It’s that time again to peek behind the curtains (or closet doors) of Refinery29 editors to see what they’re wearing for winter.
In the fall, we overwhelmingly reached for spacious carryall bags, ballet flats, and work-appropriate blouses. But as we move into the winter, we’re updating our fashion must-haves: From tried-and-true pieces we already owned and are happily returning to, like cashmere scarves and matching sleepwear sets, to new additions like statement coats and retro jeans, we’re opting for cozy-chic styles from reader-favorite brands like Everlane, Damson Madder, and Free People. We’re also gravitating towards trends that actually stand the test of time, such as leopard print, wide-leg denim, and barn jackets.
Read on to see which cold-weather styles we stand behind for cozy days in and out. Then, go ahead and cart up some editor-approved pieces for a stylish winter.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Rails Getty Paneled Wide Leg Jeans
“As a barely-five-foot girlie, finding patchwork jeans that fit me right has been a serious challenge. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve eagerly tried on an upcycled pair — typically at a thrift store that sells reworked vintage pieces — only to find that it’s entirely too long and baggy for my frame. These Rails paneled jeans looked promising to me since A) the straight paneled design looks elongating, and B) it already comes with an unfinished hem, so I can just snip another couple inches off if the inseam is still too long. I’m so glad the gamble paid off: The polished design has won me so many compliments, and it doesn’t overwhelm my height even with a wide-leg silhouette. The best part? No one can tell that I shortened these jeans myself.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Shop Rails
Rails Getty Paneled Wide Leg Jeans, $, available at RailsPhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
We The Free Cori Waxed Jacket
“I had my eye on this jacket for a long time before it came into my possession, and it hasn’t disappointed one bit. The deep earthy colors and classic cut all screams winter to me. It’s roomy enough to layer a sweater underneath, and it provides protection from light rain. It also goes well with just about anything: This with a scarf, jeans, and chunky ankle boots will be my uniform for the chilly months ahead.” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
Shop Free People
We The Free Cori Waxed Jacket, $, available at Free PeoplePhoto: Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.
Farm Rio Gigi Tapestry Mini Dress
“I’ve worn this shirtdress three times in the fall already, and am excited to continue wearing it throughout the winter, styled with tights and boots for holiday parties and for when I’m going straight from the office to industry events. I don’t own many floral-printed pieces, but this one fits seamlessly into my wardrobe while feeling seasonally-appropriate. The flouncy, billowy silhouette is also super comfortable and a big plus for all-day wear.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Shop Farm Rio
Farm Rio Gigi Tapestry Mini Dress, $, available at Farm RioPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
Gap Barrel-Sleeve Denim Shirt
“While 2024 was certifiably the year of barrel-leg jeans, I hadn’t even considered barrel sleeves until I set my eyes on this Gap denim shirt. I love when a simple piece is spiced up with a bold flourish — like sheer-panelled T-shirts or embroidered denim — so I’m obsessed with how unexpected these sleeves are. Here, I’ve gone for a Canadian tuxedo with double the flair: barrel sleeves and the brand’s horseshoe jeans. For some reason, it really, really works.” — Ebony-Renee Baker, Fashion Editor
Shop Gap
Gap Barrel-Sleeve Denim Shirt, $, available at GapPhoto: Courtesy of Ebony-Renee Baker.
Everlane The Feather Cashmere Bandana
“This 100% cashmere scarf from Everlane was my most-used accessory last winter, and I don’t see that changing this year. It’s so easy to throw on as I head out the door, and it doesn’t add much bulk to already heavy and cumbersome winter layers. Because it folds up so small, I also find it so convenient to throw into my bag or tie around the handle of a tote, in case I get chilly throughout the day.” — Kate Spencer, Sr. Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Shop Everlane
Everlane The Feather Cashmere Bandana, $, available at EverlanePhoto: Courtesy of Kate Spencer.
Jamie Haller The Baggy Painter Jean
“After the ‘00s, I never thought I would wear cargo jeans again. And yet, I’ve worn this pocketed pair from Jamie Haller almost every other day this fall and winter. Thanks to its high-rise waist, structural baggy legs, and darker hue, the silhouette is more polished than its early aughts counterparts, pairing nicely with workwear-appropriate blazers and cardis.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
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Jamie Haller The Baggy Painter Jean, $, available at Jamie HallerPhoto: Courtesy of Irina Grechko.
Next Penny Lane Faux Fur Lined Longline Coat
“I’ve been lusting after a Charlotte Simone Penny Lane coat for so long now, but I keep missing out — partly because I’m too slow to the brand’s hotly-anticipated new-season drops, but mostly because they each cost an arm and a leg. (The last time I checked, it would set me back a cool $500. Eeek!) Imagine my surprise and excitement when I stumbled across this stunning, chocolate brown Penny Lane coat — a dead ringer for the CS coat I was after — in my local Next store. It’s less than $200, but it feels so luxurious and well-made. It’s lined with faux fur, and the fuzzy shearling around the sleeves and neckline is so thick, you don’t really need a scarf. I feel like a very chic bear every time I slip it on, all snug as a bug, despite the winter storms we’ve been battered with.” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer
Shop Next
Next Penny Lane Faux Fur Lined Longline Coat, $, available at NextPhoto: Courtesy of Esther Newman.
Damson Madder Tish Leopard Shirred Cami
“This cami is the perfect mix of deep brown tones, resulting in an elegant take on the inescapable leopard print. It still maintains some subtlety, which is hard to come by with this pattern. I love how this looks both on its own and layered over a black turtle neck when it’s cold. I wore this to an event recently with all black, and felt very chic. The bows on the back are a nice detail, too.” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
Shop Damson Madder
Damson Madder Leopard Tish Shirred Cami, $, available at Damson MadderPhoto: Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.
Eberjey Inez Washable Silk Printed Long PJ Set
“While most of the year I sleep in mismatched concert shirts and basketball shorts, during the winter (and especially the holidays), I love a matching set. Eberjey’s styles are some of my favorites. Right now, I’m wearing the brand’s popular Inez silk set in navy and thick white stripes, which feels luxe and looks festive, without being a kitschy Christmas PJ.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Shop Eberjey
Eberjey Inez Washable Silk Printed Long PJ Set, $, available at EberjeyPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
Buck Mason Vintage Interloop Oversized Crew
“Never underestimate the versatility of a heather gray sweatshirt that fits just right. I jumped on this Buck Mason pullover because it reminded me of an unlabeled sweatshirt I thrifted in Tokyo, which had unfortunately shrunk in the wash. That one went with everything in my wardrobe, and I loved styling it with a red bandana tied around my neck, a black leather jacket, and my favorite pair of striped overalls. This new addition has that same pre-washed, vintage charm, with an interloop stitching detail on the crewneck, but is much softer and resistant to pilling in the wash. I can’t wait to wear this on repeat this winter.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Shop Buck Mason
Buck Mason Vintage Interloop Oversized Crew, $, available at Buck MasonPhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
Cos Oversized Quilted Jacket
“I bought this jacket a few weeks ago because I was missing a casual coat that wasn’t too heavy and could comfortably fit over my oversized sweaters. I find this dark sage green color really easy to style with most of my everyday outfits — the silhouette is boxy, but still feels feminine. For the price and versatility, this has been a great addition to my winter wardrobe.” — Kate Spencer, Sr. Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Shop Cos
COS Oversized Quilted Jacket, $, available at COSPhoto: Courtesy of Kate Spencer.
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