Unlock the Secret to a Chic and Elegant Winter Wardrobe With These 6 Key Pieces

With winter in full swing, I thought I'd take a moment to scan my current outfit rotation to see what may be lacking or in need of updating. When evaluating things, chic and elegant pieces are always top of mind—basically anything that will give my closet an expensive-looking boost. That said, I want to make any changes as low-lift as possible without making too much of an investment.

After considering the classics and current trends of the moment, I narrowed down six key pieces that are sure to bring cold-weather outfits to the next level. Think everything from timeless long coats to brown sneakers that keep selling out. Scroll on to shop each piece which I paired with some visual outfit inspiration on how to wear each piece.

Long Coats

British influencer Anna Newton poses on a London sidewalk wearing black sunglasses, a long black coat, brown shoulder tote bag, white tee, straight-leg jeans, and brown loafers

(Image credit: @theannaedit)

A long coat is a surefire way to instantly elevate any outfit all the while giving your look an expensive feel. Black, gray, and neutrals are what I reach for the most.

Cashmere Everything

style influencer Sylvie Mus wearing a winter outfit with a gray v-neck sweater layered over a white tee, black satin skirt, and black pointed-toe knee-high boots

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Wearing cashmere not only makes you feel luxurious, but the super-soft pieces are also ones that you'll wear often, making them a worthy investment.

Brown Sneakers

British style influencer Jessica Skye wearing a winter outfit with oval sunglasses, a long brown coat, cream button down cardigan, Khaite studded belt, brown suede bag, dark-wash jeans, and brown suede Adidas sneakers

(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

Brown sneakers keep selling out everywhere, and for good reason. They look incredibly cool on and are comfortable without sacrificing style.

Dark-Wash Jeans

British fashion influencer Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks posing on a London sidewalk wearing a winter outfit with a long camel coat, white top, black belt, dark-wash jeans, and round-toe flat black boots

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Darker denim washes give jeans a more polished feel that reads dressier than the rest, so no matter how you style them, you get a rich-looking boost.

Oversize Turtleneck Sweaters

Scandinavian style influencer and creative Clara Dyrhauge poses for a mirror selfie wearing a winter outfit with a twisted updo hairstyle, red nails, and a beige oversize turtleneck sweater

(Image credit: @claradyrhauge)

Oversize turtleneck sweaters exude an effortless elegance and can easily be paired with everything from leggings to jeans to skirts and more.

Black Kitten-Heel Boots

style influencer Anouk Yve poses for a mirror selfie wearing a quilted barn coat, cardigan, small black suede tote bag, black cropped ankle jeans, and black kitten heel boots

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Just like the brown sneakers, these low-heeled boots offer tremendous comfort all the while looking incredibly sleek. Pair with jeans for the ultimate cool-girl outfit.

Jennifer Camp Forbes

Jennifer Camp Forbes is currently an editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities for over a decade, including creative director and various editor roles. She’s well-known as a shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups, digital moodboards, and extensive knowledge of up-and-coming brands, plus the new arrivals sections of the chicest retailers. Jennifer has had a lifelong interest in fashion which led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion. While she has called Los Angeles and New York City home in the past, she currently works remotely from Massachusetts. When she’s not obsessing over and writing about her latest fashion finds, she is delighting in raising two little ones with her highschool sweetheart, perusing TikTok religiously, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, creating abstract photographs, and eating the best Mexican food she can get her hands on.