In our carts: Cold-weather essentials we can’t stop thinking about

Winter has a way of exposing the gaps in your wardrobe. Every year, there’s that moment — the first sharp morning, the first breath you can see — when the pieces that felt promising in October suddenly fall short. What stays in rotation are the things you trust: the coat that handles everything from early commutes to late dinners, the knit you reach for on instinct, the layers that still look sharp after a week of unpredictable weather. Cold weather demands reliability, not reinvention — refined fabrics, durable construction, and silhouettes that make the season feel intentional rather than endured. These are the cold-weather classics currently in our carts, built to stay in rotation well into the deepest months of winter.

See also: Pulse check: Moose Knuckles FW25 is built for the cold-blooded

Pajar Nuray Men’s Mixed Media Puffer

As a somewhat new East Coaster, I’ve been hunting for a winter jacket that isn’t the predictable Goose everyone defaults to. The Nuray checks every box: a mixed-media build that holds its shape, a Sherpa-lined collar that actually makes a difference on sharp mornings, and storm cuffs that keep the cold from sneaking in. Not only was it in my cart, it was on my body this afternoon while I walked to my local café to write this.

Plenty Waffle Classic Cardigan Sweater

The key to building a solid winter wardrobe is having sweaters you can rely on, and a cardigan always makes the cut. The Atrium Waffle Classic has that easy structure I reach for when the temperature dips — a textured knit that adds depth without bulk, a clean v-neckline with tonal buttons, and ribbed cuffs and a hem that keep it looking intentional whether it’s layered under a coat or worn on its own. It’s the kind of knit that ends up in weekly rotation without you even noticing.

COS Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves

There’s nothing more classic than a well-made leather glove, especially on the days when winter shows up without warning. This pair has that soft, broken-in feel you notice the moment you slip them on, with a recycled cashmere-wool lining that makes cold mornings feel a little less abrupt. They’ve quickly become part of my everyday cold-weather uniform.

Bugatchi Two-Tone Rib Knit Quarter Zip Sweater

Three-quarter zips are having a moment — not just trending, but genuinely reshaping how people layer in the colder months. Everywhere I go, someone’s wearing one: on runs, in cafés, layered under coats, even styled for dinner. I’ve been wanting to add one that feels a bit more grown, and this merino option is the one that stuck with me. Made from 100% extrafine Merino wool, it has a two-tone rib knit that gives the texture real depth without trying too hard. The solid ribbed mock neck, cuffs, and hem keep everything clean and structured. It’s warm, easy to style, and sharp in a way that makes it work far beyond the athleisure space.

Pajar Erana Men’s Quintessenza Ankle Boot

If you live in Canada — or anywhere that sees real snow — you know the struggle: you build the perfect outfit, only to flatten it with a pair of bulky winter boots that make you look slope-ready. I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit, which is why these stood out.

They’re water-repellent and seam-sealed, lined with soft leather, cushioned for long days, and built with slip-resistant outsoles that actually grip frozen sidewalks. Think of them as a winter boot that keeps you warm and upright without dragging down the rest of your outfit.

Lacoste Unisex Brushed Wool Scarf Gift Pack

You’ve got the jacket, the boots, the toque — but the real test is the scarf. And no, I don’t mean that stretched-out acrylic one hanging on by a few fibres. I mean something soft, warm, and actually worthy of winter. This Lacoste scarf hits that mark. It’s unisex, made from thick brushed wool, and has that quiet elegance the brand does so well. The fringing, the embroidered crocodile, the weight — everything about it feels considered. A true cold-weather upgrade.

Zara Limited Edition Leather Suit Blazer

If you haven’t seen them storming down the runways lately, you’ve definitely seen them creeping into every corner of menswear: leather blazers are back. Yes — that’s real. And this burnt-burgundy version is the one that stopped me in my tracks. The relaxed cut gives it movement, the washed finish adds depth, and the notched lapel and buttoned cuffs keep the tailoring grounded. Patch pockets anchor the shape, and the single-button closure keeps the silhouette clean and unfussy.

Le 31 Belted Pleated Pant

If there’s one piece of advice I’d give anyone trying to elevate their look with the smallest shift, it’s this: explore new silhouettes. A wide-leg trouser is the easiest place to start. The loose fit and amplified pleats create a long, fluid line that instantly sharpens an outfit — and if you’ve got a slimmer torso or naturally narrow frame, the contrast does wonders for balance. This pair features a removable belt, a soft satin-finished cotton blend, and a shape that moves with you instead of against you. A simple change that quietly transforms everything above it.

Luar Monogram Logo Belt 

There’s something about a good belt that pulls an outfit together in a way nothing else can, and Luar understands that better than most. This version — cut in brown enzyme-wash denim — has that lived-in texture that plays well with everything from tailored trousers to wide-leg denim. The full-width silhouette defines the waist with intention, while the stainless steel “L” monogram brings just enough attitude to make the piece feel unmistakably Luar. It’s the kind of accessory that shifts the whole proportion of a look with one simple adjustment.

Yhone Kend Flex Pullover

Rugby shirts and long-sleeve polo pullovers have been dominating Pinterest boards, IG grids, and — yes — even the runways. With so many variations out there, the real win is finding one that can move easily between dressed-up and dressed-down. This one from Yhone hits that sweet spot. It has the structure to sit cleanly under a coat, the ease to pair with denim, and just enough personality to feel intentional without trying too hard.

COS Denim Shirt

Some pieces in fashion feel almost generational — the kind we’ve all seen in films, on TV, and across decades of menswear history. The denim shirt is one of them. This version updates the classic with a modern edge: washed in a versatile rinsed-blue tone, cut from organic cotton, and finished with a pointed collar and dual flap pockets at the chest. It’s familiar, but sharper; timeless, but built for right now.

Koio Capri Suede Sneaker

The best sneakers earn their place by working with everything you already wear, and Koio’s Capri in Avio does exactly that. The muted-blue Italian suede keeps things polished, while the tonal sole grounds the shape. It’s easy to pair — sharp with tailored trousers, relaxed with grey sweats, and surprisingly good with an oversized cargo. A simple, well-made sneaker that quietly expands what you can do with your wardrobe.