14 Hard Working Winter Accessories That Single-Handedly Make An Outfit

(Even When Your Only Visible Garment Is A Big Black Coat)

Jan 14, 2025

∙ Paid

Sometimes I find myself staring into my winter closet with a feeling of overwhelm, solely because I know there is so much opportunity to layer and restyle pieces… but I know I’ll end up in the same t-shirt/sweater/trouser uniform. I actually don’t have an issue with this as someone who loves routine and wears the same 10 items until they’re falling apart (and even then, I’ll keep wearing them), but I’ve found reprieve for my creative styling laziness through the addition of a unique, over-the-coat-visible accessory. This is by no means meant to reinvent the wheel, but rather to remind ourselves of the heavy lifting one eclectic addition to your winter bundle can make.

It’s not really lazy, it’s just easy.

Taylor

My Links

(Structural) Hats

Starting from the top, I think a hat is the most fun a girl can have without taking her [coat] off. Most of what we (I) see when New York has frozen over is a flat beanie, maybe a pompom attached. While I find them to be a very charming option, there is largely a neglect of…other kinds of hats? Beats me, I’ve always been a hat girl. I really don’t think they look bad on anyone.

Vintage:

I picked this up at The Antique Warehouse in Hudson last Fall. I know we’ve only just met, but for the record, I am of the knowledge that the most sustainable and ethical fur you can wear is real vintage.

Similar Vintage Option: 1940's 1950's Black Mink Fur Pillbox Hat, $59 USD

Investment:

My bestie and I, absolutely addicted to the Toteme shearling hat. It’s also available in a rich chocolate brown (obsessed). Lucky, they’re on sale.

TOTEME Shearling Pillbox Hat in Beige, $342 USD (40% off!)

TOTEME Lambskin Pillbox Hat in Navy, $210 USD (60% off!)

Apple Paying Immediately:

The Princess Diaries (2: The Royal Engagement, specifically) has dug its claws so deep into me that even though I find this hat to be incredibly chic on its own, the feeling of revealing a fresh blowout from under it when I finally get to the office is the best part about putting it on.

You kind of have to tilt your head up to see in front of you if it is directly on top of your head, but the drama is a lot of the allure (otherwise, just adjust it further back). The Etsy seller I bought this from 2 years ago is no longer active, but there’s a seller on Walmart using the same stock photo for $15. It’s worth a gamble.