As editors, we test out a lot of things, from dozens of seemingly identical white T-shirts to every last denim wash, rise, and silhouette. And with all that trial and error comes a level of know-how that’s extremely hard to beat. So when an editor has a fashion item (or three) that they really, truly couldn’t live without—we’re talking ride-or-die pieces—it’s usually a good idea to trust them and subsequently follow their lead. 

Knowing all too well how true this phenomenon is, when it came to picking out the winter essentials that really matter this year, I knew I had to seek out help from my fellow editors—the ones who tried every last option before eventually settling on a favorite. Suffice to say, they didn’t disappoint. Keep scrolling to find out the desert-island fashion items that 10 of my co-workers swear by.

“I think these are the cutest boots Ugg has ever made, hands down. That probably explains why they’re still constantly selling out.”

“This jacket is a splurge, but I wear it so much that I have zero regrets about ordering. It’s so cozy and oversized and is super warm without being bulky.”

“While some may say they’d need an ice pick should they become stranded in the Antarctic, I’d need a turtleneck sweater. I cannot live without this basic wardrobe staple—it’s basically the only thing I wear in the winter because it keeps me warm, and it gives off chic-chalet energy.”

“Call me chaotic, but I love a good heeled winter boot. While I don’t have as much courage to wear five-inch heels on ice in the same manner that the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City do, when it’s a warmer winter day, you’ll find me in a statement ankle boot.” 

“I can’t get enough of chunky cardigans. I keep collecting them because they’re so cozy, functional, and stylish. I live in Southern California, so I luckily don’t need to invest in much outerwear—all I need is a good chunky sweater to get me through winter. Jealous?”

“I’m obsessed with faux-leather pants for winter—especially when they’re as buttery-soft as this pair. They feel more elevated than jeans but are just as easy to wear. I particularly like styling them with band tees, which makes me look cooler than I actually am.”

“These Birkenstocks are about as comfortable as it gets. I love them.”

“I live in the Midwest, so solid winter boots are absolutely essential. I couldn’t live without my Sorel boots.”

“In the winter, I live in my oversize sweaters. I love how they look paired with trousers and a big leather blazer.”

“I lived in chunky boots when I lived in New York, and I’m still living in them now that I’m in L.A. They are practical and trendy all at once.”

“I truly can’t say enough great things about Zara’s faux-leather blazers. I wear mine at least once a week, no matter what time of the year.”

“My true winter must-buy piece is a great tailored coat. Not only is it essential for staying warm, but it can really pull together just about any look. I picked up this double-breasted style from Reformation a few years ago, and it’s so good that the brand keeps bringing it back.”

“Having grown up in Chicago, I know how to handle cold winters, with the trick being to (1) layer on the Heattech, and (2) go extra with the accessories. The latter is the reason I rarely leave my apartment on a really cold day without a balaclava covering most of my head and face. It’s a lifesaver this time of year.”

“I’m picky about cashmere, but this scarf from the sustainable Swedish brand Filippa K doesn’t disappoint. I swear, ever since I got this in the mail, I’ve worn it every single day, even when I’m freezing cold inside of my apartment when the heater chooses not to turn on randomly. I love that it’s both casual and elevated, making it the perfect add-on for any occasion.”

“I got this Nanushka coat last year from the men’s department and have been wearing it throughout this winter with zero qualms. It’s much warmer than the thinner, wool coats that I usually buy and gives off a very put-together vibe that I’ll never complain about.” 

“Dressing up for a night out when the temperatures are on the low is never an easy feat. I like to keep a collection of long-sleeve ‘going-out tops’ that are elevated enough to do all of the work for me. The cute cutout on this top is a great conversation starter.”

“If we’re talking about a ride-or-die, then I can’t remember the last time I went more than two days without throwing on this leather puffer. It’s kept me so warm no matter how low the temperatures drop and makes any look instantly stylish. We’re going on our second winter together and are a truly happy pair.”

“Every winter, I buy a pair of black rubber-soled Zara boots that I end up wearing nearly every day for the entirety of the season. Not only do they tend to be the most comfortable, but they are also the best for standing up against the elements without having to worry about them getting ruined. They can be snow-day boots, rainy-day boots, or unseasonably warm-day boots. Whatever the weather brings, they’re ready.”

“This is my holy-grail coat. I have it in camel, but I wear it so frequently that I’m considering it in black now too. It’s one of those pieces that instantly pull a look together. As the name suggests, it’s a slouchy shape and is purposefully oversized—I actually went down a size and can still layer my heaviest knits underneath.”

“I won’t lie. I was fully influenced to buy these by celebs like Gigi Hadid and Elsa Hosk, but they’ve 100% lived up to the hype and then some. They’re so comfortable, and I like that the platforms make them a tad cooler than standard slides. I’m so here for the return of Uggs.”

Next up: They’re Here—the Only Winter Fashion Trends You Need to Know