8 Winter Buys Set to Become “It Items” in 2026

In my opinion, winter gets a bad rep. Yes, it is the season when the temperatures drop, the days get darker and the run up to Christmas can often be more stressful than magical, but there’s something about prioritising comfort and cosying up in soft layers that makes the shift from autumn to winter one of my favourite times of the year.

For that same reason, dressing for winter doesn’t have to be complicated, it’s just all about finding that sweet spot between practicality and polish. As the days get colder and the layers get thicker, the season’s most coveted pieces so far are conclusive proof that winter-appropriate needn’t mean “boring”, and if you were thinking of raincoats, wellies and thermals, think again. This winter the fashion set are investing in elevated knitwear, comfy shoes and the kind of considered accessories that make getting dressed on even the coldest mornings feel effortless.

So, whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe with a few key additions, investing in pieces you’ll return to year after year, or just curious to know how fashion insiders are shopping right now, these are the winter buys worth knowing about in 2026.

Style Notes: The recent renaissance of the UGG boot should really have been our first indicator that no matter what the runways might suggest, comfy shoes are still top of our agenda when winter rolls around. Not a fan of the slouchy boot? 2026’s elevated answer is the shearling flat— combining the comfort of your favourite slippers with the practicality of an everyday shoe, this cosy style proves that cold-weather dressing can be both comfortable and considered.

From plush lined loafers to soft shearling mules, designers are giving the humble flat a luxurious update for 2026, but it’s Mary Janes and ballerinas that have really caught my eye. Style them with relaxed denim and oversized knitwear for an effortless weekend look, or use them to soften the feel of tailored trousers for the office. Cosy, chic and surprisingly easy to wear, consider these the shoes your winter wardrobe has been waiting for.

Style Notes: It’s one thing to notice a trend quietly bubbling up in stores, but another when it starts getting celebrity approval, and this year is undoubtedly the year of the colour-pop scarf. For those who shrunk away from the thought of 2025’s fiery red, or 2026’s breakthrough royal purple, the easiest way to integrate a statement colour and to breathe new life into even the most understated cold-weather outfit is with a bright scarf layered over a neutral outfit.

While classic colours like camel and black will always have their place, this season sees scarves in punchy reds, vibrant cobalt blues, strong greens and of course, rich violet taking centre stage. Whether draped over a simple wool coat, thrown on with your favourite knitwear or styled with an otherwise pared-back denim look, a shot of colour in the form of a scarf offers an instant outfit lift without requiring a complete wardrobe overhaul. It might be a small styling detail, but it makes a surprisingly big impact, and it could be one of the most effortless ways to make your winter wardrobe feel fresh with just one purchase.

Style Notes: If slipper-esque shearling shoes don’t take your fancy, perhaps you’ll prefer the toughness of a buckle boot. From Dior‘s logo adorned straps to Ann Demulemeester’s gothic stompers, heavy duty buckles brought a welcome dose of attitude to the A/W runways, and gave us a new style crush in the process.

From sleek leather styles with subtle hardware to chunkier, biker-inspired silhouettes stamped with multiple buckles, there’s a version to suit every aesthetic, and what makes them particularly appealing is their ability to work with just about any winter outfit. Straight-leg jeans, wool skirts, romantic dresses or even capri pants (see Fia’s look pictured above), this easy to wear but directional, buckle boot is a winter investment that will work hard in your wardrobe well beyond this year.

Style Notes: From the moment that Matthieu Blazy opened the Chanel pre-fall 2026 show with a simple camel three-quarter zip and jeans, zip-up jumpers have overtaken the cardigan as the knitwear to know in 2026. Equal parts cosy knit and a sporty sweatshirt, this versatile piece has quickly become a favourite among the fashion set and works perfectly with the white tees and turtlenecks you already have in your wardrobe. Whether you wear it fully zipped as a high neck jumper with tailored trousers for a more put-together feel, or leave it undone over a basic tee with relaxed denim as seen on the runways, we’re happy to back any trend that is comfortable, practical and has an air of “lazy chic”. It’s the kind of wardrobe addition that makes everyday dressing feel like you’ve made a little bit more effort.