Put Down the Puffer Coat—These 8 It Buys Are the Blueprint for Elegant Dressing This Winter

In my opinion, winter gets a bad rap. Yes, it is the season when the temperatures drop, the days get darker and the run-up to Christmas can often be more stressful than magical, but there's something about prioritising comfort and cosying up in soft layers that makes the shift from autumn to winter one of my favourite times of the year.

For that same reason, dressing for winter doesn't have to be complicated; it's just all about finding that sweet spot between practicality and polish. As the days get colder and the layers get thicker, the season’s most coveted pieces so far are conclusive proof that winter-appropriate needn’t mean "boring", and if you were thinking of raincoats, wellies and thermals, think again. This winter, the fashion set is investing in elevated knitwear, comfy shoes and the kind of considered accessories that make getting dressed on even the coldest mornings feel effortless.

So, whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe with a few key additions, investing in pieces you’ll return to year after year, or just curious to know how fashion insiders are shopping right now, these are the winter buys worth knowing about in 2026.

The 8 Winter It Buys Set to Dominate 2026

1. Shearling Flats

Style Notes: The recent renaissance of the Ugg boot should really have been our first indicator that no matter what the runways might suggest, comfy shoes are still top of our agenda when winter rolls around. Not a fan of the slouchy boot? 2026's elevated answer is the shearling flat— combining the comfort of your favourite slippers with the practicality of an everyday shoe, this cosy style proves that cold-weather dressing can be both comfortable and considered.

From plush lined loafers to soft shearling mules, designers are giving the humble flat a luxurious update for 2026, but it's Mary Janes and ballerinas that have really caught my eye. Style them with relaxed denim and oversized knitwear for an effortless weekend look, or use them to soften the feel of tailored trousers for the office. Cosy, chic and surprisingly easy to wear, consider these the shoes your winter wardrobe has been waiting for.

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2. Colour-Pop Scarves

Style Notes: It's one thing to notice a trend quietly bubbling up in stores, but another when it starts getting celebrity approval, and this year is undoubtedly the year of the colour-pop scarf. For those who shrank away from the thought of 2025's fiery red, or 2026's breakthrough royal purple, the easiest way to integrate a statement colour and to breathe new life into even the most understated cold-weather outfit is with a bright scarf layered over a neutral outfit.

While classic colours like camel and black will always have their place, this season sees scarves in punchy reds, vibrant cobalt blues, strong greens and, of course, rich violet taking centre stage. Whether draped over a simple wool coat, thrown on with your favourite knitwear or styled with an otherwise pared-back denim look, a shot of colour in the form of a scarf offers an instant outfit lift without requiring a complete wardrobe overhaul. It might be a small styling detail, but it makes a surprisingly big impact, and it could be one of the most effortless ways to make your winter wardrobe feel fresh with just one purchase.

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3. Buckle Boots

Style Notes: If slipper-esque shearling shoes don't take your fancy, perhaps you'll prefer the toughness of a buckle boot. From Dior's logo-adorned straps to Ann Demeulemeester's gothic stompers, heavy-duty buckles brought a welcome dose of attitude to the autumn/winter runways and gave us a new style crush in the process.

From sleek leather styles with subtle hardware to chunkier, biker-inspired silhouettes stamped with multiple buckles, there’s a version to suit every aesthetic, and what makes them particularly appealing is their ability to work with just about any winter outfit. With straight-leg jeans, wool skirts, romantic dresses or even capri pants (see Fia's look, pictured above), easy-to-wear but directional buckle boots are a winter investment that will work hard in your wardrobe well beyond this year.

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4. Zip-Up Jumpers

Style Notes: From the moment Matthieu Blazy opened the Chanel pre-fall 2026 show with a simple camel three-quarter zip and jeans, zip-up jumpers have overtaken the cardigan as the knitwear to know in 2026. Equal parts cosy knit and a sporty sweatshirt, this versatile piece has quickly become a favourite among the fashion set and works perfectly with the white tees and turtlenecks you already have in your wardrobe.

Whether you wear it fully zipped as a high-neck jumper with tailored trousers for a more put-together feel, or leave it undone over a basic tee with relaxed denim as seen on the runways, we're happy to back any trend that is comfortable, practical and has an air of "lazy chic". It's the kind of wardrobe addition that makes everyday dressing feel like you've made a little bit more effort.

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5. Faux-Fur Stoles

Style Notes: Whilst fashion is still in the throes of its maximalist era, "opera dressing" is all over our mood boards, and although the robe coat is one of the smash hits of the season, so too is the faux fur stole. If you didn't get your hands on a fur-trimmed coat this winter, a separate scarf can be paired with just about anything to get the same luxurious finish. Used as a touch of old-school glamour on even the simplest winter outfits, throw one over a tailored wool coat to take tailoring to new heights, or pair it with a gothic lace dress for an interesting contrast of textures. If you love party season but hate glitter and sequins, this accessory will make a big difference to your evening looks.

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6. Corduroy Trousers

Style Notes: Now, I'm not saying that jeans are "out", but corduroy is offering a more interesting alternative to the usual denim and tailoring that we so often rely on in winter. Most of this comes down to the texture, of course, and just like silk, suede and glossy leather, the wonderfully tactile feel of corduroy brings a sense of vintage charm and premium quality to everyday dressing. You'll spot the street-style set wearing wide-leg and relaxed straight-leg cuts in rich autumnal shades like chocolate brown, burgundy and black this winter, teamed with their favourite cashmere knits and loafers for an understated look that feels as good as it looks. Just ask Anouk Vye (pictured above).

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7. "Ziger"-Print Bags

Style Notes: Why commit to one animal print when you can wear two at once? Move over leopard print, because "ziger" is making a strong case for itself as the statement print of the season. Classic zebra stripes are reimagined in tiger colours, bringing a bolder, more directional feel to everyday accessories than the ubiquitous leopard.

Sleek shoulder bags appear to be the fashion crowd's current obsession, with practical totes and compact top-handles all rendered in big cat stripes to add instant personality to even monochrome outfits. With a tiger-print bag doing all the talking, there's no need to commit to a complete wardrobe overhaul to stay ahead this winter; this is the easy way to tap into a bold new look with just one purchase.

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8. Knee-Length Leather Skirts

Style Notes: If there's one skirt trend that has been dominating conversation for the last year, it's the knee-length skirt, and for winter you can expect to see it everywhere in seasonally appropriate leather. Polished, slick and effortlessly cool, this versatile silhouette continues to be a fashion-person favourite for autumn/winter, but unlike the cotton or silk iterations, tough leather stops the "awkward" length from feeling too twee.

Whether you opt for a sleek black pencil style like Sylvie Mus (pictured above) or a more relaxed A-line cut, the leather knee skirt offers endless styling possibilities for the colder months. Wear it for work with knee-high boots and an oversized knit for an easy, everyday look, or dress it up with a sheer, fitted top and pointed heels for an evening option. Sorry, leather trousers, but we're in our skirt era now.

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