8 Closet Essentials For Chic City Style This Winter
On cold, dark mornings, there’s nothing quite like embracing fashion’s power to lift your spirits. From blissfully soft wardrobe foundations to trending finishing touches, these eight seasonal staples will make light work of winter dressing, says COLLEEN ROSS
An oversized coat
When it comes to forever buys, a winter coat is often the biggest. Trust us: something flawlessly tailored in an oversized shape and long in length is the answer. Keep things cool, classic and refined with Toteme’s refined shearling design – the cocooning shape and versatile funnel-neck collar will add polish to any outfit. Elsewhere, fans of earthy neutrals will love the forest-green hue of Róhe’s wool and alpaca-blend ‘Leandra’ coat – a NET-A-PORTER exclusive. As always, the timeless shade pairs effortlessly with blue jeans, but it also looks chic with chocolate-brown tailoring.
TOTEMEPaneled shearling coat$4,810.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size32 - out of stock34 - out of stock36 - low stock38 - low stock40 - out of stock42 - out of stock
RÓHELeandra alpaca-blend coat
KHAITEAlton double-breasted crepe coat$4,870.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size0 - out of stock2 - low stock4 - out of stock6 - out of stock
CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTIONBrooke oversized striped wool coat
A suede bag
If you’re looking for a new-season investment bag, there’s really only one material to consider – suede. Not only does it look and feel beautiful, but it adds texture and depth to outfits, elevating everything from knitwear to denim. Bottega Veneta’s prized ‘Campana’ bag comes in a seasonless tan hue, while Métier’s classic ‘Private Eye’ tote comes in a generous size with clever internal and external pockets to keep your daily essentials organized. Perfect whether you’re traveling or commuting, Saint Laurent’s ‘Jamie’ style is the epitome of pared-back luxury and a sophisticated choice for the office.
SAINT LAURENTJamie quilted suede shoulder bag
BOTTEGA VENETACampana intrecciato suede shoulder bag
MÉTIERPrivate Eye medium suede tote
CHLOÉMarcie suede shoulder bag
A maxi skirt
Even in the face of blustery weather, the street-style set is remaining loyal to maxi skirts, from A-line to figure-skimming. Both styles are just the thing to wear with sweaters or fitted jersey staples, and pencil skirts – such as Khaite’s zebra-print ‘Loxley’ design (as seen on Shailene Woodley) and Tom Ford’s satin-crepe style – are dominating social feeds. Another stunning day-to-night option is Alaïa’s navy rib-knitted style. Wear yours to dinner with a buttoned cardigan and heeled knee-high boots.
TOM FORDSatin-crepe maxi skirt$1,835.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size36 - out of stock3840 - low stock4244 - out of stock4648 - out of stock
KHAITELoxley zebra-print calf hair midi skirt
ALAÏAAsymmetric ribbed wool and cashmere-blend skirt
BERNADETTENorma taffeta maxi skirt$800.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size34 - low stock3638 - low stock40 - low stock42 - low stock4446 - low stock
Knee-high boots
Boots are essential for any cold-weather wardrobe, and this season, animal-print styles specifically are reigning supreme. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, Jimmy Choo’s ‘Maxima’ pair are crafted from snake-effect leather and rest on kitten heels, while Bottega Veneta’s suede ‘James’ boots feature braided straps and silver-toned triangular accents – both styles are perfect for everyday. Alternatively, for something with after-dark appeal, look to Saint Laurent’s ‘Jill’ style in glossy burgundy leather. Pull on yours to wear with a split-hem denim skirt, or a mini skirt and sheer tights.
SAINT LAURENTJill glossed-leather knee boots$2,575.00View Product DetailsSelect a SizeEU 36 - low stockEU 36.5EU 37EU 37.5 - out of stockEU 38 - low stockEU 38.5EU 39 - low stockEU 39.5EU 40
BOTTEGA VENETAJames intrecciato leather-trimmed suede knee boots$2,440.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3637 - low stock37.538 - low stock38.539 - low stock39.54041 - out of stock
JIMMY CHOOMaxima 35 snake-effect leather knee boots$1,645.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3636.537 - out of stock37.538 - out of stock39 - low stock39.5 - out of stock40 - low stock40.5 - low stock41 - low stock41.5 - out of stock42 - out of stock
PARIS TEXASElsa buckled snake-effect leather knee boots$1,600.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size35 - out of stock36 - low stock36.537 - low stock37.5 - low stock3838.5 - low stock3939.540 - low stock40.5 - out of stock41 - low stock41.542 - low stock
Straight-leg jeans
When it comes to finding your go-to denim, you can’t go wrong with straight-leg jeans in tried-and-tested washes. Agolde’s mid-rise style features light distressing for a vintage feel, while Frame’s ‘The Vertical’ pair come in a trending dark-indigo wash. Set to be a bestseller, Citizens of Humanity’s ‘Delfina’ pair have a vintage black wash that’s easy to dress up or down. Remember, every wash cycle affects the fit and feel of denim – that’s why aficionados (and sustainability experts) swear by freezing their jeans between laundry days.
AGOLDE90s mid-rise straight-leg jeans
FRAMEThe Vertical high-rise straight-leg jeans$365.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size23 - out of stock24 - low stock25 - low stock26 - low stock27 - low stock28 - low stock29303132 - low stock33 - out of stock
CITIZENS OF HUMANITYDelfina high-rise straight-leg jeans
OSSOUFlex Stretch high-rise straight-leg jeans$445.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size24 - out of stock25 - out of stock26272829 - low stock30 - low stock31 - out of stock
A classic turtleneck
The late Diane Keaton was the ultimate poster girl for this knitwear staple, both on screen and in real life, once revealing to fans that she “forever and always will be a turtleneck kind of gal”. Taking the icon’s fashion legacy as proof, it’s an easy mindset to back. Plain, striped, colorful… there’s no hard-and-fast rule this sweater season, except that materials matter. La Ligne’s timeless ‘Archie’ sweater is spun from a blend of wool and cashmere for warmth and softness, while Altuzarra’s traditional black-and-white Fair Isle sweater has a relaxed fit. Style yours beneath a chic blazer.
ALTUZARRAHamilton wool rollneck sweater
LA LIGNEArchie wool and cashmere-blend mock-neck sweater$480.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizexx small - low stockx smallsmallmediumlargex large - low stock
TOTEMEWool turtleneck sweater
THE ELDER STATESMANCable-knit cashmere and silk-blend turtleneck sweater
A winter dress
A knitted dress will slot right into any capsule closet. The best part? They’re so easy to style. Proenza Schouler’s ‘Romi’ dress has been crafted in an off-the-shoulder silhouette in classic beige that’s great for day events and will go with all your favorite accessories. Elsewhere, Alaïa’s burgundy-red maxi dress falls to a sweeping mermaid hem, making it a gorgeous choice for evening and winter weddings. Alternatively, Tove’s ‘Eira’ maxi is made from soft jersey that’s gathered through the bodice and looks equally chic styled with knee-high boots or elegant pumps.
GABRIELA HEARSTImagene belted ribbed pointelle-knit wool midi dress
TOVEEira gathered jersey gown$1,320.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size34 - low stock36 - low stock3840 - low stock42 - low stock
PROENZA SCHOULERRomi off-the-shoulder asymmetric stretch-knit dress$2,225.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - low stocksmallmedium - out of stocklargex large - out of stock
ALAÏAJersey mock-neck gown
Essential winter accessories
Come winter, the finishing touches are non-negotiable – as well as adding color and texture to a look, they are crucial for braving the elements. We love practical yet pretty scarves, which instantly lift a wintry color palette. Loewe’s cashmere-blend style, for example, is patterned with the brand’s tonal Anagram emblems. An alpaca-blend beanie, such as The Elder Statesman’s vibrant ‘Thistle’ style, is a sensible yet joyful choice that will brighten up cold dark morning commutes. Finally, for a little evening glamour, Nour Hammour’s tactile suede gloves are ultra-sophisticated and feel like an indulgent treat for cold hands.
LOEWEFringed wool and cashmere-blend jacquard scarf
THE ELDER STATESMANThistle Pacific striped alpaca-blend beanie
NOUR HAMMOURSuede gloves
BRUNELLO CUCINELLIFringed linen-blend scarf
RELATED READING
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown