Winter Wardrobe Essentials

New England winters are a beast. A cruel slap in the face from Mother Nature that forces you to commute in sub-zero temperatures and makes you question daily why you love Boston so much in the first place. ALAS we do love it here, and there is nothing like that first warm day after the storm, so we deal.

I showed you my fall essentials a few months back, so here is the winter version, as promised. The one good thing about these gray and frigid months around here? It’s not as unpredictable and ever changing like fall. You can pretty much guarantee it’s just always going to be cold.

(1) Day Coat ($378):: When I graduated college, my mother told me to ditch the North Face and ratty old peacoat and bought me a beautiful camel coat– much more appropriate for a professional setting. I couldn’t be more grateful for it, has hardly weathered in over four years! (also love this option.)
(2) Long-Sleeve LBD ($40):: Seasons of little black dresses. Here’s your winter version.
(3) Blanket Scarf ($45):: Why are these a somewhat recent trend? How did we manage this long without wearing blankets to work?
(4) Sweater Dress ($228):: It’s a sweater! It’s a dress! It makes bearing your legs slightly more bearable (har har) because you’re so warm on top.
(5) Puffer Vest ($80):: In early fall months, I wear puffer vests in place of a jacket. In winter months, I need them for an added layer under the already-heavy coat!
(6) Boyfriend Jeans ($70):: I looove pulling on comfy, slouchy boyfriend jeans at night in the summer, but I also find them necessary in the winter… because that extra layer of tights or leggings ain’t gonna fit under my skinny jeans!
(7) Hooded Toggle Coat ($60):: A second coat option– this one with a hood for windy days. (here’s another!)
(8) Turtleneck Sweater ($98):: Truth be told I find turtlenecks to be one of the most unflattering articles of clothing, at least on my short frame with my chubby cheeks. But a cozy thick turtleneck sweate is just too warm and comfy to resist.
(9) Fleece-Lined Tights ($30 for two):: Fleece-lined leggings are God’s gift to women. You can’t expect me to wear pants ALL winter long.
(10) Bean Boots ($109-$199):: LifeSAVERS. Can’t remember how I ever made it through Boston winters without these incredibly weather-proof boots. Read my guide here.
(11) Knit Headband ($9):: Because someone explain to me how you wear a hat when your hair is up? Shop handmade ones by Salem Style Crochet here!

What pieces do you get the most use out of in the winter?