've found on the market. Don't pay top dollar for this trend when you can save and look just as elegant.
Fringe jackets have officially taken over, but of all the ones on the market, this Polo Ralph Lauren leather version is the one I'm spotting most. So many styles are oversize and suede, so the fact that this one is cropped and made of buttery-yellow leather sets it apart, making it a smart investment for the season ahead.
If you're feeling particularly anti-jeans this winter, I have just the pair of pants for you. These dark-red corduroys are unexpected but surprisingly easy to style, particularly because the shade of red isn't loud or statement-making. It's surprisingly neutral, meaning it works well with black, brown, tan, and more.
Before you buy any pair of Uggs this winter, consider the new Classic Micro slipper-mule that's taking over Hollywood and Manhattan as we speak. Kaia Gerber and Bella Hadid have already been spotted wearing them, and when I recently went to the Knicks game at Madison Square Garden, I saw multiple attendees donning the cozy slip-ons. Convinced yet? You should be.
Doên's viral lace-trim Iona Shorts might not be available in the original Bone color, but a new black version just launched, and I'm already thinking about ways to style them for colder weather. With tights and boots? Hell yes. Paired with a super-chunky sweater? Absolutely. Under a floor-length wool coat? Chic, chic, chic!
This perfect evening holiday bag just arrived from Pirrie Wright and Marlies Grace, and it's destined to sell out before the parties commence.
These Dorsey drop earrings just arrived, and already, I'm seeing them all over my Instagram feed. Simple, sophisticated, and perfect for pairing with LBDs and winter sweater outfits.
Sofia Richie Grainge's new brand SRG has quickly become a hit online, with creators quickly adding the quiet luxury pieces into their everyday wardrobes. This suede quarter-zip is proving to be one of her top items, and I can see why.
For the winter genie pants you've been waiting for, I introduce you to this Zara pair, which is made of a satin-like material that is perfect for wearing with kitten heels and sleek knits all winter long.
All your winter sweater-and-jeans outfits will benefit from this pair of burgundy mules. Not only is the color so 2025, but the shape is also timeless and versatile, making them both on-trend and classic, the ultimate combo in all of fashion.
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
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