Style - Winter

The Hero Pieces of my Winter Closet

· 3 min read
Winter gear on a wooden table: beige-and-black hiking shoes, black insulated gloves, a clear water bottle with colorful braided paracord strap and sticker, and a yellow poncho.

It’s been a while since I last chatted about what I wear, and even though I’ve spent most of the winter thinking about snow, I’ve been tracking my outfits and noticed a pattern.

So here are the hero pieces of my winter closet—items I reach for on a daily basis, accessories that bring me joy, and others that are simply good at what they do.

Close-up of beige-and-black hiking sneakers worn with black-and-white socks and tan pants, standing on a light wood floor indoors.

Keen Jasper Zionic Sneakers

The cost per wear is going down fast, as I’ve pretty much been wearing these "approach shoes" daily since I got them. I waited forever to get them and have not regretted it (even though they’re a half size too big—but it means I can wear them with chunky wool socks).

Person wearing tan barrel-leg pants, a striped long-sleeve shirt, and a burgundy utility vest, standing indoors beside a full-length mirror and shelving unit.

The Gap Mid Rise Twill Barrel Pants

This was an impulse buy inspired by an influencer who has a similar body shape to mine. I’m trying to avoid looking to see if they exist in another color, as I’m not sure I could resist getting another pair.

Colorful Cozy Sweaters & Cardigans

I’ve been buying one colorful sweater per winter over the past few years, since I decided to reintroduce color into my wardrobe, and they make me so happy. I have a blue one, a red one, and a neon green one—I love them all equally. Special mention to this crochet cardigan made by my mom from a crochet blanket she and her mom made in the 70s.

Uniqlo HEATTECH Fleece T-Shirt

This was one of the best purchases I made last winter. I also wear these daily—I have a black one and a white one. The latter is perfect underneath sweaters with a wider neck for a layered look.

Person wearing a bright yellow poncho walks along a wooden dock toward a calm forest-lined lake, carrying a woven basket and bag, with evergreen trees reflected in the water.

Thermarest Honcho Poncho

This poncho is one of the best gifts ever. It’s perfect for changing clothes after a ski day, stripping down before a cold plunge, and walking around a campsite.

Close-up of black insulated gloves with a mustard fleece lining resting on a wooden table, with a clear water bottle wrapped in colorful braided cord in the background.

Japanese Fishing Gloves

These are pretty niche, but they were the best recommendation I got from my backcountry mentor. I use them for snow study, to remove snow from my car in the morning, and to cross-country ski when it’s snowing or raining. I love that the lining does not stick when I slide my wet hands back into them.

Clear water bottle with a black lid wrapped in a colorful braided paracord holder and long strap, resting on a wooden table against a plain wall.

Paracord Water Bottle Holder

Even though I have not been very crafty this winter, I wanted to include a little DIY in this list. I improvised this bottle holder at the end of last year, and it brings me a lot of joy. I can now walk around hands-free!

Black insulated gloves with mustard lining rest on a wooden table beside a clear water bottle in a colorful braided paracord holder and a bright yellow packed poncho.

And that’s my winter uniform—equal parts practical, colorful, and joy-sparking. Tracking what I actually wear has been such a helpful reminder that a small, well-loved rotation beats a closet full of “maybe someday” pieces.

I’d love to know: what are the hero items in your winter wardrobe? What have you been reaching for on repeat—and what’s earned its cost per wear this season?

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