18 Go-To Brands for Winter That Every Cool Girl Is Wearing
Bundle up in these favorite winter brands.
Images: Nanushka, Levi's, Doen. Design: Jessie Quinn / StyleCaster
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Every January, I conduct a thorough audit of my wardrobe and scrutinize every garment I own, including my underwear (if you haven’t refreshed your undies, take this as a sign!!). Like so many, I am always left with an imbalance of aspirational pieces that I wanted to wear but never did, alongside clothing I live in.
This year, I’m closing the gap and investing in items that make me excited to get dressed; not just because they’re comfy and convenient, but because they make me feel as cool as the social media girlies that grace my algorithm. (psst: if you need outfit inspiration, Tessa van Montfoort is my queen).
The Best Winter Brands at a Glance
- Best Department Store: Nordstrom
- Best for Cashmere: Quince
- Best for Puffer Coats: North Face
- Best for Accessories: Free People
- Best for Boots: La Canadienne
- Best for Tights: Noosh
- Best for Loungewear: Roots
- Best for Rain Boots: Merry People
- Best Trendy: Damson Madder
- Best for Denim: Levi’s
- Best for Athleisure: Lululemon
Right now, the cool girls on my feed are taking a maximalist approach to personal style, with many unique pieces that feel timeless because they serve as an extension of the wearer. Popular brands like Quince, Levi’s, Free People, and Lululemon are mixed in with Damson Madder, DÔEN, Bode, and Loeffler Randall. And, of course, I am seeing a lot of Nordstrom links for that brand variety and fast shipping. With all of the Heated Rivalry love and the upcoming Winter Olympics, there’s a lot of Canadiana fashion, too.
If you’re like me and want to give your style a New Year’s refresh with pieces you’ll actually wear this season, here are the best winter brands to shop.
Nordstrom
Petite Moments Paris Triangle Scarf
Nordstrom is not a brand in the traditional sense, though it does have a namesake collection. However, the department store is a go-to Amazon alternative, since it has super fast shipping (I ordered sneakers last week, and they arrived at my doorstep the next day). A triangle scarf, such as the Petite Moments Paris Triangle Scarf, is one of this season’s most popular accessories. I love that this one has that triangle silhouette but is slightly elongated so that you can wear it as a neck scarf.
Quince
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Fisherman Pullover Hoodie
If you’re shopping for affordable winter pieces that are constructed from natural fibers like wool or cashmere, Quince is the best place to shop. In fact, the brand is known for its more budget-friendly cashmere pieces, like the Mongolian Cashmere Fisherman Pullover Hoodie. This sweater is made from 100% Mongolian cashmere and costs $120 (compared to $200+ at other retailers).
The North Face
The North Face Hydrenalite City Long Down Hooded Parka
A parka is a winter must. While there are plenty of places to find cute and trendy parka coats, I think it’s better to invest in a high-quality piece that you’ll wear a ton and have in your wardrobe for years to come. After all, none of us has that much closet space. When shopping for a new parka, The North Face is the first place I go. The brand carries versatile styles like the Hydrenalite City Long Down Hooded Parka, which you can wear with everything from your work wardrobe to your athleisure.
Free People
Free People Balabonnet
Eclectic personal style is the aesthetic right now, and Free People’s bohemian designs are a great match. I’m a big fan of Free People’s winter accessories, because they often lean more trendy but still have a decent price tag. In addition to triangle scarves, bonnet hoods are popular this season, and this under $40 Balabonnet is a cute and versatile piece you’ll wear a bunch.
La Canadienne
La Canadienne Cye City Dry Waterproof Chelsea Boot
Okay, I’ll be honest: I haven’t seen a ton of La Canadienne on social media, but I think this brand is so deserving of some hype. I spend a lot of time in rainy Canada, and finding cute boots that are also fully waterproof was not easy. I’ve owned a pair of their leather lace-up boots for years, and they save my soles without sacrificing style. This winter, I’m eyeing the Cye City Dry Waterproof Chelsea Boot for a more classic style that goes with everything.
Noosh
Noosh Toast Sheer Illusion Fleece-Lined Tights
It’s winter, which means it’s frigid in most parts of the country right now. If you want to wear a dress or a skirt, tights are an absolute must. But, thin hosiery isn’t going to cut it. These Sheer Illusion Fleece-Lined Tights from Noosh are the style hack I needed when I lived through polar vortex winters in NYC years ago. The stockings are designed to look like sheer tights, but they are actually full-coverage and lined in fleece to keep those legs nice and toasty.
Roots
Roots Cloud One Fit Hoodie
If you’re still thinking about and obsessing over Heated Rivalry, it’s time to get acquainted with one of the best Canadian clothing brands: Roots. This is one of my favorite places to shop while up in Canada because it has that quintessential Canadiana style, and everything is so well-made. In the winter, I stock up on their cozy sweatpants and sweatshirts like the Cloud One Fit Hoodie. This is seriously the most comfortable and nicest quality sweatshirt I’ve ever worn.
Merry People
Merry People Tully Ankle Rain Boots
Rain boots are a winter essential, especially if you live on the West Coast, where it rains more than it snows. Merry People makes some of the most comfortable rain boots I’ve ever slipped into. The Tully Ankle Rain Boots are my go-to when I need something a little more practical (compared to my La Canadienne Boots).
Damson Madder
Damson Madder Josie Midi Skirt
London-based brand Damson Madder has the U.S. fashion industry wrapped around its finger right now, and I am honestly not surprised. Everything, and I mean everything, is so well-made. I have several dresses from the brand that I love to wear in the spring and summer, but there are also some cool, more wintery pieces like the Josie Midi Skirt to choose from.
Lululemon
Lululemon Wool-Blend Base Layer Tight
There’s a reason why we’re all still wearing Lululemon. The brand makes great activewear and always has some good winter pieces (it is Canadian after all) that feel stylish yet practical. If you’re headed to the slopes this season, swap your leggings for the Wool-Blend Base Layer Tights. These are inspired by classic long Johns but slightly more elevated.
Khaite
Khaite Juniper Sweater
For more splurge-worthy, designer styles, all of the cool girls are wearing Khaite this winter. When it comes to designer clothing, I like to invest in pieces I know I’ll wear many times over, like coats and sweaters. The Juniper Sweater is a great investment piece because it features a timeless silhouette with a roll neck collar. It’s also made from 100% cashmere, so you just know it’s super warm.
Toteme
Nanushka
Nanushka Zofia Wax Cotton Coat
On Sale 70% off
Nanushka is another designer brand known for its contemporary garments. Since it is a more splurge-worthy brand, I recommend shopping during a sale, where you can get pieces like the Zofia Wax Cotton Coat (SO chic!) for $325 instead of $1,075.
Levi’s
Levi’s Rue Liner Jacket
When it comes to tried and true denim, Levi’s is a staple. And, while most of the jeans in my closet are from Levi’s, I actually have a few more unique dresses and jackets that you wouldn’t think to snag from the brand—many of which look like some of the cool brands you see the social media girlies wear. For winter, consider this Rue Liner Jacket as either a lightweight jacket (if you live somewhere warmer) or a layering piece under a wool coat.
DÔEN
DÔEN Petra Cardigan
DÔEN is another brand I see a lot on social media. The Los Angeles-based brand is known for its more vintage-inspired aesthetic, and I love that, despite its distinct style, there are so many good staples available. For winder, I am eyeing the Petra Cardigan, which is made from a superfine alpaca and merino wool blend, and a more luxe-looking cardigan that you can wear buttoned up as a long sleeve or open for a more layered look. Albeit pricey, you totally get what you pay for in terms of quality and material.
Loeffler Randall
Loeffler Randall Suri Brown Leather Lug Boot
Loeffler Randall is one of my favorite designer brands. While I usually shop the brand in spring and summer, there are some seriously cute and practical winter pieces right now, including my new favorite boots, the Suri Brown Leather Lug Boots. These are one of the most comfortable winter boots I’ve ever slipped into. I love the durable lug sole, stretchy shaft, and mix of brown leather and black rubber that give it a layer of practicality.
Parke
Parke Polo Sweater
Parke is known for its cult-favorite loungewear. However, it also carries some more elevated everyday pieces that you can wear to the office or out for a stroll through the city. The Polo Sweater is one piece on my wishlist right now. I love that it’s constructed from a wool and cashmere blend (so you know it’s super warm) and has a more casual, sporty silhouette that goes with so much.
Boden
Boden Abi Jacquard Cardigan
Boden is another British brand that is taking over our wardrobes. The brand is great for adding color to your wardrobe, and I love all of the whimsical prints. Pieces like the Abi Jacquard Cardigan can add a touch of sunshine to your winter wardrobe.
More from StyleCaster
Must Reads
Shopping With SC
More From StyleCaster
