Art of Style

6 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 on-trend finishing touches, these six seasonal staples will make light work of winter dressing, says COLLEEN ROSS

Fashion editor Millie Parry
Fashion

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 Lemaire’s belted double-breasted wool-felt coat – the cocooning shape and versatile funnel-neck collar will add polish to any outfit. Elsewhere, reach for Arma’s ‘Verena’ coat in reversible shearling and leather, if you’re after something extra cozy, or make a statement in Chloé’s checked cape coat from the runway. All three work perfectly with denim and tailoring alike.

  • LEMAIRE
    Belted double-breasted wool-felt coat
    €1,590.00
    Select a Size
    xx small - out of stock
    x small
    small
    medium
    large
  • ARMA
    Verena reversible shearling and leather coat
    €2,650.00
    Select a Size
    32
    34 - low stock
    36
    38 - low stock
    40
    42
  • ALMADA
    Mara belted wool and cashmere-blend coat
    €760.00
    Select a Size
    xx small - out of stock
    x small - low stock
    small
    medium
    large
    x large - low stock
  • MAGDA BUTRYM
    Double-breasted full-grain leather trench coat
    €4,495.00
    Select a Size
    34
    36
    38
    40
    42

The all-in-one tote

If you’re looking for a new-season investment bag, make it an oversized tote. One big enough to carry everything you need for a day of meetings and appointments (read: laptop, notebook, a sweater and possibly even a mini bag for evening) is a must. As for fabrics and finishes, that’s entirely up to you. Leather will always be classic and wears beautifully, while suede adds texture and depth to outfits. Bottega Veneta’s slouchy ‘Corso’ bag comes in two timeless shades, while Liffner’s ‘Belted’ tote comes in a generous size equipped with three internal pockets to keep your daily essentials organized. Perfect whether you’re traveling or commuting, Saint Laurent’s ‘Y’ style is the epitome of pared-back luxury and a sophisticated choice for the office.

A column skirt

Even in the face of blustery weather, the street-style set remains loyal to sleek column skirts in midi and maxi lengths. The beauty of a column skirt is that it’s just as versatile as jeans or pants – and looks as good with sweaters and fitted tees as it does with fitted blazers and shirts. Leather styles in croc- and snake-effect finishes are dominating social feeds right now, making it the perfect time to add styles by Willy Chavarria and Arma to your new-season wardrobe. Other stunning day-to-night options come courtesy of Heirlome, Khaite and Tove. The latter’s ‘Alma’ skirt comes in a trending chartreuse shade that’s exclusive to NET-A-PORTER and perfect for party season. Wear yours to dinner with a fuzzy mohair cardigan and heeled knee-high boots.

  • WILLY CHAVARRIA
    Tubo paneled snake-effect leather midi skirt
    €2,170.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2
    4
    6
    8
    10 - out of stock
  • KHAITE
    Loxley darted wool, silk and cashmere-blend felt midi skirt
    €2,540.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
    4
    6
    8
    10 - out of stock
  • ARMA
    Meeka paneled croc-effect leather midi skirt
    €595.00
    Select a Size
    32 - out of stock
    34 - out of stock
    36 - low stock
    38 - low stock
    40 - low stock
    42 - out of stock
  • TOVE
    Alma crinkled satin midi skirt
    €810.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock

Knee-high boots

Knee-high boots are essential for any cold-weather wardrobe – and the good news this season is that they come in all kinds of shapes to suit different moods and tastes. For work or evening events, reach for razor-sharp stiletto heels, such as Gucci’s ‘Donna’ style in smooth dark-brown leather. They’re detailed with the brand’s signature horsebit and look especially chic paired with long tailored coats and midi skirts. Alternatively, Gabriela Hearst’s ‘Capitana’ boots pay tribute to authentic cowboy styles, while Chloé’s ‘Dakota’ boots have more of a rugged, equestrian feel.

  • CHLOÉ
    Dakota stud-embellished leather knee boots
    €1,490.00
    Select a Size
    35
    36 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38 - low stock
    38.5 - low stock
    39 - low stock
    39.5 - out of stock
    40 - low stock
    40.5
    41
  • LE MONDE BERYL
    Allegra 25 snake-effect leather knee boots
    €1,055.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    36.5
    37 - out of stock
    37.5 - low stock
    38 - low stock
    38.5 - low stock
    39
    39.5 - low stock
    40 - low stock
    40.5
    41 - out of stock
    41.5 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
  • GUCCI
    Donna 80 horsebit-detailed leather knee boots
    €1,850.00
    Select a Size
    37 - out of stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38
    38.5
    39
    39.5
    40 - out of stock
    41
  • CHRISTEN
    Defender leather knee boots
    €2,750.00
    Select a Size
    36
    37
    37.5
    38 - out of stock
    38.5
    39
    39.5
    40
    41 - out of stock
    42

A classic knit

Whether you opt for something plain, patterned or colorful, there’s no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to knitwear this season – except that materials matter. Choose styles in cashmere and wool, and you’re guaranteed to have them on heavy rotation for winters to come. Toteme’s brushed red turtleneck is spun with both fibers for exceptional warmth and softness, while Ssstein’s V-neck from the fall/winter ’26 runway comes in emerald-green cashmere and offers heaps of layering potential. If you prefer more muted colors but still want to make a statement, look no further than &Daughter’s ‘Ava’ sweater in traditional argyle.

  • TOTEME
    Brushed wool-blend turtleneck sweater
    €660.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small - low stock
    medium - low stock
    large
    x large
  • KHAITE
    Elias embroidered cable-knit cashmere sweater
    €2,800.00
    Select a Size
    x small - low stock
    small - low stock
    medium - low stock
    large - low stock
  • ALMADA
    Yara merino wool and cashmere-blend sweater
    €340.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small
    medium
    large
    x large - low stock
  • &DAUGHTER
    Ava argyle wool sweater
    €595.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small
    medium
    large
    x large - low stock

Finishing touches

Come winter, cold-weather accessories are non-negotiable – as well as adding color and texture to a look, they are crucial for braving the elements. Perhaps the most important accessory of all, a scarf is not only a practical choice but a characterful one, too. Dries Van Noten’s brushed wool-blend style, for example, is patterned with vibrant autumnal checks that are perfect for brightening up cold, dark morning commutes. As for hats, Nour Hammour’s bucket style is made from a ribbed wool and cashmere blend that will go with pretty much everything – and looks good, too. Finally, for a little evening glamour, Balenciaga’s butter-soft leather gloves are ultra-sophisticated and feel like an indulgent treat for cold hands.

  • DRIES VAN NOTEN
    Fringe-trimmed checked brushed wool-blend scarf
    €445.00
  • BALENCIAGA
    Leather gloves
    €890.00
    Select a Size
    S - low stock
    M - out of stock
    L
  • NOUR HAMMOUR
    Bruno ribbed merino wool and cashmere-blend bucket hat
    €250.00
    Select a Size
    XS/S
    M/L - out of stock
  • JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN
    Reel cashmere scarf
    €190.00

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