13 Luxurious Winter It Items, and the More Affordable Ones I'm Shopping Instead

We're barely into November but Instagram is already flooded with luxurious winter items to covet, from those instantly famous Chanel tights to the new Gucci It bag I can't stop thinking about. I've come across lots of cozy, winter-friendly items that are strong contenders to be It items in the near future, but especially with gift-giving season quickly approaching, dropping a lot of cash on designer goods may not be all that feasible. 

So, I did what any fashion-loving girl would do and found some more affordable alternatives that are just as cool but much less costly. Winter dressing will undoubtedly be a little different this year, and I, for one, plan on shopping smartly (i.e. for fewer items that I'll wear a lot). I kept that in mind when choosing these items, so I hope you find them as useful as I do. Keep scrolling to shop the 13 winter It items I'm coveting, along with the alternatives I'd actually buy.

Totême Quilted Annecy Coat

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Totême outerwear is as good as it gets, in my opinion. I have the wool-cashmere camel version of this coat and it's a dream. Now, I have my sights set on this quilted iteration, which is far better for inclement weather. 

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Khaite Cashmere Sweater Set

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(Image credit: @jennymwalton )

By now we all know and love this iconic Khaite sweater set that Katie Holmes made so very famous. It remains an It item and the price tag remains high. This Reformation set gives a similar effect for a fraction of the price.

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Marine Serre Logo Jeans

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(Image credit: @thora_valdimars)

Marine Serre's signature moon print has been one of the most highly coveted designer logos of 2020. Even Beyoncé is a fan. The jeans don't come cheap, but truth be told, I love the Alexander Wang ones just as much.

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The Attico Cropped Cardigan

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

I think we could all use a little color to cheer us up right about now. This The Attico cardigan is gorgeous (and would look great with jeans) but if you want to get a similar look for far less, I found an excellent alternative at Anthropologie.

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Bottega Veneta Tire Boots

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Hands down, these Bottega Veneta lug-sole Chelsea boots are the #1 It boots of winter 2020. That said, there are lots and lots of similar styles on the market, so take your pick. I'm particularly fond of this Vagabond pair I found on Urban Outfitters.

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Gucci Jackie 1961 Small Hobo Bag

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(Image credit: @luciacuesta_)

If I could buy one designer bag this season, this would be it. It looks vintage in all the right ways and is the perfect size. But another It bag I love is BY FAR's Amber bag, which is around $500.

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Chanel Logo Tights

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

These Chanel tights that everyone lost it over when they came down the runway are such a hot item, you can't even order them (although a few of the resale sites have them). Luckily, Zara has a lovely alternative for a mere $18.

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Ganni Whipstitched Leather Trousers

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(Image credit: @natashandlovu)

I'm not a fan of leather skinny pants but when I saw this straight leg Ganni pair, I did a double-take. They're so good. And coincidentally, Agolde just came out with a recycled leather version of its popular Pinch Waist '90s jeans.

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Amina Muaddi Holli Slingback Pumps

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(Image credit: @taniasarin)

Every pair of Amina Muaddi shoes have been an It item since she hit the scene, for obvious reasons—but I also can't get over how good this Tory Burch pair with the chain detail on the heel is. 

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Prada Logo Tote Bag

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Prada is my favorite designer brand right now (along with many other people), so of course I want this bag. It's the perfect size and shape and will never go out of style, mark my words.

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Loulou Studio Cableknit Sweater

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(Image credit: @_jeanettemadsen_)

I have a Loulou Studio sweater obsession right now, and this cable-knit one is fueling it. This exact cozy sweater is sold out (don't worry I found a similar one), but I also found an incredible H&M one that could pass as a far more expensive sweater.

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Roger Vivier Viv Rangers Loafers

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Chunky loafers is winter's biggest flat-shoe trend, and Roger Vivier made one of the most luxurious versions on the market. But if you don't have over-$1k to spend on this pilgrim-esque pair, Sam Edelman makes a chic alternative for just $140.

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Chanel Pearl-Strap Bag

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(Image credit: @louloudesaison)

People go crazy over pearl-adorned Chanel items, and the brand's latest use of them is on bag straps. But if you love the detail but have more of Zara budget, you're in luck. I found a beautiful substitute that will set you back just $50.

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Next up, 19 It brands and the best item to buy from each this season.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.