21 cold-weather wardrobe staples for women we swear by for our own closets

One of my favorite pairs of tights are these soft, comfortable, and durable ones from a new brand called Heist. I like that it comes in both low and high waistbands, neither of which roll or twist into my skin and make me regret putting on tights that morning. You can also say goodbye to the gusset, which is usually poorly designed and doesn't fit well anyways — it turns out tights, like these ones, can be perfectly comfortable without it. — Connie Chen, Insider Picks senior reporter

These tights have been my go-to pair since I first put them on. They're durable enough to withstand my none-too-gentle handling and soft enough to be worn all day comfortably. I've always had the peculiar misfortune of getting a stomach ache when wearing tights — no matter the size — thanks to the pressure around my waist. These still have a very subtle control (really more like smoothing) top, but they remain one of the only pairs that I can wear all day without pain. Love them. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

The Morandi Sweater is just the garment to have on hand when I need an extra layer ... which is all the time because our office is an icebox. It's made of a super-soft and machine-washable Merino wool and comes in five nice, neutral colors. It has a subtle shawl collar that lends it more structure and a kimono-inspired silhouette that looks good whether you wrap the tie around your waist, leave it undone, or tie it up in the back. I tend to wear mine open.

It's a lot more than I typically spend on a single sweater, but I did the math and if I wear the sweater three times per week for 49 weeks out of the year, it comes out to $1.80 per wear after a year. After two years, its cost per wear drops to $0.90. — Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks director of content strategy

*Sponsored by M.M.LaFleur

Shearling insoles are my secret hack for transforming any pair of boots into winter boots. I especially like adding them to my Hunter rain boots — which I often wear on snowy days — to keep my feet warm and cozy. They also fit perfectly inside of Doc Martens. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

Sorel's SlimPack II Lace Boots are comfortable, cute, warm, and waterproof. They're not heavy or clunky, so they work perfectly for cold fall rain, sleet, or early snow. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks senior editor

Let me begin by saying that I am extremely picky when it comes to jeans, and that I didn't want to like Everlane's Authentic Stretch denim. (People loved Everlane's debut denim line, I did not). However, I've come to rely on my own black pair more than any other in my closet for work, weekends, and even plane rides— I could perform an Olympic gymnastics routine and they would retain their shape. Plus, they look amazing on — sculpting and slimming. I fluctuate between a size 26 and 27 and I'm glad I got the 26 in these. For $70, they're one of the best discoveries I've made. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

I'm not always in the mood for a heavy, overbearing coat. That's when this light jacket made from 100% recycled down swoops in for the rescue and bundles me up in its soft, extremely warm embrace. The ease with which it packs down also makes it ideal for winter travel. — Connie Chen, Insider Picks senior reporter

Bombas' hiking socks are thick and warm, but they don't trap your sweat and leave you with stinky feet, so they're perfect for cold weather days when you transition from bitter cold outside to flaming heat inside. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks senior editor

I wear these boots multiple times per week. They look great and go with pretty much anything, but it's their mix of all-day comfort and style that make them my default pair. The leather is buttery soft and fitted like a glove, the block heel low and walkable enough for my 40-minute walk over tough city concrete, and the sleek center seam is modern and lengthening. I wish they weren't $225, but they are worth the price, and I'd rather buy these than two inferior $100 pairs. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

These are straight up the most comfortable boots in all the land. I have a pair in the cognac color, and I've worn them every day of this week and all throughout the fall — which is saying something, considering that I have approximately ten other pairs of ankle boots to choose from. They're as comfortable to walk in as sneakers. I kid you not.— Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

On cold days, a hat can change everything. This one isn't particularly heavy, so it keeps your head warm without making it too hot. It's thin enough to tote around with you, whether it's in your pocket or bag, and can be layered under a hood for double the warmth on those really cold days. The simple style is universally flattering, something that can be hard to find in hats, so I always have a few of these on hand.— Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks reporter

Spanx makes my all-time favorite tights. The Luxe Leg Mid-Thigh Shaping Tights are a true workhorse in my fall and winter wardrobe since they never rip, never pill, and hold me in in all the right places, without suffocating me in the process. I wear and wash them many, many times throughout the season and am consistently impressed by how well they hold up compared to tights from other brands. I buy two new pairs at the beginning of every fall — it is $56 incredibly well spent. (Spanx makes a very similar pair of tights for expecting moms too.) — Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks director of content strategy

I've lost track of how many times M.M.LaFleur has sold out of and restocked this dress, and I get why. The Etsuko is a workhorse. It's figure-flattering, seasonless, and has gone from being wedged in the middle of my suitcase straight to the office without needing ironing.

It's wrinkle-resistant, machine-washable, and flexible enough to run five long blocks in (trust me). Plus, a three-quarter-length sleeve is both warm and flattering. I wear it with tights in the winter and a simple pair of Everlane Day Glove flats during the summer. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

*Sponsored by M.M.LaFleur

$150 is a lot of money to spend on a scarf, but the Cashmere Rib Scarf from Everlane has a lot going for it: it provides a lot of warmth, it's the perfect length, and because it's made of 100% Mongolian Grade-A cashmere, it never itches or irritates my neck. — Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks director of content strategy

Marc Fisher LTD's Yale Chelsea Bootie is my all-time favorite ankle boot. It's comfortable and fashion-forward thanks to its low block heel and dramatic pointy toe with subtle gunmetal trim. You can pick up a pair in smooth black leather, rich black suede, glossy black patent leather, and seven other colors, for a third of the price of similar-looking boots, which is a pretty fantastic deal if you're looking for high style on a budget.

Elastic side panels relax the 4.5-inch shaft of these boots so they're easy to put on and take off. The panels also increase the flexibility of the boot so that it moves with the natural motion of your feet when you walk. I can easily put in 12-hour days in these boots with absolutely no pain or discomfort. I was initially concerned that the boot's pointy toe would result in a narrow fit, but that wasn't the case for me. The boots fit true to size and had no painful break-in period. — Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks director of content strategy

If you don't want to get the same pair of Timbs that everyone has but still love the brand's classic, rugged style, here's your alternative. Other than its stylish look, I'm in love with how comfortable and supportive they are. The cushion-y insoles are made from OrthoLite comfort foam, while the shearling lining provides a little additional warmth and softness. — Connie Chen, Insider Picks senior reporter

I've had friends accuse me of wearing this minimalist, lightweight coat too often, but I can't help it — it's warmer than you'd expect and a cozy oversized shape that's friendly to layering underneath. Features like the venting holes under the armpit and the thumb-hole cuffs are thoughtful touches that make me like it even more. — Connie Chen, Insider Picks senior reporter

These are the perfect black ankle boots for fall and winter. The heel height is pretty minimal so they're extremely walkable, but the shaft is slightly taller than your average ankle boots, which meals a little more coverage from the cold. The leather is also extremely soft so you won't end up with any sort of chafing or blisters. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

These boots are everything a winter boot should be — super warm, plenty of traction, cute in a snow bunny kind of way, and very durable. The leather is quality, and the price isn't bad either. — Grace High, senior analyst

These are really heavy duty winter boots that aren't for everyday wear, but if you're trudging through snow, they're great. They have a thick, removable lining so you can adjust warmth levels depending on how you feel, a grippy sole, and are all-around waterproof. They're not high-fashion, but they're cute in a wintry way. — Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks reporter

I also have a women's version of this pullover, but I find myself wearing the men's version far more often. My dad gave me his Patagonia from the '80s and since then, I wear my vintage version all the time. It's oversized and so cozy — which is pretty impressive considering it's been through decades of washings. Whether it's lounging around the house, running errands, or even wearing while skiing, this pullover works for pretty much every occasion. — Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks reporter

Aella's Flares are my favorite fall work pants for many reasons — they're not too long for shorties like me, they don't wrinkle, and they're made of thick material that keeps you warm. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks senior editor

This pair of booties has made it through more than five Northeast winters, so I'm confident saying they're really durable. They're not snow boots, and they're not going to keep your feet as warm as snow boots, but the supple leather creates a cute, slouchy look and an outer that can handle serious weather. — Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks reporter