If the blustery winds and sudden drop in temperature didn’t give you a clue, we’re officially out of the sunny-but-crisp autumnal transition and hurtling towards a dark and dreary winter. It’s not all bad though, because winter is the best time to light a fire and snuggle up in cosy layers (preferably cashmere), so if you’re looking for a mood-boosting buy to get you through the next few months, you’ve come to the right place.
In the spirit of embracing the season ahead and making the most of the winter chill, I asked our editors for the pieces on their winter wish lists that are guaranteed to brighten anyone’s day, and they did not disappoint. Whether you’re looking for chic knitwear, sensible coats, loungewear to hibernate in or something practical to wear to the office, we’ve got you covered. Expect mohair jumpers from H&M, leather ankle boots from Toteme, dresses from Dôen and a very expensive looking pair of shoes from Marks and Spencer that no one will believe are from the high street.
So, if you’re ready to see out the year in style, keep scrolling for the top picks on our fashion editors’ winter wish lists. It’s only edit you’ll need.
“Less of a winter-specific piece and more of a year-rounder, this bag from The Row has been on my mind since it first landed, and it really is one of those timeless pieces that I would happily wear for a lifetime without worrying about it looked dated.”
“It’s rare that I get to say that every piece in a collection is a 5-star find, but H&M’s Premium Selection deserves the accolade. You’ll find everything from designer-looking coats to perfectly cut tailoring, but right now my favourite buys are the ultra-soft, ultra-chic mohair knits that look incredible oversized and tucked into jeans.”
“I can’t be the only one who has been counting down to scarf season, and there’s nothing I love more than wrapping up in something cosy when the weather is miserable. This is just the ticket to lift my spirits and see me through this winter and next.”
“Call off the search—these are the perfect high-waisted, wide-leg fit to flatter us all, so expect to see me in these for the foreseeable.”
“At this time of year my hunt for the perfect winter coat really starts to pick up pace. This season, I’ve found it early, in Hush’s charcoal wool Marlowe coat. The combination of the simple button fastening, chic collar and slightly slouchy fit is the perfect recipe for an everyday coat I can throw on with ease.”
“I’ve been traipsing through the websites of my favourite designers hoping to come out on top with the leather jacket of my dreams. With so many trending styles on the market, I’ve been keen to keep it simple with a black leather jacket in a sleek and simple cut that I can wear for years to come. My search has led me to discover Vince’s perfect version. For a cool £1325, this might sit on my wish list for some time, but believe me when I tell you that one day it will be mine.”
“I’m totally besotted by Toteme’s kitten-heel ankle boots. The sleek pointed toe, mini kitten heel and calf-length leather silhouette culminate in the sleekest boot style I’ve spotted this season. Styling well with straight-leg jeans and even better with a party-ready midi, these are the new-season ankle boots I can get behind.”
“Whilst I will always love my neutral knitwear, this season I’m looking for something a bit stronger, and this cherry-red shade has my full attention.”
“I’ve had my eye on the Toteme T-Lock bag for a few months now, and once I saw that the clutch version also came with a strap to wear it on the shoulder or crossbody, I knew it would be making its way into my wardrobe.”
“The architectural heel of these boots makes it hard to guess that they’re actually from the high street.”
“My coat collection is my pride and joy, and I’ve been thinking of adding this chic Almada Label piece to it for a while now. Between the interesting texture, versatile colour, robe closure and boxy silhouette, this is coat perfection as far as I’m concerned.”
“Put simply, I can’t stop thinking about these boots. The heel height is high enough to make me feel elevated (literally) when I wear them, but low enough to walk in all day, the toe is neither too rounded nor too pointed and the buckle gives them a subtle 2023 nod, though not one that’ll date in a hurry.”
“I saw this bag in store when I was doing a spot of early Christmas shopping and I immediately wanted to buy it for myself. The colour and shape look so premium, and the size makes it ideal to transition from day to night.”
“Confession: I’ve actually already ordered this and it was love at first sight from the moment I opened the box. The gathers sit in all the right places, the print is cute without being twee, and the neckline works with even my comfiest bras (I’m busty, so my undergarments are anything but discreet). It’s the perfect winter dress.”
“I’m very into hobo-style handbags, brown and suede, so this little gem is an absolute winner of a purchase for me. This handbag is timeless, beautifully made and significantly cheaper than some very similar designer purchases.”
“I love the idea of this nightie-style dress that you can grunge up with black boots and a big coat over the top. It’ll be just as great come next summer with sandals and my hair slicked back into a bun.”
“I tried this on in the Rixo flagship store last week and haven’t stopped thinking about it ever since. The colours! The soft suede!”
“Precisely the kind of kitten-heel ankle boots I’ve been searching for—thank you, Reformation.”
“I already had my eye on this perfect leather jacket, but after seeing deputy editor Maxine Eggenberger wearing it in the flesh, I’m now fully lusting after it. It would definitely be a big investment for me though, so I’m waiting to see if it gets in on any Black Friday action.”
“I spied these little beauties in one of our recent M&S edits. They’d work perfectly with leather trousers and a sheer black shirt I already have in my wardrobe, adding just the right amount of sparkle to a more relaxed evening look. I’m most intrigued about the Insolia technology though, which apparently redistributes weight away from the balls of your feet for enhanced comfort. Trust M&S to worry about keeping us comfy.”
“I always struggle with evening bags. Whenever a slightly glitzier evening occasion comes up, I never have quite the right bag—black, small, no hardware (in case the colour of the metal doesn’t work with my outfit), a little bit of shine and easy to hold (I find strapless clutches really inconvenient, because what if I have a drink in one hand and need to shovel a canapé into my mouth with the other?). Anyway, this silky little number with its rhinestone-embellished, knotted top handle fits the bill perfectly.”
“I’ve been dreaming of this since trying it on for our We Try Before You Buy shoot. It’s my ideal winter coat—so warm but oh so chic.”
“Not technically a wish-list item since I’ve already ordered it, but I had been looking for the perfect red jumper. I always trust the quality of ARKET’s wool jumpers, so when I couldn’t find a women’s version, I liked to headed to the men’s section.”
“I can picture these working so well with the red jumper and some dark denim jeans.”
“This is the perfect smart top to add to some fun trousers for dinner or drinks. Party season, sorted.”
Next Up: We Try Before You Buy: The Best Winter Coats of the Season