The weeks before the holidays are always an exciting time for fashion lovers. Upcoming celebrations mean
festive outfits must be planned , and, for the style-loving set, that is just as joyous as finding
that one gift you want under the tree on Christmas morning.
But any fashion-minded person knows it takes trial and error to achieve those looks. And that’s why the Refinery29 team has been busy testing some of the best winter fashion that would make the holiday season an effortless and stylish one.
From velvet bows that’ll revive your Christmas spirit and chunky boots you can pair with your ‘ugly’ knit to winter basics that will make the cold-weather season a joy, the Refinery29 team has tried it all. Ahead, take a look at some of the best picks we laid our eyes on this month.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
“Admittedly, while I’ve been banging on about denim midi skirts as a must-have wardrobe staple, I didn’t have my own until now. This Topshop column skirt is made from thick denim, has a back slit for easy strides, and is the perfect length for me (I’m 5’7 for reference). I am looking forward to wearing this skirt for years to come.” — Ebony-Renee Barker, UK Fashion Editor
Topshop Raw Denim Column Skirt in Indigo, $, available at ASOS
“Say it with me kids: nothing can go wrong when you own pink cat pyjamas. Even if these are more spenny than any nightwear I’ve ever owned, these give me so much joy every time I pull them on. Plus, I’m pretty much wearing jammies 90% of the time now it’s so dark and cold, so I’m trying to justify it as a practical investment (again, pink! Cats!).” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer
“Okay, I know it’s winter, but sunglasses are a year-round accessory for those of us with light sensitive eyes. These 90’s style frames are my new obsession, with a reddish brown lens that looks perfect with a blanket scarf and structured wool coat. Catch me buying these in every colour” — Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
“Is there anything more chic than a thick, chunky jumper in the autumn and winter months? I think not. This creamy slouchy crew from LA-based lifestyle brand Jenni Kayne has been a staple in my wardrobe since I got it a month ago. It’s made from recycled cashmere and cotton and is high-quality, super warm, and durable all at the same time.” — Kate Spencer, Sr. Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Jenni Kayne Oversized Crewneck, $, available at Jenni Kayne
“These aren’t just boots, these are boots ! So much so that the first time I wore them a woman (excitedly) screamed it at my face in a bar bathroom. Perfect for wet weather and sticky dance floors alike, these patent stretch heels demand the spotlight and they’re even comfortable to walk in — joy!” — Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
Charles & Keith Lula Patent Block Heel Boots – Red, $, available at Charles & Keith
“This year, the bow trend is helping me channel my inner child. This one by Jennifer Behr is the perfect mix of childish and chic, making it easy to pair with just about anything for the holiday season. So far, I’ve styled it with a leather jacket and turtleneck for a party, as well as a T-shirt, jeans, and blazer to sightsee during a recent trip to Portugal. You can count it’ll be on my hair all winter long.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Jennifer Behr Wide Velvet Bow Barrette, $, available at Jennifer Behr
“Although I’ve had my third lobe piercing for over a year now, I haven’t found the right combination of earrings versatile enough to work with any outfit. When this waterproof set of hoops from Hey Harper went on sale for Black Friday, I knew it would be the perfect everyday stack for me. I’m all about simplicity these days, so this set was a 10/10 buy.” — Ebony-Renee Barker, UK Fashion Editor
Hey Harper Triple Hoops Set, $, available at Hey Harper
“This is by far the most expensive, most luxurious item in my wardrobe and it’s one that I have been saving up for months (and wishing and waiting for seasonal savings). I can only describe seeing this coat as the purest form of sartorial love at first sight — its the Lady Penelope from Thunderbirds meets Barbie meets the What A Way To Go Old Hollywood glamour coat of my childhood-turned-adulthood dreams.” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer
L.K. Bennett Bryony Pink Italian Recycled Wool Coat, $, available at L.K.Bennett
“I am not a big bag person so, in my book, the perfect bag is a hands-free crossbody that is just big enough to fit… a book to read on the train. This sleek Sézane handbag is versatile enough to go with everything in my wardrobe and doesn’t look bulky even with my paperback inside. I’ve worn it nonstop this autumn and winter.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Sézane Milo Classic Bag, $, available at Sézane
YPB Studio and Go Jogger
“Athleisure has never been my thing, but since I’ve recently been working out more (due to taking up tennis ), it’s become necessary to have items that are made to go from sweating to styled in no time. This pair of joggers from Abercrombie’s YPB line is exactly that — a pair I can play tennis in and later wear to brunch with a nice jacket.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Abercrombie and Fitch YPB Studio and Go Jogger, $, available at Abercrombie and Fitch
“The temperatures seem to have become inhuman overnight and that means chunky knits all day long. This zero-waste, recycled cashmere sweater is perfect for keeping me cosy and chic for days in the office and still looks great with slouchy jeans come the weekend” — Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
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“I’m not typically a trainer kind of person but when New Balance slid into my DMs (and by that, I mean they sent me a very profesh and friendly email), offering a pair of their new 9060s, my interest was more than a little piqued. I love the cool futuristic, Y2K-inspired style with all the wavy lines and sculpted, chunky sole; perfectly topped off with this very Y2K-esque icy blue shade. Also they feel sooo comfy on, like walking on rubberised, bouncy clouds.” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer
New Balance Unisex 9060, Arctic Grey With Vintage Indigo and Steel, $, available at New Balance
“I’ve long been a fan of Rixo’s dresses thanks to the brand’s eye-catching prints. This midi — which can also double as a shirt dress and be styled more casually with a tank top and jeans — is just retro-looking enough without coming off as kitschy.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
RIXO Georgina Midi Shirtdress, $, available at Rixo
“This necklace was thoughtfully gifted to me after I’ve had a difficult year, and it is one of those pieces you know you’ll have for a lifetime. Amethyst is meant to provide protection, balance, and healing, but whether or not you’re a crystal person, you can’t deny that this beautifully crafted necklace simply looks stunning on.” — Ebony-Renee Barker, UK Fashion Editor
Maya Brenner The Healing Retreat Necklace, $, available at Maya Brenner
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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The Fashion Items R29 Editors Loved This Month