10 Essential Winter 2026 Wardrobe Pieces to Treat Yourself to This December
Welcome to "10 Things to Buy," a monthly shopping guide designed to help you shop wisely by highlighting the 10 essential items to add to your cart this month if your wardrobe needs a refresh. As a Who What Wear editor for over 11 years, I've invested considerable time assisting people with their seasonal shopping, so you're in capable hands. Whether you're looking for cold-weather or warm-weather items, planning for a vacation, or attending a wedding, I'm here to provide you with the best recommendations for the season. Make sure to check back at the beginning of each month for more.
We did it—we’ve reached the end of 2025. Throughout this series, I've suggested 120 items for purchase this year (including this month's picks), and December has proven to be one of my favorite editions of "10 Things to Buy." With all the gift shopping happening this week, it’s time to pause and reflect on your own winter wardrobe, and it's my responsibility as a fashion editor to assist you with that. This month’s focus is on staying warm while looking festive, and the 10 wardrobe essentials I recommend for December will remain relevant well after the holiday season. You can feel confident that your spending will be worthwhile. Now, keep scrolling to discover the top items to shop for this month.
**Fair Isle Sweater**
Happy après-ski season to all who observe! Even if you don't have plans for a chalet visit, you can still embrace this winter’s coziest and 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 have suddenly become ubiquitous. They’re the perfect accessory for your coat, providing warmth throughout the season.
- **Aritzia**: Cashmere Triangle Scarf
- **Favorite Daughter**: Fuzzy Triangle Scarf
- **Free People**: Essential Triangle Scarf
**Corduroy Pants**
When jeans lack warmth and sweatpants don’t offer enough polish, corduroy pants are the solution. Nowadays, they come in as many styles as jeans, ranging 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 have taken over as the new beanies. Be sure to grab one before they sell out.
- **Madewell**: Felted Wool Bucket Hat
- **ZARA**: Plain Wool Blend Hat
- **COS**: Ribbed Wool-Blend Bucket Hat
**Calf-Hair Shoes**
To add a touch of richness to your winter outfits, calf-hair shoes are a simple way to achieve that. The texture offers an eye-catching element that plain leather lacks.
- **BLACK SUEDE STUDIO**: Arie Ponyhair Slippers
- **Madewell**: The Emilie Slingback Pumps
**Brown Wool Coat**
A brown wool coat has become as crucial as a black one, and the best part is that it pairs well with black items in your wardrobe, which is what fashion insiders are doing.
- **MANGO**: Picarol Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat
- **ZW Collection**: Wool Blend Coat With Faux Fur Collar
- **Alex Mill**: Sophia Wool Blend Long Coat
**Velvet Dress**
The holiday season is an ideal time to invest in a new velvet dress, and there’s no need to pack it away come January 1. Don’t hesitate to wear it throughout the winter.
- **Reformation**: Angele Velvet Dress
**Elevated Puffer**
As seen with Elsa Hosk in 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**
During this time of year, when we’re layering up in knitwear and wool, it can be a challenge to give your outfits that extra flair. I typically rely on a unique pair of earrings that stand out amidst all the winter layers for the festive occasions you may attend.
- **LiÉ Studio**: The Ruby Earrings
- **COMPLETEDWORKS**: Rhodium-Plated Recycled Silver Pearl and Crystal Earrings
- **Heaven Mayhem**: Ribbon Earrings
**Brown Suede Boots**
You likely already have enough black boots, so consider adding a brown suede pair to your collection. I may sound repetitive, but they are sure to enhance the richness and elegance of your outfits.
- **Reformation**: Dominique Knee Boots
- **Madewell**: The
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10 Essential Winter 2026 Wardrobe Pieces to Treat Yourself to This December
If you're prepared to enhance your wardrobe this month, click through to explore the 10 essential items to purchase in December.