I'm Telling All My Friends to Try These 5 Winter Staples, and They're at H&M, Nordstrom, and COS

As the resident fashion editor in my friend group, I’m the go-to style resource. I’m often asked for recommendations on cool new items to check out and for easy ways to upgrade a wardrobe. Recently, one of my friends wanted a quick list of the main pieces I think matter for winter.
I edited down my favorites to a group of five pieces I think are staples and will bring a relevant spin to a closet. I then shared this list with my friend and a few others. Oh, I also sent over a few shopping recommendations for each that happen to be at H&M, Nordstrom, and COS—three stores that are brimming with trend-forward buys.
Keep scrolling to shop my list of winter staples, complete with a range of product recommendations.
Gray Sweater
I tell everyone who will listen to add a gray sweater—especially a relaxed silhouette—to their wardrobe. That ideal pick is effortlessly chic and just feels cool. I wear mine with everything from jeans to trousers. I also drape one over my shoulders as an alt to a scarf.
Barn/Utility Jacket
Barn and utility jackets are legit everywhere this season. Every fashion person I know is wearing one on repeat. And yes, H&M, Nordstrom, and COS all have solid options.
Barrel Jeans
Okay, I couldn't decide which denim silhouette to include, but I opted for perpetually cool barrel jeans in this case. (I also love cuffed jeans this season and think they're a staple.) I've been wearing a pair from Free People legit every week.
Brown Coat
It's also the season of the brown coat. Whether it's a chocolate color or more of a darker tan, this silhouette brings an elevated and elegant spin to any look.
Tissue-Thin Turtleneck
Tissue-thin turtlenecks were all over the winter runways as a sleek piece that brings polish to a look. Wear one on its own or for layering.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent 10 years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises.
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