The Winter Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Over 30 Should Own

Of course, there’s something about winter’s shorter, gloomier days that makes most of us gravitate towards darker shades and muted color palettes—we get it, they’re easy to wear and require little styling forethought. But if there’s one fall fashion trend we’re keen on keeping alive, it’s unequivocally color—red, grey, and metallic silver to be exact.

These hues look great with black, of course, but they also compliment each other, as well as other neutral colors like navy and shades of white and cream. Metallic silver (another mainstay on the runways) looks more sophisticated than ever, and for a textural juxtaposition, pairs perfectly with denim and cashmere. Along with a requisite sequin or velvet moment, we also love it for holiday dressing.

Before succumbing to impulse buys (winter clothes are expensive!), revisit what’s already in your closet and figure out what fall purchases you made that’ll definitely still work for the foreseeable future. From there you can decide what’s missing or past its prime. The winter season is a long one, but below you’ll find all our tested and endorsed layering pieces and other winter wardrobe essentials for making this time of year your warmest, most stylish one yet.

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The T-Shirt

For most people, the underpinning of a well-rounded wardrobe is a perfectly-fitting T-shirt. White is a universal choice, though heather grey is the fashion must of the season. The below are Glamour editor and reader favorites; they have a crewneck silhouette and mid-weight fabric. (My go-to of late is Savannah Morrow’s soft and stretchy “Essential Tee,” which has more of a boatneck silhouette that cuts below the clavicle and is fitted throughout.) If you prefer a V-neck over a crewneck, check out our edit of the best V-neck tees.

The Winter Legging

The time for warm, brushed leggings is now. Lululemon’s Align pants aren’t the thickest of the bunch, but they hold up just fine when paired with a long coat or puffer. (For more heavy-duty styles for working out, read up on these tested and recommended styles we love.) Oh, and if you only want to buy leggings on Amazon, our shopping writer Andrea Navarro vouches ofr the set linked below that has almost 33,000 five-star reviews.

The Base Layer

Whether worn alone, underneath a button-up shirt or sweater, or ski clothing, a base top is a lightweight non-negotiable. It helps you hold on to heat, but can also be taken off if it ends up being one too many layers.

The Everyday Knit

The easiest way to tap into the red and grey color trend of the season is with a knit—and we’re loving the ones from Naked Cashmere and Banana Republic. Alex Mill and Loulou Studio also have great, everyday knitwear options for minimalists and maximalists alike.

The Slip-On Shoes

The window for wearing mules and slip-ons is a short one, so maximize this time with a design that’s foolproof to style. Ugg’s platform slipper is treaded and raised enough that you won’t mind wearing it out of the house, but if you can’t bear to pack up your Arizonas, opt for its shearling-lined cousin and style it with fuzzy socks from Amazon.

The Sneakers

You might be not walking as much in winter as you did in the fall, but when you do venture out for your daily walks (and you don’t need boots) you want to make sure it’s something cute, comfy, and not entirely porous—few things are worse than realizing your sneakers are too ventilated and your socks too thin after you’ve left the house. Reformation and Veja have a limited edition collab going that’s one of our favorite new fashion launches of the season, while the Adidas Sambas—one of the best white sneakers we’ve tried—comes now in this cool navy that’s perfect for wearing a long grey coat.

The Black Boots

The range of black boots on the market is limitless, though it’s hard to go wrong with the below two: One dressy option for work and another plush staple for weekends. You’re set.

The Long-Sleeve Top

The perfect in-between when temps are mild enough that you can get away with wearing a snuggly coat and a single layer.

The Bodysuit

Bodysuits are another editor staple around these parts since they work as both a stand-alone tops and mid-layers underneath sweaters. The Skims one below has earned top marks from our shopping writer, Andrea Navarro, while Lululemon’s newest “Wundermost” fabric is cosigned by yours truly—and our commerce director Brie Schwartz—for its sleek fit and incomparably soft feel.

The Winter Coat

The best winter coats are selling out fast! Boden’s reversible iteration delivers sophisticated teddy bear vibes, and is great quality for the price. If you want to snag a high-quality style for just $300, be sure to check out the options at Banana Republic—its grey oversized top coat is a Glamour-editor must. For more of a splurge, consider something from Reiss—our commerce director almost exclusively wears its outerwear—or Totême, a buzzy brand our senior shopping editor loves.

The Cozy Sweatshirt

Lululemon’s half-zip has voluminous sleeves and slightly cropped fit that works great with jeans or high-waisted black leggings, while Alo’s bestselling Accolade hoodie is what oversized loungewear dreams are made of. (I personally live in mine whenever I’m home.)

The Even Cozier Sweatpants

Some would argue that you can never own too many sweatpants, but we’re of the mind that you only need one or two really great styles since that’s all you’ll realistically be wearing day in and out. Vuori and Alo’s have all the hallmarks of an MVP: Soft, durable, and entirely unfussy.

The Sweater Dress

A one-and-done piece that’s chic, office-appropriate, and easy to style with winter boots or heels. Reformation’s cashmere dress is especially worthwhile for its soft knit and slightly flared hem that moves when you walk.

The Holiday Outfit

Sequins, rosettes, plaid—start with these fab winter dresses as you plan out your holiday party ‘fits.

The Tights

You’ll be needing these to wear with dresses and skirts (or under jeans if it’s really cold)—and at the top of our shopping list are the sheer and opaque styles from Wolford and Commando. Tights have a ton of utility (not to mention versatility) and these brands make quality pairs that won’t rip or snag second you put them on.

The House Sock

For wearing in (and perhaps out of) the house. These pair best with the Uggs and Birks you were eyeing above.

The Puffer Jacket

Bundle up in one of the season’s best down coats—Vuori has a great active option, while anything from The North Face will be an investment you enjoy for years to come.

The Weatherproof Boot

Black ice, sleet, and rain have nothing on these water-resistant boots; Moon Boot’s classic ankle boot is our senior shopping editor’s preferred style for snow as well since it’s cute, very warm, and easy to buy online because of the “universal” sizing.

The Fleece Jacket

The power of a great fleece can’t be understated. FP Movement’s snap-button jacket has been a celeb staple for years and comes in a bunch of colors and styles, including a quarter-zip pullover with contrasting piping. We’re also obsessed with the The Great’s colorblock pullover from its new Outdoors line.

The Knit Pant

The elevated sister of joggers, knit pants are a no-fuss option for when you want to feel relaxed but still put-together—and look great with either sneakers or boots. You can find quality wool and cashmere blends for under $200, or splurge on pure cashmere ones if budget isn’t a concern. (Pro tip: Keep a sweater comb handy to remove pilling.)

The Cold-Weather Essential

Protect your extremities with gloves, a mohair or down scarf (trust, it’s so cute IRL), and warm winter beanie.

The Bag

If a designer bag is on your holiday wish list, consider DeMellier’s New York midi tote your new day-to-night winter staple. (If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, the British label is a noted favorite of Kate Middleton who loves its structured crossbody bags and top handles.) Banana Republic also has a great new shoulder bag that would make for an excellent work option.

The Silver Accent

Accessories are a great way to a touch of silver to your look—and we’re especially loving Lié Studio’s sterling silver drop earrings and Marina Raphael’s stunning crystal bag that’d be just perfect for a New Year’s Eve look.

The Finishing Touch

Let your personal style shine with one of season’s sparkliest pieces. Ours include Dorsey’s lab-grown heirloom earrings (a new launch to its standout collection of lab-grown rivières and rings) and Kimaï’s wavy ring featuring a double band of white gold and lab-grown diamonds. For statement necklaces, we’re also into Aurate’s take on the now-popular rivière and Forte Forte’s crystal choker.