WINTER WARDROBE ESSENTIALS
STYLE NOTES:
From big coats to bold boots, here’s how to build a winter wardrobe that really works.
Contributors:
- PHOTOGRAPHY:JEREMY FRENCH
Winter gets a bad reputation for cold mornings and soggy commutes, but style-wise it’s prime time. The first real cold spell always brings the same feeling: the urge to wrap yourself in something soft, dig out your favourite coat and silently vow to dress better than you did last winter. Because despite the rain, the dark afternoons and the unreliable heating on public transport, winter offers something no other season can: the chance to create outfits with depth. Layers become storylines, colours look richer, silhouettes get braver. It’s not just about staying warm; it’s about rediscovering what your wardrobe can do when the temperature drops.
Of course, winter dressing isn’t without its challenges. You’re balancing freezing pavements with overheated trains, darting between icy winds and warm offices, all while trying to figure out if your coat is going to save you or suffocate you. That’s why a well-thought-out wardrobe is essential. Think soft cashmere, outerwear that genuinely earns its place, boots sturdy enough for the weather, and accessories that tie everything together without adding bulk.
Consider this your guide to the winter essentials that carry you from December to the first thaw.
1. COATS
Your coat is the main character of winter. It’s the piece that does all the heavy lifting and instantly makes you look put together (even if you’re wearing pyjamas underneath). This winter it’s all about luxe, longline silhouettes in wool and cashmere, with camel, charcoal and black still holding their place as classics. Alternatively, chocolate brown and deep burgundy are everywhere this season and make any outfit feel instantly richer.
Shape-wise, the trends are clear: oversized tailoring, sharp lapels and dramatic collars. Max Mara’s double-breasted coats tap into that sculptural minimalism dominating 2025, while exaggerated cuts bring a cool, creative energy. And let’s not forget the Burberry trench. Still iconic, still relevant, and primed for wintertime: layered over chunky knits, belted tight against the cold, or worn open with oversized scarves for that effortless city chic.
When styling, think balance. A sculptural coat doesn’t need a loud outfit underneath; let it take the spotlight. Add structure with a sleek bag, soften things with leather gloves, and yes, sunglasses in winter still work. And if in doubt? Belt it up. A cinched waist pulls everything together with zero effort.
2. LEATHER JACKETS
Leather jackets aren’t just an autumn thing anymore, now they’re a full winter staple. Think oversized cuts, vintage-inspired finishes and shearling linings. The classic biker is still around, but this season it’s softer, slouchier and often in deeper tones. Prada’s bottle greens and wine reds are everywhere and add that rich, wintry depth without trying too hard.
The real hero, though, is the leather bomber. It’s warm, effortless and carries that cool, slightly undone energy Gucci has been leaning into. Wear it over knits, maxi skirts, tailored trousers, it adapts to whatever mood you’re in.
Just remember: winter leather needs balance. Go oversized so you can layer properly, mix textures so you don’t look too matchy, and avoid anything skin-tight (your jumpers will thank you). A good leather jacket for winter should feel lived-in, not restrictive.
3. SWEATERS AND JUMPERS
Knitwear is the backbone of winter dressing, and in 2025 it’s having a real moment. Yes, cashmere and wool classics still matter, but the big shift this year is towards playful silhouettes. Cropped cardigans, shrunken styles, oversized fisherman knits and, very importantly, short-sleeve knits. Miu Miu has practically made them a winter uniform: little preppy tops layered over long sleeves or worn under big coats for that sweet spot between cute and clever.
Textures are bigger, chunkier and more sculptural, with ribbing, cables and raised details adding dimension without overcomplicating the outfit. A soft crew neck is still a forever favourite, but pairing it with pleated minis or wide-leg trousers makes it feel 2025 rather than “default winter look.”
The formula is simple: mix weights, layer intentionally, and let one knit do the talking. Just remember: fold your knitwear, don’t hang it. And treat cashmere with care; it’ll last you year after year if you do.
4. BOOTS
This season winter boots are bigger, bolder and far more intentional. Chunky combat styles are still a staple. With Valentino leading the way, the kind of boot that instantly elevates wide-leg trousers, knitted dresses or even a simple pair of jeans. Knee-highs remain the season’s power move. Saint Laurent has perfected the sleek, second-skin silhouette that works with minis, micro shorts or layered winter tailoring, giving every outfit that polished, night-out edge.
On the softer side, Bottega Veneta is championing sculptural, textured boots: think buttery leather, subtle embossing and shapes that feel effortlessly modern.
Texture is everything right now: suede for softness, croc for drama, shearling for warmth. Just make sure they’re comfortable and weather-ready. Winter is chaotic enough, your boots should provide the solid foundation you need to get through it.
5. BAGS
With all the oversized coats and chunky knits happening in 2025, your bag becomes the styling detail that actually pulls it all together. Structured leather totes are still the winter workhorses: deep browns, wine tones and matte blacks look especially luxe against wool outerwear.
For everyday, Marc Jacobs has the perfect practical-but-stylish totes: roomy, durable and the right size for winter realities (scarves, snacks, the works). When evening plans call, switch to something smaller. A Coach shoulder bag worn against a statement coat is one of the season’s easiest upgrades.
Just choose something with a proper closure (rain waits for no one), and steer clear of saggy, shapeless bags. Winter outfits already add volume; your bag should bring the structure.
6. SCARVES
Scarves are the easiest winter upgrade: minimal effort, maximum impact. This season, look to big, cosy cashmere and wool styles that you can loop, wrap or casually throw over a coat. Burberry’s iconic checks are everywhere again (honestly, they never left), and a classic wool or cashmere version instantly makes even outfits thrown together last-minute look intentional.
On the other end of the spectrum, Gucci’s silk scarves are having a moment. We’ve seen them worn as headbands, tied to bags or layered under oversized coats for that little pop of personality. Skinny scarves are sneaking back in thanks to the Indie Sleaze micro-revival, but lean on them as accents rather than to provide any actual “warmth.”
Just keep one thing in mind: oversized is chic, engulfed is not. Pick a texture you love, play with pattern if you’re feeling bold, and let your scarf do the heavy lifting on days when the rest of your outfit can’t be bothered.
7. WINTER GLOVES AND HATS
Winter accessories are doing the most. Hats and gloves aren’t just practical anymore, they make the outfit. Leather gloves lined with cashmere or silk are the elevated essential everyone’s rediscovering. Go for deep winter tones (burgundy, forest green, navy) or keep it classic with black. Either way, they instantly sharpen a wool coat and make you look far more put-together than you feel.
As for headwear, the beanie is still king, but it’s getting an upgrade. Think soft wool knits, pastel tones and slightly oversized fits you can push back for that effortlessly undone look. Berets and bucket hats are variable options too (in leather, velvet or textured wool), they’re perfect for adding a little personality to winter outfits in need of a pick me up.
The rule for both? Comfort first. No tight hats, no flimsy gloves. Choose pieces that complement your outerwear, bring a bit of warmth and texture, and feel like the finishing touch rather than an afterthought.