Winter dressing is tough for the fashion-inclined. For people who like to show off their clothing, a season where everything is covered up by a coat can feel uninspiring. At this point, we've already got our stack of turtlenecks and a reliably warm coats, so when we're shopping this time of year, we're looking for pieces that are worth our hard-earned money and are creative, stylish, and cool.
Here at Refinery29, no two editors approach winter style the same way. While some of us splurge on current-season items, others peruse sale sections for deals on pieces to wear come spring. Some of us are eyeing dressed-up items that may not admittedly be the most practical (but are definitely swoon-worthy! And discounted!); and then there are those who consider the cost-per-wear when it comes to an investment piece. But no matter how you define your style, you're sure to find some shopping inspiration in the picks ahead. Click on to see what our fashion editors are buying (and eyeing) right now — it might be all you need to finally make that winter splurge of your own.
Connie Wang
Fashion features director
Recently Purchased...
"For big trips, I like to buy a new all-purpose bag to kick things off (and, every time I wear it after the trip, I think about the time I had there). For my recent trip to India, I got this chic little silver stunner from Opelle. It's not only deceivingly roomy and well-constructed, it's also so incredibly festive. I wore this to every outing and adventure, and then knotted the strap at night to create a cute little pouchette."
Opelle Micro Roberta Sling Lamé, $195, available at Opelle.
In Cart To Buy...
"A friend g-chatted me this link; I passed it around, and all of a sudden a bunch of people within my professional and personal circles bought these pants. But, that's alright, because THEY ARE AWESOME. The only thing is that they're loud (as in, squeaky-loud), so consider wearing something different if you're planning on sneaking up behind people."
Zara Patent Finish Biker Trousers, $69.90, available at Zara.
Saving Up For...
"I finally broke my $30 initial necklace I've been wearing every day for three years, and I'm on the hunt for a replacement. This is a significant upgrade, and I know that that gingham ribbon probably won't survive daily wear, but it's just so pretty..."
Miu Miu Necklace, $310, available at Miu Miu.
Emily Holland
Styling director
Recently Purchased...
"A Gucci bag has always been on my list, and while it was a splurge, I chose a classic style I knew was versatile and timeless."
Gucci GG Marmont Matelassé Mini Bag, $980, available at Gucci.
In Cart To Buy...
"Jeans are a seasonless wardrobe staple for me, and I've been searching for the perfect pair of comfy and stylish white ones. This option from MiH would look perfect with a white sweater."
MiH Jeans Marrakesh Jean, $ 225 $112.50, available at MiH Jeans.
Saving Up For...
"When you're wearing a coat for six months straight during the winter, a statement version is a must. This leopard one by Raey has been haunting me on the daily."
Raey Leopard-print Wool-blend Blanket Coat, $1,191, available at MatchesFashion.
Alyssa Coscarelli
Fashion market writer
Recently Purchased...
"I'm so excited that my favorite New York boutique is now online, and along with that, they've started carrying one of my favorite Spanish brands, Rarely. This graphic tee was a no-brainer purchase for me. It's cute, simple, and perfect for layering and styling in a ton of different ways — over turtlenecks, under dresses, and with jeans and a blazer."
Rarely Arigato Tee, $65, available at The Frankie Shop.
In Cart To Buy...
"It's only a matter of time until this cute little furry mini-bag is mine. I know it's not the most practical item, but it's got this vintage feel to it, and I can just see it pairing perfectly with my entire winter wardrobe. If I can't get a dog, at least let me have this cute fuzzy piece to tote around, okay?"
Staud Deneuve Bag, $215, available at Staud.
Saving Up For...
"During the cold weather months, I live in ankle booties. I love this red pair because they look vintage minus any weird kitten heel or overly-long toe. Plus, I love the idea of switching up my normal black ones for a more colorful option."
By Far Shoes Lada Leather Red, $371, available at By Far Shoes.
Bethie Girmai
Associate stylist
Recently Purchased...
"I'm a huge sucker for anything pleated, so when I spotted this mini for $99 in a post-Thanksgiving flash sale, I had to have it! If the 60 degree weather trend continues through January, I might be able to wear it a few months earlier than I thought; all thanks to our friend, global warming."
Isabel Marant White Pleated Kyler Skirt, $665 $326, available at Isabel Marant.
In Cart To Buy...
"Although this top may seem like it should only see the light of day between the months of May and September, layering a turtleneck underneath gives it the ability to transcend seasons and allows the detailing of the lace to shine."
A.W.A.K.E. Rustic Asymmetric Broderie-anglaise Cotton Blouse, $581 $348, available at MatchesFashion.
Saving Up For...
"This dainty Meira T piece is definitely not your mom's tennis bracelet, but it is still subtle enough to remain in the rotation of your daily uniform."
Meira T Two Chain Diamond Bracelet, $1,035, available at Meira T.
Erin Cunningham
Senior fashion editor
Recently Purchased...
"Because nothing says 'holiday season' quite like a pair of velvet pants. These babies have New Year's Eve written all over them."
Isa Arfen Straight Leg Cotton-blend Velvet Trousers, $551 $385, available at MatchesFashion.
In Cart To Buy...
"Aside from mom jeans (and the aforementioned pair of velvet bottoms), I kind of hate wearing pants. This dress pretty much includes everything I love — long sleeves, subtle ruffles, and a neutral color palette. Just think how good it'd look with tights and patent boots."
Topshop Polka Deconstructed Dress by Boutique, $230, available at Topshop.
Saving Up For...
"Patent is the new neutral: You heard it here first. Now, please excuse me while I close my eyes and press 'buy'..."
Dorateymur Black Patent Leather Delta Boots, $500, available at Avenue32.
Annie Georgia Greenberg
Fashion editor-at-large
Recently Purchased...
"Buyer's remorse is an awful feeling. So much so that fear of that pit in my stomach almost prevented me from buying (semi-splurging) this awesome Maria Black earring that has now become an everyday staple in my wardrobe. I love the unique shape, how they move, and that they don't weigh my lobes down. Buyer's remorse be damned, the more Maria Black, the better!"
Maria Black Hydra Medi Earring, $141, available at Maria Black.
In Cart To Buy...
"I'm not really a sweatshirt kinda girl, but recent long-haul travels have made me want to break my own rule. In winter time, comfort is especially key! This option from Kith is the perfect, desaturated non-color color that will go with everything and still feel purposeful (not sloppy)."
Kith Williams Cropped Hoodie, $120, available at Kith.
Saving Up For...
"I never wanted a bright pink suede sack tote until I saw this bag and now suddenly..."
Creatures of Comfort Malia Bag Small, $380, available at Creatures of Comfort.
Landon Peoples
Editorial assistant
Recently Purchased...
"I'm not usually one to give in to the hype of Black Friday (or sales in general), but this season I dipped my toes in the water, so to speak. I bought this adorable pajama shirt from Sleepy Jones' collaboration with artist John Derian that I'd been eyeing since last year. I have no idea how it stayed on the site for so long, but when it got knocked down from $158 to $55, I had to just go for it. And it's just so festive, you know? 'Tis the season, as they say."
Sleepy Jones Henry Pajama Shirt, $158 $55, available at Sleepy Jones.
In Cart To Buy...
"These are kind of a no-brainer. I've got just about every other Chelsea boot color you could imagine except for a dark, dusty gray. Also, I'm not the tallest guy, so the higher the heel the better. I'll wear these with a classic navy cashmere sweater and pair of medium-wash denim for that classic winter moment."
Saint Laurent Suede Chelsea Boots, $895, available at Mr. Porter.
Saving Up For...
"Now, I know this may look like your ordinary plain sweatshirt, but I promise you it's not. Designer Haider Ackermann is a genius when it comes to silhouettes, and that's why the fit on this is as good as it is (and, if there's any justification for a sweatshirt being this expensive, that's it). I don't like pullovers that are too big and shapeless; the way this one ends promptly at my waist but is still a little slouched and oversized on the sleeves is perfect. Needless to say, however, I'll be saving up for this puppy for a long time..."
Haider Ackermann Perth Crew-neck Cotton Sweatshirt, $657 $459, available at MatchesFashion.
Ana Colon
Fashion news writer
Recently Purchased...
"I've always had trouble finding trousers. I'm petite with hips and a pretty short torso, which means: If the length isn't a problem, where the waist band sits on my body will be — or vice versa. However, after much research and pleading to the fashion deities, I finally found a pair of cropped, wide-leg pants that fit me at Oak + Fort. And the best part? They have an elastic waist band. *Praying hand emoji*."
Oak + Fort Pants 5150, $68, available at Oak + Fort.
In Cart To Buy...
"I've been meaning to invest in quality, everyday jewelry — especially earrings — as my mother never fails to scold me when I leave the house without wearing them. I love these understated chain-mail hoops from Australian jeweler Sarah & Sebastian."
Sarah & Sebastian Molly Earrings, $180, available at Sarah & Sebastian.
Saving Up For...
"One evening earlier this summer, I found myself at a department store shoe department with Alyssa. We were a couple of glasses of Champagne in — which is not the state of mind you want to be in as someone who loves fashion, let loose among the prettiest footwear on this planet. Luckily for my bank account, no transactions were made that evening. However, I did make myself a promise: At the end of the year, I'd gift myself my dream pair of heels. Now, I haven't totally decided if I plan on actually going through with this splurge (and I probably won't) — but I'm having a lot of fun researching."
Prada Bicolor Velvet Platform Sandal, Black/Brown, $825, available at Neiman Marcus.
Ray Lowe
Fashion market writer
Recently Purchased...
"With holiday season here, the last thing I wanted to do was be stuck in the same LBD rut as I have been the last few years. This two-piece set is perfect for every party I'm going to. I can wear it as a set, just the top with a skirt, just the trousers with a lacy leotard, and about 10 other ways. It was worth the investment for the amount of outfit combinations I'm going to get from it."
Le Fou by Wilfred Sirene Blouse, $165, available at Aritzia; Le Fou by Wilfred Monique Pant, $185, available at Aritzia.
In Cart To Buy...
"I'm in love with baby-bags. Ever since they came onto the scene a couple of years ago, I've made it my life duty to cut down on my daily baggage to fit into my mini purses. This one from Zara fits the bill. It's tiny, it's (faux) furry, and it's about all I can afford post-present shopping this year."
Zara Mini Crossbody Bag, $29.90, available at Zara.
Saving Up For...
"Somehow, I've gone seven years of living on the East Coast without owning a true parka. Every time winter comes back around, I promise myself I'm going to invest in one, but instead, I trudge through, frozen as a popsicle, until spring comes back around. This winter, my resolution is to finally make good on my promise."
Woolrich Women's Wool Face Patrol Down Parka, $359.99, available at Woolrich.
Alexandra Ilyashov
Senior fashion news editor
Recently Purchased...
"Okay, so I'm very late to the turtleneck party, so I'm making up for many a bare-necked winter now. I went on a bit of a turtleneck-buying spree at Forever 21, H&M, and Uniqlo recently, but with each shirt ringing in well under $15, it was a pretty low-impact shopping binge. This sleek ribbed version looks damn expensive when paired with voluminous pants and a chunky bracelet, like this one, worn over the sleeve."
Forever 21 Ribbed Knit Turtleneck Top, $7.90, available at Forever 21.
In Cart To Buy...
"I creepily took a photo of a woman in this coat while we were both waiting to cross the street, and I'm 99% sure this is the style she was wearing. It's one of my favorite, inexplicably-happiness-inducing hues, and it feels a bit unexpected in outerwear form (and not as played-out as the pink coats that cropped up on runways and in countless street style shots from 2013 to 2015). It'll balance out all of the black and navy I wear on loop, and there aren't any cocoon silhouette toppers in my closet...yet."
J.Crew Stadium-cloth Cocoon Coat, $350, available at J.Crew.
Saving Up For...
"Yeah, I know Alex Wang has been doing this sorta-surreal notched cutout detail for years. So shoot me for pulling a wannabe-model-off-duty move, but they're just so good. I feel (not quite but definitely almost) ready to actually buy 'em already. Between the actually-walkable height, unexpected rose gold heel, and simple, timeless shape, they'll get the kind of mileage, literally, that can justify the splurge-y price."
Alexander Wang Gabi Bootie with Rose Gold Metal Heel, $775, available at Alexander Wang.
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