Welcome to 10 Things to Buy, a monthly shopping list that helps you shop smarter by focusing on the 10 key items to add to your cart that month if your wardrobe is in need of a boost. As a Who What Wear editor for the past 11 years, I’ve spent many hours advising people on what to shop for during any given season, so you’re in good hands. Whether you’re shopping for cold weather, warm weather, a vacation, or a wedding, I’m here to offer up the most seasonally appropriate suggestions. Be sure to return at the start of each month for more.
We did it—we made it to the end of 2025. Throughout the year via this series, I’ve recommended 120 things to buy (including this month’s edition), and December has turned out to be one of my favorite 10 Things to Buy. Amidst all of the gift shopping we’ve been doing for the past week, it’s time to pause to consider your own winter wardrobe, and it’s my fashion editor duty to help with that. This month, it’s all about staying warm and looking festive. And the ten wardrobe staples I recommend prioritizing this December are actually very much appropriate for long after the holidays, so rest assured that it’ll be money well spent. With that, keep scrolling to shop the best things to buy this month.
Fair Isle Sweater
Happy après-ski season to those who celebrate. Even if you don’t have a visit to a chalet in your future, you can still dress like you do with winter’s coziest, prettiest trend.
Reformation
Fabian Crew Sweater
DÔEN
Clarke Fair Isle Wool-Blend Cardigan
J.Crew
Fair Isle Cardigan in Vintage Wool
Triangle Scarf
Triangle scarves are suddenly everywhere. They’re the perfect way to accessorize your coat and keep you warm throughout the season.
Aritzia
Cashmere Triangle Scarf
Favorite Daughter
Fuzzy Triangle Scarf
Free People
Essential Triangle Scarf
Corduroy Pants
When jeans aren’t warm enough and sweatpants aren’t polished enough, corduroy pants are the answer. These days, they come in as many style options as jeans do, from balloon to bootcut.
Madewell
The Longline Straight Pant in Corduroy
Levi’s
Baggy Dad Corduroy Pants
THE ROW
Carlyl Cotton-Corduroy Straight-Leg Pants
Wool Bucket Hat
Wool bucket hats are the new beanies. Get yourself one before they all sell out.
Madewell
Felted Wool Bucket Hat
ZARA
Plain Wool Blend Hat
COS
Ribbed Wool-Blend Bucket Hat
Calf-Hair Shoes
If you want to add a bit of richness to your outfits this winter, calf-hair shoes are an easy way to do it. The texture adds an interesting element to an outfit that plain leather doesn’t.
BLACK SUEDE STUDIO
Arie Ponyhair Slippers
Madewell
The Emilie Slingback Pumps
Brown Wool Coat
A brown wool coat has become as essential as a black one, and the good news is that you can pair it with the black pieces in your wardrobe, which is what all the fashion people are doing.
MANGO
Picarol Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat
ZARA
Wool Blend Coat With Faux Fur Collar ZW Collection
Alex Mill
Sophia Wool Blend Long Coat
Velvet Dress
The holiday season is the perfect time to invest in a new velvet dress. And no, you needn’t stow it away on January 1. Don’t hesitate to wear it throughout the winter season.
Reformation
Angele Velvet Dress
Elevated Puffer
As Elsa Hosk recently showed us with her Polo Ralph Lauren version, elevated puffers are the best puffers.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Mid-Weight Down Puffer Jacket
Damson Madder
Pearl Puffer Jacket
Special Earrings
When we’re all cloaked in layers of knitwear and wool this time of year, it can be tricky to figure out how to give your outfits that special oomph. My go-to is a special pair of earrings that you can see among all of the winter gear (and wear to the festive occasions you receive invites to).
LiÉ Studio
The Ruby Earrings
COMPLETEDWORKS
Rhodium-Plated Recycled Silver Pearl and Crystal Earrings
Heaven Mayhem
Ribbon Earrings
Brown Suede Boots
You probably already own enough pairs of black boots, so the other style to own is a brown suede pair. We kind of sign like a broken record at this point, but they’re guaranteed to make your outfits look rich and elegant.
Reformation
Dominique Knee Boots
Madewell
The Lexie Fringed Ankle Boot in Suede
Staud
Midcalf Wally Boots