Fact: Getting dressed in winter is more difficult than it is in summer. In the warmer months, all you really need to look chic is some wide-leg trousers and an oversized linen shirt, or perhaps a puff-sleeve dress worn with a pair of well-chosen sandals, and your latest outfit snap is in the bag. In winter, however, things aren’t as quite so straightforward.
Creating a look that’s both stylish and that will keep you toasty in the coldest temperatures is no small feat, but there are things you can do to make the process simpler—the first and most effective being investing in the right pieces from the right brands.
Marianne Smyth wears a Totême coat, Raey trousers and a bag from The Row.
As someone who feels even the slightest chill in the air, I consider myself a bit of an expert at assembling winter outfits, and there’s a handful of brands that, from experience, I know work hard to create superior winter clothing. Of course, they also dabble in spring/summer pieces, too, but it would seem they pour considerable effort into honing their autumn/winter ranges.
What are these brands, I hear you ask? To stop you from having to find out the expensive way, I’ve whittled down what I view as the best winter clothing brands out there—all 12 of them. Scroll on to see if your favourites have made my cut and to shop my must-haves from each for the 2022 winter season.
Perhaps the most in-demand brand of the season, Totême has created more cult items than any other for winter 2021. As well as its classic coats, as seen on Marianne above, Totême’s knitwear has also commanded an impressive fan club of late.
My go-to for elevated high-street basics, Arket really comes into its own in the winter months, serving up sartorial feasts of puffer coats, chunky boats, knitwear, and leather separates; all of which feel way more premium than their prices.
Specialising in vegan leather and sustainable materials, Nanushka’s pieces are a year-round favourite with conscious shoppers. Looking at its latest collection, however, I think winter 2022 is its strongest to date.
Using high-end fabrications cut into sophisticated staples you’ll have in your wardrobe for years to come, I always find myself spending inordinate amounts of time on Joseph’s new-in section, especially in the winter months when coats and statement knitwear are on the menu.
Uniqlo’s Heattech collection is my winter ride-or-die; I simply can’t get dressed without it. Using advances in fabric technology, Uniqlo’s Heattech range helps keep your body at a comfortable temperature, even when there’s a deep freeze to contend with. Aside from that, its mainline range is also a haven of essential winter staples.
I’ve long dreamed of owning a Saks Potts coat—with shearling and faux-fur trims set against retro silhouettes, you’ll spot one a mile off. And that’s absolutely their charm.
What I’d give to have a wardrobe full of Raey. Creating what I like to call basics with a twist, Raey designs are classic but with some stylish direction thrown in; think coats with oversized sleeves cashmere joggers with jumbo cuffs.
The key to looking rich and unbothered lies in The Row’s laid-back winter design approach. Somehow, the brand knows exactly what I want to wear before I do—cue its very sleek take on the balaclava trend, wide-leg jeans and the trench coat I’m currently losing sleep over.
Whistles has always been one of my favourite affordable brands, and looking at its latest winter drop, my affections have been reaffirmed. It’s one of the few places I buy trousers from (the fit is spot-on), so that’s always what I fill my basket with come the cold snap. Oh, and its knitwear never disappoints, either.
My 15-year-old brother thinks it’s the coolest thing that I get to look at Pangaia pieces all day, and you know what? I do, too! Typically, I’m not big into athleisure, but for Pangaia’s ultra-soft pieces that were made to be layered together, I’m more than willing to make the exception.
From Scandi street stylers to those in the know in London, ACNE is the unofficial (but pretty official) cool-girl winter uniform. Whether you opt for a scarf or blow the budget on one of its iconic shearling leather bikers, you can do so knowing it’s going to earn you style points for a very, very long time.
Stand Studio creates great coats, this we know, but this winter, the brand is presenting so much more than just excellent outerwear. From shackets to trousers and even teddy bags, Stand Studio has never felt more current than it does now.
Next Up: According to Influencers, These Are the 6 Winter Trends That Truly Matter
