12 Must-Have Winter Wardrobe Staples For 2022, According to Fashion Insiders

Every season, a new selection of soon-to-be bestsellers hits our favorite fashion retailers. With so many products and trends to keep up with, it’s hard to know what to “add to cart” when the time comes. In our New Arrivals series, we consult the buyers, editors, and fashion insiders at our go-to shopping destinations to find out their best bets for the season’s MVPs (most valuable products).

If the beginning of a new year has inspired you to clean out and streamline your closet, you may have found some gaps. But just because you’ve committed to a capsule closet this year doesn’t mean you can’t still be on-trend. With that in mind, we tapped editors and buyers at some of the biggest fashion retailers to find out the must-have wardrobe staples for winter 2022.

Many pointed to novelty sweaters as one of the most-popular cold-weather trends that can instantly boost an otherwise-drab winter look. “Statement knitwear in uplifting colors and prints are key for this winter season and are a great way to uplift your everyday wardrobing pieces,” says Cassie Smart, head of womenswear at MatchesFashion. In the outerwear department, it continues to be all about puffy jackets. “Padded coats are a winter wardrobe staple and a great investment piece. They are super versatile and easy to style in a modern way,” Smart says.

Below, get to know these and the other trending wardrobe essentials that you should invest in this season, according to fashion insiders.

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.

Winter Whites

“We are seeing winter whites trending this season — combining mixed textures in shades of whites, creams, and neutrals is an easy way to achieve an elevated look. If you are going for something casual, think white denim jeans, neutral chunky Chelsea boots, a simple white turtleneck, paired with a sleeveless white puffer jacket. Accent with tan accessories, such as a crossbody bag and leather belt, to complete the look.” — Libby Page, Net-A-Porter Senior Market Editor

Balaclavas

“The balaclava is 2022’s newest addition to the beanie family. I personally love that they serve as a neck warmer and can also be an added layering piece on top of a sweater and under your coat, and we’ve been seeing that for customers, it’s a great chance to add a pop of color or some added interest to any look.” — Caroline Maguire, Shopbop Fashion Director

Elevated Basics

“Stuck in our houses, we turned our attention to streamlining our wardrobes and lifestyle to the essentials. We’ve seen a huge uptick in the success of ‘elevated basic’ lines like Frankie Shop, Toteme, and the FARFETCH-owned and recently launched line, There Was One.” — Harriet Hawksworth, Farfetch Editor-In-Chief

Snow Boots 2.0

“There’s so much newness and fashion relevance happening in cold-weather and snow boots. From puffy volume to exaggerated shearling, there’s a multitude of ways to both stay warm and look on-trend.” — Kate Bellman, Nordstrom Managing Fashion Editor

Varsity-Inspired Fashion

“Varsity-inspired sweaters, plaid pants, and mini skirts paired with tights are perfect updates to your winter wardrobe.” — Holly Thrasher, Anthropologie General Merchandising Manager

Wide-Leg Pants

“It’s all about the wide-leg trouser this season, and the slouchier the better.” — Divya Mathur, Intermix Chief Merchant

Clogs

“Styled with socks or tights, the flat clog is a fun and casual footwear option for winter. They are super versatile, too, and look great styled with dresses as we move into the warmer months.” — Cassie Smart, MatchesFashion Head of Womenswear

Novelty Knitwear

“Brands like Saint Laurent, Elder Statesman, Alanui, and Aisling Camps are creating interesting silhouettes that are very lean and often cropped or exaggerated in some way. These brands use a variety of colors and techniques that are super statement-making. A special knit is a great way to adapt for cold-weather dressing, without dulling one’s style.” — April Koza, FWRD Vice President

Quilted Outerwear

“Quilted outerwear is the must-have coat style this season, and depending on the material it also transitions nicely into spring. Leather and faux leather is the newest way to pull off this look.” — Kate Bellman, Nordstrom Managing Fashion Editor.

The Great Outdoors

“We are increasingly seeing our customers consider functional and practical pieces to add to their wardrobes. Be that an oversized raincoat or anorak, a puffer jacket from the likes of Gucci X North Face, or even the return of the retro fleece.” — Libby Page, Net-A-Porter Senior Market Editor

Showing Skin

“All that time spent in lockdown has made everyone desperate to dust off their glad rags, so what we’ve been seeing is a return to skimpy, glamorous going ‘out-out’ styles. Designers like Nensi Dojaka, Dion Lee, and Isa Boulder have developed really interesting ways of countering the body and showing skin with techniques that feel fresh and new, such as off-kilter straps, sheer panels, corsetry, and knits.” — Harriet Hawksworth, Farfetch Editor-In-Chief

Shearling Details

“Shearling is a huge trend we’ve already been starting to see on everyone this season — from coats to bags, boots, and even unexpected places, like on sandals and slides. We have found that shearling accessories add an extra layer of fun to any outfit — whether it’s a mini bag with shearling details or a sandal worn with warm cashmere socks underneath — these are great ways to sport the winter staple in new ways.” — Caroline Maguire, Shopbop Fashion Director

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THE YES App Will Transform The Way You Shop

When looking for a new fashion item, how do you shop for it? Maybe you first do a general Google search for “black puffer” or “wedding guest dress.” Inevitably, that will lead you to random, non-curated results. So then maybe you go to a few popular clothing retailers to endlessly browse their selections to see what’s out there. But, shoot, maybe what you want is sold out in your size and preferred color. Or maybe it’s not in your price range. Maybe it’s back to the drawing board. Maybe you need a nap.

If shopping feels like a time-consuming scroll, there’s a new-ish app on the scene that’s designed to make the process a whole lot easier — and a lot more fun. THE YES is both a desktop platform and smartphone app, but for the purposes of this story, we will be talking about the app experience that you can download for iOS.

“THE YES is the first of its kind — an e-commerce platform that creates a personalized shopping experience and actually learns the more you use it,” Taylor Tomasi Hill, Creative & Fashion Director at THE YES, tells Refinery29 over email. “We’re combining the best parts of online shopping (access to a wide variety of brands, sizes, styles, and price points) with leading AI technology to create fashion-meets-tech harmony. And the best part is the longer we go the more fine-tuned our algorithm and shopping recommendations will be. Like a fine wine, people!”

A search for “duvet coat” on THE YES

Creating an account with THE YES is as intuitive and easy as signing up for a dating app — and even if you’ve never used a dating app before, you’re likely familiar with the motions of liking and disliking options on your phone screen. You’re first prompted to enter your sizing details and complete a short personal style quiz, which includes fave-ing brands and designers you love and selecting “yes” or “no” on certain fashion trends. Do you wear bike shorts? Do you wear floral minis? Do you wear kick flares? Do you wear camo print? Do you only wear black? With every tap, the app gets to know more about your personal style, which allows better-curated shopping picks for you.

For instance, say I wanted to buy a new pair of gloves. A search for “gloves” yields results from hundreds of retailers with the top picks culled from both my favorite brands as well as glove styles that THE YES predicts I’ll love. So, in addition to being served options from tried-and-true favorites like &Other Stories and Bottega Venata, I’ll get to shop options I might not even know to look for based on my own personal style.

A search for “gloves” on THE YES

For me, the aspects I love most using THE YES include the fashion discovery element (THE YES currently has over 250 brands on its roster) and how the app functions as an easy-to-use, well-designed search engine (though the app doesn’t sort low-to-high pricing). It also helps you compare and contrast items faster and more reliably with all of the products available on the same screen. Free shipping is offered both ways, which means no surprise fees on top of the price you see, and shoppers get 10% back on every purchase as YES Funds, which can be applied towards future purchases or donated to a charity that THE YES has partnered with. “It’s a really easy way to help support some of our favorite causes, including Planned Parenthood, Doctors Without Borders, Clean Air Taskforce, and Good+ Foundation,” says Tomasi Hill. It’s all part of a new loyalty program initiative that co-founder and CEO Julie Bornstein has rolled out for 2022, which is like getting an automatic discount on anything you buy via the app. You can also find and connect with fashion-loving pals for feedback. And, finally, THE YES will also send occasional, non-spammy emails about emerging brands I should check out based on my algorithm, items I’ve yes’d that are now on sale, and reminders of any YES Funds that I should take advantage of.

A search for “wide leg black trousers” on THE YES

While shopping on THE YES can be transformative, it should be noted that as a straight-sized shopper, my experience has been extremely effortless and streamlined — but that may not be the case for those who wear extended sizes. And it’s likely the area where THE YES may need more fine-tuning as the app continues to iterate. For example, a filter for plus-size may include results that aren’t actually plus-size-friendly — which, of course, is dependent on the brand itself. A brand that offers clothing items in size 14 or XL might come up in a plus-size search, but that’s not exactly the same thing as a brand that specifically caters towards plus-sized folks. And default images on the app are mostly of straight-sized people (which is also dependent on a brand’s model images and what’s being shown).

But, all in all, THE YES is a shopper’s dream app — and the free download is only a few taps away. As Tomasi Hill succinctly sums up, “To be able to shop runway Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta, cool brands like Kule and Ganni, and athleisure from Madewell or Alo all in one cart is a real feat.” I would have to agree.

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.

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Sandy Liang & Vans’ Newest Collab Is A Joyful Spin On ‘90s Fashion Trends

Vans and Sandy Liang are back to induce more nostalgia in 2022. On Wednesday, the New York-based designer and the skateboarding giant announced their third collaborative collection, set to launch on January 28, and it’s ‘90s-inspired. 

The drop includes Vans classics, like the Sk8-Hi Platform 2.0, Style 73 DX, and Authentic 44 DX sneakers, which Liang transformed with floral embroidery, gingham fabric, and lace collars. It also includes a new model, the Sk8-Hi Tapered Modular, a high-top style with a deconstructed collar and removable outsole.

On the clothing front, the lineup includes a fleece jacket and canvas coat reminiscent of the indie brand’s most popular styles, as well as a bucket hat, crossbody bag, and chino pants. It all embodies Liang’s quintessential downtown Manhattan brand of femininity with graphic smiley-face and floral prints. 

According to the press release, Liang drew inspiration from her childhood memories, embedding ironic graphics and colorful prints, contrasted with a muted palette of navy, white, green, and black. It feels like an organic continuation of Liang’s past collaborations with Vans, which have included ‘90s and early ‘00s-inspired items like velour platform sneakers, Spongebob T-shirts, bike shorts, and slip-on furry loafers. It’s also a great start to 2022 for Sandy Liang, who reached even more mass-market success last fall with the brand’s collection for Target. 

The Sandy Liang x Vans collection will be available worldwide at Vans retailers, Vans.com and SandyLiang.com on January 28.

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These Are The Warmest Coats, According To The R29 Style Team

Come winter, the hunt for a high-quality, warm, and fashionable winter coat seems never-ending. If you're lucky to find one that checks all three boxes, it can become a wardrobe staple for years to come — a type of armor from the season’s dropping temperatures. 

When it comes to the outerwear department, the editors at Refinery29 have tested it all, from winter-ready trench coats to padded parkas. In the process, some jackets have become their go-to pieces season after season.

Ahead the warmest winter coats that are worth the investment, according to the R29 Style team. 

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.

Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Puffer Jacket

“When I moved to New York City from California a few years ago and experienced my first real winter, I knew my shearling jacket wasn't going to cut it. I had heard that everyone swears by Uniqlo Heattech —which I now do, too! — and so assumed I could trust the brand.

I've had this coat for four years, and it's still my most worn jacket each winter. The shape and style are classic enough that it's never going to look dated or too trendy. Plus, throwing this funky-colored jacket over my always-neutral outfits makes gray winter days a little less drab.” — Kate Spencer, Affiliate Strategist

Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Puffer Jacket, $, available at Uniqlo

Mackage 2-in-1 Trench Coat

“This is not the warmest coat I own but this is the warmest trench coat in my closet, which makes it a winner in a raincoat lover’s closet.

From the front, this Mackage style — which is now sold out in the olive colorway — looks like a traditional raincoat but, thanks to the quilted collar (that can be removed) and padded back, it’s much warmer than any of the traditional trenches in my closet. While it wouldn’t handle a true snowstorm, it’s warm enough to get me through most, 30-degree-plus days of New York City winter.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director

* Similar style.

Mackage SAGE 2-in-1 mixed media trench coat with bib, $, available at Mackage

Aritzia Super Puff Long

“I bought this jacket in October 2018 and haven’t looked back. I think the retail price tag [$350] is justified for the style since it’s long and features goose-down fill that's comparable to some higher-end winter wear brands. I chose the glossy navy, which has since sold out, to stand out in a sea of black puffers and usually wear it with my Ganni Recycled Rubber City Boots. It’s designed for -40° weather, is water-repellent and wind-resistant, which makes it my go-to jacket for Toronto winters.” — Nadia Ebrahim, Assistant Editor

* Same style in a different colorway.

Aritzia The Super Puff™ Long Jacket, $, available at Aritzia

Everlane Duvet Puffer 

“I am from the Caribbean, so winter is a trying time for me. I recently bought this Everlane jacket that, true to its name, is part puffer, part duvet. It’s warm and cozy without feeling bulky, and super versatile when it comes to styling, thanks to its hood and waist belt.

While I was a bit nervous about spending $250, the investment has been well worth it (I also ended up getting it on sale for $170). So far, I’ve styled it pretty casually, wearing it with a velour tracksuit and Sorel boots for a snow day and a pair of wide-leg pants and platform boots to run errands. I like that, whatever the scenario, I can just throw it on and finally enjoy winter days.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer

Everlane The Duvet Puffer, $, available at Everlane

Wild Fable Long Puffer

“I purchased this coat from Target at the end of 2019 because I was traveling from Connecticut to New York City and spent the majority of my time outside and waiting on trains. I was on a mission to find a coat that was long, thick, and would keep me warm. Usually, I would go for a neutral-colored coat for winter, but the fact that it was neon pink was what really sold me. I often wear it with colors like white, cream, black, and gray because I want the focus to be on my coat. Honestly, this coat, which has since sold out, makes me feel unstoppable during the winter."

— Venesa Coger, Style & Culture Specialist, Stories, Unbothered

* Similar style.

Wild Fable Women's Hooded Puffer Jacket - Wild Fable™, $, available at Target

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