The Territorie’s Guide to Layering While Staying Chic This Winter

You’d think after a lifetime of autumns ending and winters starting anew, we’d be used to the cold. But some of us just aren’t winter people, no matter how much we wish we were. Every year, we end up ill-equipped to face the frigid cold, somehow making it through another winter without purchasing a single stitch of cashmere, wool or even heattech for layering. And every year, we dread the challenge of bundling up — always struggling to find the balance, and trying not to chose between being chic over warmth.

This year, though, we’ve decided to actually prepare and meticulously think through our winter wardrobe. Anticipating the cold has led us to literally search “how to stay warm in the winter” on TikTok and Reddit, and we even entertained (dramatically) the idea of industrial workwear designed for people working outside in subzero temperatures. While we might not need to go that far, we do want pieces that not only keep us warm but also let us maintain our personal style — and even elevate it a bit. Refusing to compromise our taste, these are the layering pieces we’ll be wearing this winter — in the most chic way possible.

Outerwear

Filippa Hägg Oversized Coat

Surprisingly, it’s harder than you’d think to find a simple black coat with a minimalist silhouette that is good quality with no frills. After looking for a while, we came across Camille Charriere and Amalie Moosgaard Nielsen both wearing one that was exactly what we were wanting — by a brand we don’t often hear in association with outerwear, Filippa Hägg. Their Oversized Coat is a wool-blend coat that they describe as “a true forever piece” and “designed for an oversized fit and shaped in a chic silhouette with a clear-cut collar and elegant shoulders.” Whether you get theirs or find a more affordable one on eBay, a wool coat is the best layering piece to keep you warm while still looking put together in the wintertime.

Josephine Jones Florence

For a different style that’s a bit more unique, we love the Florence by Josephine Jones. We’ve been seeing a lot of people go for this kind from Charlotte Simone as well.

Helmut Lang Gray Double-Faced Apex Cocoon Coat

For a more high fashion feel, go for a coat that’s double-breasted or with a unique silhouette. This oversized Helmut Lang one is perfect for layering under.

Uniqlo Relaxed Quilted Jacket

This isn’t a wool coat, but the Uniqlo PUFFTECH section is the secret to being able to wear a wool coat and stay warm. While the wool coat alone won’t be enough in colder places, you can use a PUFFTECH jacket as an inner layer since it’s thin and won’t feel bulky. We recommend the PUFFTECH Relaxed Quilted Jacket or the PUFFTECH Compact Jacket.

GANNI Black Tech Down Coat

If you prefer a sportier look, you could also skip the wool coat/PUFFTECH combination and go for a long puffer coat.

Thermal Layering

Uniqlo HEATTECH

If you live in New York, you probably already own Uniqlo’s HEATTECH — a go-to for thermals. For tights, we love theirs, the CALZEDONIA Thermal Super Opaque Tights or The Cozy Crew fleece-lined pair.

Wool, Cashmere and Mohair Sweaters

The Row Ophelia Sweater

In our opinion, The Row created what we think of as the perfect sweater, — their Ophelia Sweater in Wool and Cashmere.

Los Angeles Apparel Fisherman Pullover

A more affordable option is the Los Angeles Apparel Unisex Fisherman Pullover, but as far as warm sweaters go, you can look for any in wool, cashmere or mohair. J.Crew, GAP, Everlane and Quince have a great selection too. Turtlenecks are a staple as well.

Leather Gloves

Lands’ End Touch Screen Leather Gloves

Our first choice for gloves is leather ones, and Lands’ End sells a pair of Touch Screen Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves. That being said, we did recently learn that mittens are actually warmer than gloves, such as the Barbour Primrose Waterproof Insulated Mittens with Faux Fur Trim. For a middle ground, Tabi gloves are another idea.

TOTEME Leather Gloves

For an investment piece, these TOTEME Black Leather Gloves have a knit cashmere and wool-blend lining.

Cashmere Gloves

arch4 Julian Cashmere Gloves

You can never go wrong with simple cashmere gloves, such as these ones by arch4.

The Row Red Fergie Gloves

Make a statement with The Row Red Fergie Gloves.

Earmuffs

Hima 100% Real Fox Fur Winter Earmuffs

Last season, we saw the resurgence of earmuffs. This pair by Hima are to die for.

Alpaca Fur Hats

Living the Dream Alpaca Farm Fur Hat

You can find hats made from alpaca fur on eBay and Etsy, or there are farms you can buy them directly from by doing a quick Google search. REVOLVE also sells one called the Harper Fur Hat by Susanna Chow.

Traditional Scarves and Neck Warmers

GAP Chunky Scarf

We love how you can use scarves to add pops of color. Base Range also makes one with a matching hat.

Acne Studios Fringe Oversized Scarf

Or be more minimalist with a black or gray one. We’ve also seen people use neck warmers too.

Merino Wool Socks

Smartwool Everyday Solid Rib Light Cushion Crew

Merino wool socks, like the Smartwool Everyday Solid Rib Light Cushion Crew, are ideal for winter.

Winter Boots

ROA Black Rubber Tall Boots

While we aspire to own a pair of Prada Sport winter boots, we got vintage L.L. Bean ones from eBay this year. Whether you’re buying them new or used, we recommend looking for a tall black boot that’s insulated, waterproof and made of nylon or leather. We’ve also heard people in New York vouch for wearing BOGS.