I find that January can be a particularly challenging month to dress for. The excitement and allure of the holiday festivities are over and we find ourselves confronted with assembling a back-to-regular-scheduling outfit for the frosty and frigid gray days—with no sight of spring yet in sight!

To tackle these sartorial winter doldrums, below, I’ve compiled a handy list of the winter items that will not only keep your chicness levels high while the temps are low but will also instantly make you look like a fashion person when wearing them. From cool balaclavas to floor-length coats, these pieces will keep you on-trend this winter. Take a peek below for 10 essential items fashion girls reach for to stay warm and look chic.

From pops of colors to cool patterns and versatile hues, hoods or balaclavas are the stylish accessory of choice for fashion girls this season—adding an instantly cool touch to any outfit.

Just one scroll of Instagram and you’ll see that the fashion set can’t get enough of long wool coats right now. They elongate an outfit and unquestionably add a polished touch to every winter look.

One styling trick I’m spotting again and again on Instagram this season are tall boots paired with even taller socks—usually worn over tights in these cold temps. Easy and cool, this is a surefire way to look like a fashion person this winter.

From sweaters to coats, nothing adds a chic touch to your winter look quite like a built-in scarf—a trend we’ve seen all over the fashion crowd this season.

Ear muffs have had a sartorial renaissance this winter—with the Gen Z crowd, in particular, catapulting it into the limelight on Instagram and TikTok. There’s no doubt they’re the coolest way to keep your ears warm while looking on-trend this winter.

Nothing looks as plush, cozy, and chic as a shearling or faux-fur coat and we’re seeing plenty of cool iterations—from shorter shearling-lined leather coats to teddy midi coats. Opt for a white or beige hue to add a luxe touch to your look.

Give your winter basics a dopamine hit with a bright and bold colorful stripescarf—a winter accessory omnipresent on the style set this cold-weather season.

Whether you style them under your jeans or with a mini skirt and boots, sheer black tights are an alluring and chic way to elevate a winter ensemble.

The practical puffer vest is having a moment this winter—as spotted on a myriad of fashion influencers styled over blazers, dresses, and sweaters. Go for a slightly oversize silhouette and have fun pairing it with unexpected accessories, pretty prints, and elevated separates.

Classic and timeless, an oversize stripe sweater has been the chic sweater of choice for several seasons now, proving that if there’s one item worth investing in that has longevity, it’s this.

Next: 8 Styling Tricks That Will Make Your Outfits Look More Expensive This Winter