While putting together GI’s 2016 Winter Style Guide, I noticed a pattern when going through the options. This winter’s lineup is jam-packed with super luxe fabrics, opulent fur trim (mostly faux, of course), and flattering feminine shapes. This is our most lavish, warm, comfortable and stylish batch yet – and I’m pretty confident that any style-conscious outdoorsy-girl will find something here to fall in love with this winter. Cheers to the best of the best in women’s winter style.
Nau Randy Goat Lite Shift Dress
Virtually anything from Nau will be super stylish and made with top-quality materials, but I especially loved this little shift dress for its flattering, drapey fit and cozy fabric. It makes an excellent multi-season piece, and can be layered with leggings and a cute vest for the frosty winter months. The merino wool is naturally warm and wicking, and incredibly soft against the skin. I particularly adore the front double-pocket detail.
$125 | www.nau.com
Shown here with the Triple Cable Fur Pom hat from The North Face. $35, thenorthface.com
Eddie Bauer Big Climb Long Hoodie
The Big Climb Long Hoodie is the perfect all-around winter layering piece. The moisture-wicking, warm polyester fleece makes it an ideal layer for skiing, snowshoeing or running, yet the flattering fit allows for around-town style and warmth too.
$74.25 | www.eddiebauer.com
Eddie Bauer Women’s Movement Leggings
I reviewed several tights and leggings for this review, and this one (in the photo above and below) stood out as my favorite all-purpose winter legging. The polyester/spandex fabric is thicker than most leggings but retains that desirable slender, fitted look. They provide enough coverage for everyday wear, but retain the performance features (sweat-wicking, secure fit) necessary for mild-weather winter sports.
$80 | www.eddiebauer.com
Toad & Co Boxcan Sherpa Overshirt
I love the play here between a classic, collared shirt style and performance fabric. The recycled wool/polyester/nylon construction is soft, warm, and durable, making for a super cozy winter layer. Wear it alone as a buttoned up shirt, or throw it on as a light jacket in chilly weather.
$139 | www.toadandco.com
Mountain Hardwear Potrero Vest
The flattering narrow cut, 120g insulation and adorable faux fur-trimmed hood make this a perfect layer for both the city and the trail. Although it is pretty enough to wear on the town, performance features, like the wind and water resistant fabric allow it to transform into a legitimate piece of gear (the hood is removable for easier layering).
$64.98 | www.mountainhardwear.com
Timberland Wheelwright Tall Lace-Up Waterproof Boot
Timberland has become one of my favorite go-to brands for reliably beautiful and functional winter footwear. It’s not easy to find a boot that can handle the toughest blustery weather and also manage to be legitimately good-looking too, but this waterproof leather lace-up can easily fill both criteria. I love the contrasting leather detail, the side-zip for easy on/off, and the bulky rubber sole for extra grip.
$260 | www.timberland.com
Icebreaker Women’s MerinoLOFT Nomad Jacket
I’ve included Icebreaker in our Women’s Style Guide every year for one good reason: they consistently make some of the highest quality, most beautifully designed performance clothing out there. This jacket, best for in-town wear, features little style details that make this one of my favorite pieces this year: I love the contrasting flannel lining, boiled wool sleeves, and quilted recycled polyester. This thigh-length coat is adorable on milder winter days, especially when worn over a dress and leggings.
$300 | www.icebreaker.com
The North Face Women’s Ballard Lace II Boot
This hard-working winter bootie disguises itself well as a beautiful everyday shoe. The leather is naturally water-resistant – best for mild winter days – and the rubber outsole is great on slick footing. My favorite feature though, is the incredibly comfortable fit. Whether you wear them in the office or wandering around a mountain town all afternoon, your feet will remain perfectly happy.
$130 | www.thenorthface.com
Ibex Reese Tunic
This adorable bouclé merino tunic went straight into regular rotation in my wardrobe this fall. It makes for a great cool weather layer, but also looks pretty fabulous worn as a top with some leggings and tall boots. The body-skimming shape is flattering, and I love the long hem that goes to the top of the thigh.
$180 | shop.ibex.com
Fjallraven Kaitum Fleece
I am a total sucker for Fjallraven’s premium materials and thoughtful style, although the price tag is a bit steep. The wool/polyester combo here creates both warmth and durability, and the feminine cut is attractive and great for layering. This jacket is perfect as a mid-layer for outdoor activities, but is also lovely worn by itself on dry, mild days.
$237 | www.fjallraven.us
Shown here with Glittertind Weatherproof Hat from Dale of Norway. $79.95, us.daleofnorway.com
Hunter Norris Field Rain Boot
The Norris Field Rain Boot has the classic Hunter boot style that has seamlessly worked its way from technical gear to urban fashion. These boots are durable, flexible and 100% waterproof, making them a superior boot for working or playing in wet weather conditions. However, the detailed craftsmanship and classic shape have made these a favorite amongst the fashion-conscious for around-town wear. Worn with a cute sock, these rain boots can transform into toasty, waterproof winter boots in a pinch too.
$150 | us.hunterboots.com
Obermeyer Cabin Knit Pullover
Since the beginning of time (or more accurately, around 70 years), Obermeyer has been pumping out luxury skiwear for the fashionable ski bunny. This gorgeous sweater is no exception: the merino/acrylic knit is incredibly soft and warm, and the fabric is specifically optimized to allow body movement while skiing. With its endearing high collar, pewter buttons, and classic Nordic design its almost shameful to hide it under ski clothing, so be sure to spend plenty of time drinking fireside après cocktails in it, too.
$169 | www.obermeyer.com
Patagonia Recycled Down Jacket
I adore the way Patagonia has fused lumberjack style with a feminine shape in this jacket. The classic retro style is updated and upgraded with 600-fill recycled down insulation and a relaxed, modern fit. It brilliantly retains the look and feel of a quilted flannel shirt while delivering the warmth of a technical down sweater. Without a doubt, this cutie will definitely be my MVP jacket this winter.
$199 | patagonia.com
Sorel Conquest Carly II Boot
The Conquest Carly is Sorel’s iconic winter boot, and for good reason. The updated design skillfully combines the toughness of a full winter boot with gorgeous sophisticated style. The upper is fully waterproof, combining rubber, full grain leather, suede and canvas. It is also super warm thanks to its 100g insulation. For particularly nasty storm days, the bungee closure cinches around the calf, and the beefy rubber outsole provides excellent traction when the footing gets dicey.
$225 | sorel.com
Toad & Co Aerium Blazer
Toad & Co bills this cute blazer as a travel coat, but it works equally well as your everyday cool weather go-to layer. The close, feminine shape can be deceiving with its shirt-like fit, but the 60g insulation (40g in the sleeves) will keep the chill out on mildly cool days. If you do plan on bringing this layer along on your travels, it conveniently stuffs into its own pocket for easy storage.
$249 | toadandco.com
Columbia Jessa Waterproof Boot
Whether you’re a mountain town girl or a city chick, we all need one good pair of winter tall boots. This year, I chose Columbia’s Jessa boot because its waterproof upper and durable rubber sole coyly hide behind a super stylish and casual design. These boots look great paired with jeans or a skirt for everyday wear, yet can handle real winter weather. Best of all, there is no need to change your shoes when you get to your destination: these boots can transition seamlessly from outdoor to indoor wear.
$180| columbia.com
Dale of Norway Women’s Lahti Feminine Sweater
If you’re familiar with my annual style reviews, you’re well aware of my love affair with Dale of Norway. There is no other brand that so skillfully articulates all that is après-ski. This lush ski bunny sweater is made from incredibly warm and soft 100% merino wool. And the best part: you can look like a well-dressed pro athlete whilst sipping your hot toddy in the lodge: the Lahti sweater was designed exclusively for the Norwegian National Cross Country Ski Team for the 2016 World Cup, and named after the city where the 2017 World Championships will be held.
$299 | us.daleofnorway.com
Smartwool Camp House Dress
I love a sweater dress that can effortlessly transition from office to cabin, and this year the grand prize goes to the smart little Camp House dress. A lot of sweater dresses tend to look a little dowdy and potato sack-y, but I love how this one hugs the body while still managing to be flattering. The very short hemline is also exciting, and looks great with black leggings that set off the dynamic pattern.
$130 | smartwool.com
Helly Hansen Ullr Midlayer Jacket
This is the only piece of real technical gear that I chose to include in this guide, but I loved the look of this mid-layer jacket on its own. These days, technical outerwear is making a conspicuous appearance on city streets, and this one really can look as great on the ski slope as it does in the coffee shop. The well-designed feminine cut and contrasting fabrics have an elegant appearance and can comfortably transition from trail to town.
$160 | hellyhansen.com
Bogs Carrie Chukka Waterproof Boots
Bogs is most well-known for making bomber waterproof outdoor boots, but they are quickly becoming one of my favorite all-around winter shoe companies. Don’t let the understated, casual design of the Carrie Chukka fool you: the buttery soft full-grain leather upper is waterproof and the sole is slip-resistant without those tell-tale giant lugs. This is (subjectively) one of the cutest weatherproof booties I could find this year.
$140 | bogsfootwear.com
The North Face Far Northern Waterproof Parka
The North Face has become the envy of all outdoor brands with its success in bringing highly technical gear into the mainstream. And there’s a good reason for that: their designers are able to create beautiful, flattering outerwear that doesn’t compromise on technical functionality. This was one of my favorite jackets this year that was built for the very coldest winter days. This coat is completely waterproof and fully insulated with high quality 550-900-fill goose down. Combined with its long hem and (faux) fur trimmed hood, you’ll be toasty warm even in the most bone-chilling temperatures.
$349 | thenorthface.com
Mountain Hardwear Sarafin Longsleeve Bomber Jacket
I loved the ultra-feminine cut of this sweater and its ability to straddle technical and urban style. The sample I reviewed was a size xs, which would be perfect for layering under a jacket, but a larger size could easily be layered over long underwear to be worn on mild days as well.
$130 | mountainhardwear.com
Shown here with Columbia’s Arctic Tundra Trapper Earflap Hat. $100, columbia.com
Moonboot WE Low Fur
These boots are over the top and I can’t get enough of them. I love the classic Moon Boot shape, and I love the wild tufts of faux fur. They’re so luxe, you might overlook the fact that they’re a legit winter boot with a grippy rubber outsole and super warm interior. Slip these puppies on after a day in ski boots and your cold, tired feet can rejoice in style.
$175 | moon-boot.com
Marmot Alexie Jacket
There’s so much to admire about the Alexie Jacket: the modern, bomber-style cut, the warm 700-fill down, the lavish faux fur-trimmed hood. Although it looks really great running around town, the price tag reflects its technical bones. It’s toasty warm for low output activities (ice skating, sledding, walking, or snowshoeing) with a wind-resistant ripstop nylon shell, fleece collar, and micro fleece internal cuffs that minimize body heat leakage.
$285 | marmot.com
Triple F.A.T. Goose Embree Coat
Triple F.A.T. Goose is a new one for us, but I’m so glad they reached out for this review. I am totally sold on their sumptuous, over-the-top luxurious winter coats. If you’re one of those people who simply cannot stand frigid temperatures, the Embree Coat is your best girlfriend this winter. It’s built for arctic temps with 600-fill goose down insulation, a shapeable fur trimmed hood, and a water-resistant shell, while the extra long length and a tall collar provide added protection. It’s also blessedly lightweight for how burly it is.
$450 | triplefatgoose.com
Keen Morrison Chelsea
The thoughtful details on the Morrison Chelsea make it one of my top picks for winter booties. The leather upper is great for damp weather, while the breathable mesh lining makes it comfortable and odor-free for all-day wear. Although there is a cute little heel on this boot, the outsole is rubber, adding a little extra grip for mildly slick footing. The gore stretch panel makes taking them on and off a breeze, and I love the fun color contrast on the brown and gray versions.
$104 | keenfootwear.com
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