Most Wanted: Winter In The City

As the temperature drops, the sartorial standard rises and the city becomes a stomping ground to show off the best styles of the new season. Among the fashion set, layering for winter is not only a necessity, it’s an art form, where rich textures such as leather, shearling, cashmere and corduroy are assembled to create considered, cold-weather outfits without the added bulk of a down jacket or an extra-large scarf. To master the look, think hero outerwear, hard-working boots, statement knits and on-trend accessory updates.

“I always find winter style tricky, particularly living in London, as you have to be smart with your wardrobe choices,” says Abbi Minchin, NET-A-PORTER’s commerce content editor. “You need enough layers to keep warm, but not so many that you are overheating on your way into work.”

“The one item I always go back to is a boot, particularly the season’s sought-after knee-high or over-the-knee styles. They’re the perfect layer while being incredibly chic,” she continues. “If the temperature is moderate, I’d pair them with a skirt. If it’s in the minuses, I’d pair them with pants.”

If you’re facing a similar winter style dilemma, take Minchin’s lead by starting with a standout pair of boots. Christen’s ‘Edge Stretch’ lizard-effect style is a new-season highlight, tapping into the fall/winter ’26 trend for animal prints, while Gucci’s new ‘Borsetto’ shoulder bag arrives in the chicest burgundy hue. Wear them with Khaite’s Argyle sweater for an effortless way to add pattern and personality to your wardrobe, then layer on Ssstein’s flight jacket, which has a cozy shearling collar that can be turned up for extra protection against the elements. To finish, add Lisa Yang’s cashmere neckerchief and a pair of Nour Hammour gloves on extra-chilly days.

Elsewhere, Ssstein’s fall/winter 2026 runway provided plenty of winter styling inspiration, expertly layering knits with collared shirts, blazers and understated outerwear. Our editors love the color-pop effect of the brand’s pistachio-green brushed cashmere sweater, but &Daughter’s cherry-red V-neck offers an equally eye-catching alternative. Finally, no winter wardrobe is complete without a coat. Alaïa’s asymmetric shearling style is the ultimate cold-weather investment, combining a statement-making silhouette with all-important warmth.

The Instant Update: Statement Knitwear

Trending Now: Corduroy