If I had to pick just one word to base my entire winter wardrobe on—hell, my year-round wardrobe—it would easily be elegant. I wouldn't have to stress about trends. I could instead focus all of my attention on timeless and sophisticated pieces that can be mixed and matched with each other effortlessly, making getting dressed a painless part of every day. If I had to bet, I'd guess many people would agree.
Running with my assumption, I thought I'd save those fellow elegance seekers some time by sharing my winter shopping list. Of the 36 pieces currently on it (it's always growing), each was handpicked for its classic and distinguished characteristics. There are hats—pillbox ones, of course—jewelry, footwear of all types, classic handbags of all sizes, and plenty of ready-to-wear, from pencil skirts to capes to satin dresses. It's a treasure trove for consumers who want to appear polished and stylish throughout winter and into 2025.
Scroll down to find out what pieces made the cut.
Cos
Satin Racer-Neck Mini Dress
Dresses this good don't come around often.
Jeffrey Campbell
Hinted Pointed Toe Flat
These are especially tempting because they offer the glamour of heels with none of the discomfort.
Banana Republic
Oversized Double-Faced Cape Coat
The year's trendiest piece of outerwear in the year's trendiest color? I'll take it.
Freja
Mini Chrystie Oat
A beautiful bag shouldn't set you back thousands.
Veronica de Piante
Ada Stretch-Knit Polo Shirt
Just wait until you feel this shirt. It's incredible.
Zara
Wool Blend Pencil Skirt
The closer the buttons, the chicer the skirt.
H&M
Chunky Dome Earrings
No one has to know you spent less than $10 on these.
Mango
Micro Houndstooth Suit Blazer
I think about this blazer a lot.
Kenneth Cole
Fitted Cotton Blend Button-Up Shirt
The fit of this shirt makes it perfect for layering.
Citizens of Humanity
Baretta High-Rise Straight-Leg Organic Jeans
I have these, but I'm looking into buying another pair. They are that good.
Steve Madden
Delvie Bootie
Beautiful suede boots.
Mango
Asymmetric Satin Blouse
This top will make any pair of pants or skirt look 10 times chicer.
Zara
Straight Leg Pants
The fit of these is so sleek and classic.
Anne Klein
Rosalind Croc Embossed Ankle Strap Sandal
Not gonna lie, these look like vintage Prada.
Zara
Short Cape
Capes are on every fashion person's wish list right now.
J.Crew
Bordeaux Bag in Leather
If this bag has one fan, it's me.
Banana Republic
Leather Opera-Length Gloves
Long gloves make everything they're paired with look chicer.
Cos
Draped Balloon Midi Dress
I'm seconds away from purchasing this dress.
Mango
Double-Handle Bowling Bag
If you want the Phoebe Philo look for an affordable price.
Avec Les Filles
Stand Houndstooth Tailored Maxi Coat
Elegance is the only word to describe this coat.
Zara
Golden Button Knit Cardigan
Stunning. Just stunning.
J.Crew
Cashmere Shrunken Crewneck Sweater
If I could, I'd own this shrunken cashmere sweater in every single color available.
Zara
Rectangular Buckle Thin Belt
A beautiful belt will do wonders for even the simplest of outfits.
Levi's
Dad Jeans
Trust me—the fit of these is worth a lot more than $98.
Toteme
Patent Wedge Slingback Pumps
I think about these wedges on a near-daily basis.
Heaven Mayhem
Julia Necklace
Toss this on with a fitted black tee and trousers for a perfectly sophisticated daytime ensemble.
Pistola Denim
Alice Utility Skirt
Skirts like this get so much wear, in my opinion.
Reformation
Veda Flynn Leather Jacket
Oh, this blazer is so good. I'm in awe.
Mango
Wool Skirt With Slit
Burgundy is having a moment, so of course, I want pieces in this color all over my wardrobe.
Nordstrom
Crewneck Cashmere Sweater
Simple and chic.
Gigi Burris
Lauren Wool-Felt Pillbox Hat
I'm slowly but surely building an impressive chapeau collection.
J.Crew
Oversized Rope Stud Earrings
Any elegant wardrobe needs a set of these.
Zara
Textured Midi Dress
I'll be copying this exact simple styling when this dress finally makes its way into my wardrobe.
Massimo Dutti
Heeled Shoes With Instep Straps
The crossover straps add to the glamour, don't you think?
Nordstrom
Tuxedo Jacket
Classy.
J.Crew
New Gwyneth Skirt in Chiffon
I've been waiting patiently for the Gwyneth Skirt to go sheer.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.