ComScore

I’m a Shopping Editor & Here Are the 22 Items I’m Most Excited to Buy This Winter

Warmth, function and style

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

shopping-editor-winter-wishlist
Dasha Burobina for PureWow

Spring cleaning walked so winter hoarding could run. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself as a financially irresponsible means to justify my recent and upcoming purchases. (A shopping gaslight, if you please.) The drop in degrees calls for me to basically buy a brand-new wardrobe. This season, I’m taking notes from my colleagues and fellow PureWow editors to garner style inspiration, leaning into a winter wardrobe capsule. From suede shoes like these ballet flats from Zara ($50) and blanket scarves (was $40, now $20) courtesy of Loft to sophisticated silhouettes like this Tuckernuck dress ($248) I’m itching to wear to afternoon tea, I present you with the 22 items this shopping editor has on her winter wishlist.

Want to save *big* this shopping season? Sign up for our Deal of the Day email to get all the best sales delivered straight to your inbox.

1. Fréja New York Mercer Bag

Fréja New York

Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth and I can always bond over our love for Fréja New York bags, and the brand’s Mercer bag just so happens to be the newest arrival and my latest obsession. As a current handbag mother to the Chrystie silhouette, I already know firsthand that its craftsmanship and quality will be impeccable, starting from the smooth hardware down to the pebbled vegan ultrafiber leather that really does feel like the real deal. It’s such an elegant and timeless piece to add to your forever collection, especially if you’ve been curious to try out the East-West handbag trend. Plus, it’s a way more affordable yet similar style to the Alaïa Le Teckel silhouettes.

I can’t stop thinking about the Toteme scarf jacket that sparked a winter trend, so I need this affordable lookalike ASAP. It comes with an attached scarf that boasts that darling embroidery that really makes this piece pop, and the coat itself is complete with an oversize fit that’ll give you ample opportunity to layer under. Oh, and it’s comprised entirely of merino wool, so you bet this will be warm enough to wear on the chillest of days.

It’s the season of the long sleeve, so instead of opting for my usual plain black and white options, I’m liking the looks of something fun, interesting and a little sheer. This J.Crew top is made from a viscose chiffon and is decked out with drapey sleeves and eye-catching ruffle details along the neckline. The sheer look can be intimidating, but J.Crew really made this piece suitable for someone who’s trying it out for the first time by including a lace-trim camisole underneath so you don’t have to bare it all.

This A-line sweater dress from Tuckernuck has rave reviews and a chic silhouette that’s oh-so versatile, letting you wear it in all its swingy glory or swindle a second look out of it that’s tailored by simply adding a belt to cinch everything in. And with its modest details, like the mock neckline, three-quarter length sleeves and maxi length, this makes for a great option to wear to work.

It’s no secret that I adore Agolde jeans, so as soon as I saw this latest style, I knew I had to have them. The dark wash alone is made for a winter wardrobe, and it has a straight fit that’ll look great when paired over booties or with slingback heels. Unlike many of their denim options, this silhouette purportedly has an impressive amount of stretch to it.

I almost exclusively wear Jenny Bird jewelry, so anytime the self-taught designer drops a new collection, I’m sold. Case in point, these heart-shaped puff earrings that are super sculptural and have a hint of Bottega Veneta vibes, too. As a minimalist myself, I love how these statement earrings only show the heart silhouette from the profile.

Swap out your usual cardigan for this unique number from Alex Mill. It has a roll-edge detail at the neck that looks really cool when you leave a few buttons undone, but I’m a huge fan of how it looks when it’s buttoned all the way—almost like a mock neck design. Design aside, reviewers adore this knit because of its super soft and buttery cotton and cashmere fabric blend.

Do yourself a favor and snag a pair (or many) of these Calzedonia cashmere socks. They’re super sleek and have a stylish rolled edge finish that looks great peaking out of Chelsea boots. And if you’re the type of person who wants to wear your heels throughout winter, just wait until you see these socks worn with slingbacks.

Purchasing workout leggings can be hit or miss, especially if you don’t have the luxury of trying them on in stores. The Zella pair is made with the same moisture-wicking and stretchy material as the matching shorts and sports bra I already own from the brand, so I can count on these to bend and move with me while I complete my set of reps, finish up my morning meditation or lounge on the couch. I’m usually a size medium in other high-performance activewear brands, but took a size small in this brand, thanks to its flexible fabric that’s like a second skin.

If you’ve been stashing away your favorite footwear every winter, then we’re one in the same and this is our time to stop. These Dolce Vita boots are just as pretty (and flattering) as some of your summer favorites, so you don’t have to sacrifice on heel height or style as you lean into functionality. Seriously, I tried these on in a department store and they made my feet look so dang cute. Speaking of function, the soft suede on these Chelsea boots is waterproof and the soles have great traction—i.e., there will be no soaked feet or slipping ‘n sliding in your future.

My sister wore this as a base layer when she visited during the holidays and I remember thinking how luxe and cozy it looked on her with its thin, soft modal cashmere blend, and now it’s all I see on social media. It’s sold out multiple times in various colorways, so I think it’s about time I listened to my gut and add it to cart while I can. It’s unbelievably lightweight, so it makes for a great travel companion. My sister wore it over a lace bralette, but if you don’t want to embrace the sheer trend, I’d suggest throwing it on over a tank top or wearing it under sweaters, shirts or dresses for the upmost warmth and insulation.

Canada Goose makes some of the best winter coats, and while I love my Garnet puffer more than anything, I’m eying the longer parka style this winter to stay cozy and bundled up no matter the conditions. The down-filled coat is crafted from a water-repellent fabric that’s both soft and incredibly warm, plus it features an interior waist drawcord to customize the fit, change the warmth or add ventilation. My favorite part is that it comes with a removable hood, so you’ll have something to protect against gusts of wind or rain.

Pill Box hats are having their moment, and after spending a week in Budapest, I can confirm that this furry style is one of the chicest accessories you can own come winter. This plush piece is made with a soft faux-fur fabric that’ll keep the heat in and, most importantly, your ears warm during the next snow storm.

Another item I saw Eastern Europeans rocking? A fur coat, so this faux-fur jacket from Zara is so on trend. Not only does it look extremely luxurious, but it’s also surprisingly functional with working pockets and a hidden closures along the front.

A little black dress looks different in the wintertime. It’s softer, cozier and less revealing, like this sweater dress from LPA. Honestly, the mock neck, flowy sleeves and loose-fitting shape really sold me here as I tend to prioritize fashion pieces that keep comfort and function at the forefront come the colder seasons. It comes highly recommend by Revolve customers, and the reviews don’t lie. One thing some buyers note is that it runs slight large; however, others found they had to size up because it ran too short on those with long torsos. My advice: Proceed with caution and reference the size chart for best fit.

After finally getting my hands (err, body) on one of the cult-favorite sweaters, I quickly realized why Jenni Kayne is the reigning champion of knits. They’re incredibly warm, lavishly soft and exceptionally well-made with the utmost attention to detail, care and craft. With my obsession at an all-time high, I splurged on yet another style from the brand: the gray Hayes crewneck cardi. It’s slouchy without veering on sloppy and is such an easy item to wear solo or over a plain white T-shirt. I love how the contrasting dark button closures add an interesting touch to the causal knit, and the alpaca, wool and poly blend fabric feels fuzzy and holds in heat like a champ.

If you want to give off major Chanel vibes, then this is the tweed dress for you. From the braided trim and vintage-inspired buttons to the fact that it’s named after style icon Jackie O, there’s a lot to love about this shift dress.

This year, I’m setting my sights on unique jeans that go beyond my usual vintage style, like this sparkle style from Pilcro. Made from 100 percent cotton, this slouchy style is the epitome of cool with the cuff at the ankles and crystal embellishments. It’s an easy way to dress up your look while still wearing a comfy pair of jeans.

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to store away your ballet flats for spring. Darling options like this pair, which is made from a genuine suede fabric, are both trendy and suitable for the colder months—especially if you wear a chunky or cashmere sock with it. They have a fashionable rounded toe that will definitely feel far more comfortable than any pointy shoe you have in your closet, plus a buckle closure that you can tighten or loosen to your liking.

Can I tell you a secret? I already bought this in the color Camel, but I now need it in this Choco brown. It took me years to find myself a trench coat mostly because I’ve been extra picky, but it was worth it once I slipped this jacket on. It’s crafted with masculine elements that remind me of a vintage Burberry style—from an oversize fit to an unbelted silhouette—but still holds true to the timeless and classic essence you get from a really good trench coat. And how cute is that leopard print lining?

Most of the sweaters I own are plain. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, sometimes I crave a little bit of print. This printed pink Faire Isle number from Boden looks comfortable and authentic, like it might have been knitted by a loved one. Reviewers can’t get enough of it either, specifically calling out the fit, fabric and feel, saying it’s the softest sweater they’ve owned. It’s even machine-washable, too.

Anyone else look out for best-sellers? (‘Cause same.) The Sloane pleated pants are a fan-favorite, and I can only imagine why. They’re ultra-high rise (so long, bloat!), wide-leg and comfortable, thanks to that partially elasticated waistband. What’s more, they’re meant to have a tailored-yet-relaxed fit that skims the body, elongating and slimming the leg. What I’m taking away from all of this, you ask? These are the pants you want to wear after a big meal, on the heaviest day of your cycle or just because.

Another way to embellish your outfit? Scarves. This cozy and machine washable scarf is made from polyester, viscose and spandex that truly feels like a blanket. It’s fluffy and thick, so it’ll keep your neck and face warm on those windy, bitter days. And at 83 inches in length and 18.5 inches in width, it’s great to travel with. I just wore mine in Budapest and wrapping it around my face and ears really saved my skin from getting chapped, and the Toteme-inspired stitch trim added a nice contrast and made me feel so chic.


IMG 0045 e1692204525583

Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

  • Covers all things fashion and shopping
  • Boasts over 23 years of experience as an avid shopper, having secured a personal stylist at Limited Too at the age of four
  • Studied English literature, communications and creative writing at the University of San Diego, and completed the Columbia Publishing Course at Columbia University in New York

Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.