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, including trending jeans like baggy cargos and double-denim ‘fits. We’re also gravitating toward trends that stand the test of time, such as leopard print and barn jackets.
Click on to see which cold-weather styles we stand behind for cozy days in and out this winter. Then, go ahead and cart up some editor-approved pieces for your own stylish 2025 wardrobe.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Straight Leg Jeans
“I walked into the Reformation store last month to find a festive top or dress for the holidays, only to unexpectedly walk out with these pants instead. Well, it’s a good thing because I haven’t stopped wearing them since then. The print adds just a touch of interest (and fun!) to my everyday winter staples — solid-colored sweaters, neutral layering tees, etc. — without looking over the top, and the fit is high-rise without being too rigid or tight-fitting.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Straight Leg Jeans, $, available at ReformationPhoto: Courtesy of Irina Grechko.
& Other Stories Brushed-Knit T-Shirt & A-Line Maxi Skirt
“As soon as I saw this co-ord in the store, I simply could not get it out of my head. The color! The texture! The cut! Everything about it screamed, You need this, and I swiftly succumbed to its cries. It’s such a versatile outfit — I often wear the two pieces together, but I wear them separately, too. The short-sleeved cut of the T-shirt is perfect for this time of year, when you want to stay warm outdoors without overheating during the rush-hour commute. Tip: Tuck the top into your bra to give it a more cropped look and to break up the two pieces when worn together.” — Humeara Mohamed, Contributing Writer
& Other Stories Brushed-Knit T-Shirt, $, available at & Other Stories
& Other Stories Brushed-Knit A-Line Maxi Skirt, $, available at & Other StoriesPhoto: Courtesy of Humeara Mohamed.
Cos Oversized Quilted Jacket
“I bought this jacket in the fall 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 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
COS Oversized Quilted Jacket, $, available at COSPhoto: Courtesy of Kate Spencer.
Sam Edelman Lyla Knee High Wide Calf Boot
“It can be difficult for me to find a pair of knee-high boots that fit my calves and short stature, but when I tried these Sam Edelman shoes, I was ecstatic — they fit so well and looked so sleek. The leather is soft, supple, and stretchy, allowing the shaft to easily slide up my legs without them feeling constricted. But the highlight of this boot is in the unexpected details, like a curved kitten heel, slim square toe, and dainty calf ‘belt.’ So far, I’ve worn them to Christmas dinner with a mini skirt and glittery tights and to a work event with a cardigan and cozy leggings.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Sam Edelman Lyla Knee High Wide Calf Boot, $, available at Sam EdelmanPhoto: 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-paneled 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.” — Ebony-Renee Baker, Fashion Editor
Gap Barrel-Sleeve Denim Shirt, $, available at GapPhoto: Courtesy of Ebony-Renee Baker.
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 me one bit. The deep earthy colors and classic cut scream 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 Free People jacket with a scarf, jeans, and chunky ankle boots will be my uniform for the chilly months ahead.” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
We The Free Cori Waxed Jacket, $, available at Free PeoplePhoto: Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.
Rouje Suede Big Bag
“I am a big bag person — I like to schlep around a lot of stuff, just in case. Previously, I’ve relied on wrinkled canvas totes or poorly made high-street styles that just can’t take the weight. After having two of such bags break on me in the middle of a busy and bustling London, I decided to save up and invest in something that will last. This Rouje bag has been on my wish list for years. Originally, I wanted the trendy zebra design, but decided to play it safe with this warm chocolate brown; I won’t get sick of it in a year, and it goes with everything. The bag feels top quality and holds so much stuff — a hardback book, journal, water bottle, small umbrella, wallet, wired headphones, and an assortment of lip products. And, though, my 13-inch laptop is too tall for the bag’s magnetic closure, since it fits so close under my arm, I throw that in, too.” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer
Rouje Suede Big Bag, $, available at RoujePhoto: Courtesy of Esther Newman.
Rails Getty Paneled Wide Leg Jeans
“As someone who is barely five feet tall, finding patchwork jeans that fit 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 too long and baggy for my frame. These Rails paneled jeans looked promising to me since: (a) the straight paneled design looked elongating, and (b) they came with an unfinished hem, so I could just snip another couple of inches off the inseam to make them shorter. 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 tailored these jeans myself.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Rails Getty Paneled Wide Leg Jeans, $, available at RailsPhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
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
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
Jamie Haller The Baggy Painter Jean, $, available at Jamie HallerPhoto: Courtesy of Irina Grechko.
Kitri Darina Venus Intarsia Knit Sweater
“Not to point out the obvious, but this sweater has extra appeal to me because it has my name on it (three friends who don’t know each other each DM’d me the link, telling me to buy it ASAP). Even if you’re not named Venus, there are plenty of reasons why you should add this to your winter wardrobe rotation. Firstly, it is incredibly warm: It’s been snowing the last couple of days, but this alpaca-wool-blend sweater kept me so toasty that I left my puffer jacket at home. I also love the whimsical heart drawings on the elbows and the cropped but loose fit.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Kitri Darina Venus Intarsia Knit Sweater, $, available at KitriPhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
Free People By The Light Of The Moon Earrings
“These statement earrings are great for when I don’t want to do too much with my outfit, but still want to appear a touch more ‘elevated.’ The multiple shades of jewels in this style are so glimmery and pretty to look at.” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
Free People By The Light Of The Moon Earrings, $, available at Free PeoplePhoto: Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.
Saint + Sofia Black Zebra Everly Pleated Skirt
“This year, I want to only add new pieces that I know will get loads of wear (in my world, that means at least once a week). While I already own a similar skirt (styled here), I’ve worn it so frequently over the last three years that it’s starting to look worn. This Saint + Sofia skirt is the perfect example of a hard-working staple piece that fits perfectly into my wardrobe. Plus, it has the most fun, subtle zebra print and is made out of a heavy, warm recycled polyester — perfect for winter months (with thermal tights underneath).” — Ebony-Renee Baker, Fashion Editor
Saint + Sofia Black Zebra Everly Pleated Skirt, $, available at Saint + SofiaPhoto: Courtesy of Ebony-Renee Baker.
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, 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 looks as luxe as it feels.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Eberjey Inez Washable Silk Printed Long PJ Set, $, available at EberjeyPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
Sisters & Seekers Bryant Button Cardigan
“Lots of cardigans remind me of school uniforms, but this chunky knit one feels both fashion-forward and functional. I wear it on its own, layered over turtlenecks, and tucked in or out over wide-leg jeans and midi skirts. The charcoal shade in particular goes with basically everything I own. Not to mention, it’s incredibly warm.” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
Sisters and Seekers Bryant Button Cardigan, $, available at Sisters and SeekersPhoto: Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.
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. 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
Buck Mason Vintage Interloop Oversized Crew, $, available at Buck MasonPhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
Closed Nikka Wide Leg Jeans
“As someone quite petite, I’m always on the hunt for oversized jeans that don’t swallow me whole. This pair from Closed is an investment, but I’ve already gotten my fair share of wear out of them. They are buttery soft — literally feel like sweatpants — and the silhouette looks almost like a trouser, so I look put-together without feeling stiff. I’ve dressed these up with boots and heels, but they look just as good with sneakers or ballet flats.” — Kate Spencer, Sr. Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Closed Nikka Wide Leg Jeans, $, available at Nordstrom
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
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.
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
Farm Rio Gigi Tapestry Mini Dress, $, available at Farm RioPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
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