Winter Is The Great Equalizer

8 cold weather essentials that can help fix that.

Jan 15, 2025

I arrived back in New York 10 days ago now not quite ready for the way that the chill would nip so viciously at my fingers and ears. With unreliable heating in my apartment (only in NY does your neighbor control the thermostat), I’m resigned to bundling up just as much at home as I do when I leave the house. But when things are dark and frigid and I’m feeling down, I’ve found that indulging in the little luxury of fabric isn’t exactly a solution to my gloomy feelings, but it does feel like an act of self love.

Though I generally don’t like cold weather, one thing I appreciate is that when we go outside, it’s the great style equalizer — this photo of Scarlett Johansson in a beanie and giant down coat is exactly what I mean. At a certain point, we’re all just trying to leave the house without frostbite. Perhaps there was a time in my mid-twenties new-to-New-York phase where I’d leave the house for a night out in something daring: sheer tights, a mini skirt, and a crop top — a hapless afterthought of a jacket worn over it. Those days are long gone! No one will be donning an alcohol jacket before leaving the house!

Anyways back to more civil topics. Putting together an *outfit* has always been a very feeling-driven experience for me. I put on things that make me feel playful, or beautiful, or fun. But sometimes, dressing for winter seems at war with all that. I’m trying to fight the dichotomy and split the difference through a wardrobe that’s indulgent and practical all at once. These are the winter things that bring me delight on cold days while managing to solve the inconveniences of cold weather.

An Under-The Radar Base Layer

I first discovered noil silk tees back in 2019, when I bought my first from Ozma of California, The Lou tee ($138). Raw silk isn’t a fiber I’ve come across too many times, but I was taken by its rough, nubby texture, not irritating like hemp, but at once a bit silky and textural. I like that it’s especially breathable and is both cool in summer and warm in winter. I think Baserange’s Wild Silk Long-Sleeve Tee ($190) is a particularly nice layer this time of year to wear under sweaters and sweatshirts if you tend to get clammy. Its odor resistant, which is a plus when I’m constantly swapping between sweating and freezing.

A Ludicrously Capricious Scarf

This Gap Chunky Scarf ($50) made a brief appearance when I attended the launch of Becky Malinsky’s collab with Alex Mill, piled high over my coat and encircling me like a frothy boa constrictor. The thick design can be worn over the head or wrapped around the neck, and it’s so chunky that it manages to keep me protected and warm.

Luxurious Underpinnings

For a long time during and after Covid, I became a braless person, someone who felt much more comfortable in my natural state without the wires and straps. Sometime over the last year, I’ve changed my mind. I find something soothing in a bit of support, done softly. One of my favorite nightwear brands Araks (silk slips that are lightweight and gossamer, and yet a touch sexy) has teamed up with J.Crew on a collab that feels both decadent and comforting, and the Araks x J.Crew Gita bra ($165) and matching underwear make me feel like a woman in Sofia Coppola film.

The Warmest Ostentatious Coat

Even though the Arrivals unceremoniously went out of business last year, shopping on secondhand sites for the brand’s shearling jackets is IMO one of the best under-the-radar deals for luxe furry jackets. The pieces are super plush and warm, but mine also makes me feel luxurious the moment I slip it on. I spotted this creamsicle one for $400, this tan one for ($595), and a black leather/shearling for $350, and there are plenty more to be found.

Practical Socks

Lounging around the house, cashmere socks are my go-to (I’ve discussed my love for Comme Si’s at length here), but for times when I actually have to leave, it’s always Merino wool. This pair from Darn Tough ($26) or these from Smart Wool ($25) are personal favorites despite not being the most aesthetic accessories I own. They keep my feet significantly warmer than any other options I’ve found meaning… I can get away with wearing shoes that seasonally may seem like a questionable choice, my Tory Burch monkstraps included.

A Sweater That Looks Effortless

For days when I’m lounging at home, this Soft Goat Boyfriend Crewneck (on sale for $277) is a lighter weight sweater with a relaxed drop shoulder and an easy vibe that still can skew dressy if I play my cards right. For something more heavy duty, I like this Extreme Cashmere turtleneck ($1330) or this wool option from Cos ($135).

Head Coverage Cute Enough to Keep On

A personal pet-peeve is coming in from the cold and pulling off my beanie only to learn that my hair has suddenly gone sad and flat. I avoid the issue completely with a hat that can just stay on until I’m somewhere with ample mirror access. This Nia Thomas beanie ($110) has been a staple for me, simply because the thick, supersized look of it gives it a more sartorial bent. If I was buying something new, top of my list would be this fleece beanie from Colleen Allen ($250) which offers something a little quirky without going too off the rails.

A Non-Slip Bag

Though there’s no need to insulate my keys and wallet, this Chanel crossbody ($5504) is ideal for styling a shearling-on-shearling extravaganza. But, its best quality as a winter bag is in fact a long cross-body strap. When your hands are cold, there’s nothing worse than constantly pulling them out of your pockets to slide a falling bag back onto the shoulder. For a sculptural touch, this Madewell x Agmes bag ($198) with an adjustable strap is a good option, as is this one from Little Liffner ($575).