Like it or not, winter is coming, and my best advice is to prepare now. But that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. You can easily stay warm while looking cool, and COS, Zara, and J.Crew can help with that. As you probably know, these three brands make great basics. They also make great trendy basics.
If you’re thinking that a trendy basic is an oxymoron, I get that, but a basic can be many things. An item can be both worthy of repeat wears and trend-forward during a given season. But not to worry—that doesn’t mean all of these pieces will look dated next winter. I sourced standout items from each of these three wallet-friendly go-tos for basics that are versatile and of-the-moment, but not overly trendy. Keep scrolling to see what I mean for yourself and shop the trendy winter basics I highly recommend from COS, Zara, and J.Crew.
COS
Take a seat, solid-colored half-zip pullovers.
The row of covered buttons and funnel neck set this apart from a standard button-down.
FYI: Colorful car coats were all over the S/S 27 runway, so this piece has staying power.
The most winter 2026 scarf of them all is a long skinny scarf.
This peacock-teal hue is so unique.
Such a cool, subtle take on the military jacket trend.
Word on the street is that this looks even chicer IRL.
If you buy just one pair of socks this winter, make it a cobalt blue pair.
An elite color combination.
The sharp angles make these so much cooler than the average black boots,
Zara
They had me at “reversible”.
One word: purple.
To add a touch of opulence to your winter outfits.
The wide sleeves, high neck, and pockets are collectively saying “buy me”.
Checks, please.
A word of warning: It already sold out in black.
I’ll be trading my black pants for brown ones on repeat occasions this winter.
Sometimes you just gotta wear a puffer, so you might as well make it a cool cobalt blue one.
Velvet smoking slippers have entered the chat.
How to look elegant without really trying,
J.Crew
I wouldn’t blame you for wanting to order these in every color.
Faux fur makes everything better.
A Fair Isle version of the Tiny Rollneck sweater? I’m in.
Cuffed jeans with a printed underlay is shaping up to be a major winter micro-trend.
Trust me—you’ll reach for this constantly.
A polished take on a winter wardrobe staple.
They come in black leather, too, and don’t make me choose.
You’ll wear it so much.
Meet your new winter party skirt.
The oversized fit of this turtleneck is so cool.
