10 Winter 2026 Wardrobe Staples to Gift to Yourself This December

Welcome to 10 Things to Buy, a monthly shopping list that helps you shop smarter by focusing on the 10 key items to add to your cart that month if your wardrobe is in need of a boost. As a Who What Wear editor for the past 11 years, I've spent many hours advising people on what to shop for during any given season, so you're in good hands. Whether you're shopping for cold weather, warm weather, a vacation, or a wedding, I'm here to offer up the most seasonally appropriate suggestions. Be sure to return at the start of each month for more.

We did it—we made it to the end of 2025. Throughout the year via this series, I've recommended 120 things to buy (including this month's edition), and December has turned out to be one of my favorite 10 Things to Buy. Amidst all of the gift shopping we've been doing for the past week, it's time to pause to consider your own winter wardrobe, and it's my fashion editor duty to help with that. This month, it's all about staying warm and looking festive. And the ten wardrobe staples I recommend prioritizing this December are actually very much appropriate for long after the holidays, so rest assured that it'll be money well spent. With that, keep scrolling to shop the best things to buy this month.

Fair Isle Sweater

Happy après-ski season to those who celebrate. Even if you don't have a visit to a chalet in your future, you can still dress like you do with winter's coziest, prettiest trend.

Reformation

Fabian Crew Sweater

DÔEN

Clarke Fair Isle Wool-Blend Cardigan

J.Crew

Fair Isle Cardigan in Vintage Wool

Triangle Scarf

Triangle scarves are suddenly everywhere. They're the perfect way to accessorize your coat and keep you warm throughout the season.

Aritzia

Cashmere Triangle Scarf

Favorite Daughter

Fuzzy Triangle Scarf

Free People

Essential Triangle Scarf

Corduroy Pants

When jeans aren't warm enough and sweatpants aren't polished enough, corduroy pants are the answer. These days, they come in as many style options as jeans do, from balloon to bootcut.

Madewell

The Longline Straight Pant in Corduroy

Levi's

Baggy Dad Corduroy Pants

THE ROW

Carlyl Cotton-Corduroy Straight-Leg Pants

Wool Bucket Hat

Wool bucket hats are the new beanies. Get yourself one before they all sell out.

Madewell

Felted Wool Bucket Hat

ZARA

Plain Wool Blend Hat

COS

Ribbed Wool-Blend Bucket Hat

Calf-Hair Shoes

If you want to add a bit of richness to your outfits this winter, calf-hair shoes are an easy way to do it. The texture adds an interesting element to an outfit that plain leather doesn't.

BLACK SUEDE STUDIO

Arie Ponyhair Slippers

Madewell

The Emilie Slingback Pumps

Brown Wool Coat

A brown wool coat has become as essential as a black one, and the good news is that you can pair it with the black pieces in your wardrobe, which is what all the fashion people are doing.

MANGO

Picarol Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat

ZARA

Wool Blend Coat With Faux Fur Collar ZW Collection

Alex Mill

Sophia Wool Blend Long Coat

Velvet Dress

The holiday season is the perfect time to invest in a new velvet dress. And no, you needn't stow it away on January 1. Don't hesitate to wear it throughout the winter season.

Reformation

Angele Velvet Dress

Elevated Puffer

As Elsa Hosk recently showed us with her Polo Ralph Lauren version, elevated puffers are the best puffers.

Polo Ralph Lauren

Mid-Weight Down Puffer Jacket

Damson Madder

Pearl Puffer Jacket

Special Earrings

When we're all cloaked in layers of knitwear and wool this time of year, it can be tricky to figure out how to give your outfits that special oomph. My go-to is a special pair of earrings that you can see among all of the winter gear (and wear to the festive occasions you receive invites to).

LiÉ Studio

The Ruby Earrings

COMPLETEDWORKS

Rhodium-Plated Recycled Silver Pearl and Crystal Earrings

Heaven Mayhem

Ribbon Earrings

Brown Suede Boots

You probably already own enough pairs of black boots, so the other style to own is a brown suede pair. We kind of sign like a broken record at this point, but they're guaranteed to make your outfits look rich and elegant.

Reformation

Dominique Knee Boots

Madewell

The Lexie Fringed Ankle Boot in Suede

Staud

Midcalf Wally Boots