If you’ve been following me for a while, you probably know that I’m not someone who buys things only to let them sit untouched in my closet. When I find a piece I love, I wear it—again and again and again. There’s something reassuring about reaching for the same well-made staples, styling them slightly differently each time, and knowing they’ll always deliver. Lately, I’ve noticed a handful of items rising to the top of my rotation, so I thought I’d give you a closer look at what’s been working hard for me this season.
The Coat That Goes With Everything
Let’s start with the outer layer, because coats really do set the tone for winter dressing. I’ve been living in a COS coat that, unfortunately, is now sold out (the heartbreak of loving a piece too late). I’m holding out hope that it might restock, but in the meantime, I’ve scouted some alternatives. Theory has a classic option that strikes a similar balance between sharp tailoring and wearability, while Mango offers a more affordable take that still looks polished.
A good coat, in my opinion, is worth the investment because it becomes the first impression of every outfit. Whether I’m running errands or heading to a dinner, this coat has been the layer I feel instantly put-together in.
Denim That Truly Earns Its Keep
Moving on to the jeans. I’m rarely without my Sézane denim, specifically their straight-leg style that somehow feels equal parts classic and modern. They’re the kind of jeans you can throw on without much thought and still feel like you’ve made an effort. I love them so much that I now own them in two colors: a timeless blue and a crisp ecru.
Here’s a quick note on fit: Sézane tends to run on the smaller side, so if you’re in between sizes, I’d recommend sizing up. Once you find your fit, though, they’re incredibly flattering and versatile. The ecru pair has been my favorite for brightening up darker winter looks.
The Boots That Go the Distance
No surprise here, but the Emme Parsons boots are another piece I’ve been leaning on nonstop. I started with the black pair and loved them so much that I added the brown version to my wardrobe, too. They’re beautifully made, minimal in design, and versatile enough to wear with everything from jeans to dresses.
What makes them stand out is their balance of elegance and practicality. They’re sleek, but not precious—you can walk around all day in them without feeling like you need to change into sneakers halfway through. For me, they’ve been that rare combination of fashion and function that earns them “most worn” status.
The Cardigan I Can’t Stop Wearing (With One Caveat)
Another hero piece in my lineup has been the Sézane Emile cardigan. It’s the kind of knit that looks as good draped over the shoulders as it does buttoned up with denim. The texture and cut give it that effortless Parisian feel Sézane is so good at capturing.
That said, here’s the caveat: if you’re extremely sensitive to wool or anything remotely itchy, this cardigan may not be for you. Personally, I don’t find it bothersome, especially if I wear a thin tee or tank underneath. But I wanted to flag it, because I know fabric sensitivity can make or break a knitwear purchase.
Fit-wise, I stick to my rule with Sézane: always size up. Their pieces run small, and I like my sweaters to have a little room to breathe.
The Tote That Actually Fits My Life
Finally, let’s talk bags. My current go-to is the Mara tote, which has become my everyday carryall. It has a simple, structured shape that feels polished without being too stiff, and the capacity is surprisingly generous. It easily handles all the usual suspects—wallet, makeup pouch, water bottle, sunglasses case—without losing its shape or looking overstuffed.
The only downside is that it doesn’t quite fit a 15″ laptop horizontally, which I know might be a dealbreaker for some. For me, though, it’s not an issue since I don’t often carry my laptop day-to-day. One other note: it doesn’t have a full closure, which could be a drawback if you prefer maximum security, but I personally like the easy access and the relaxed vibe it gives the bag.
Why These Pieces Work
What all of these items have in common is that they’re reliable, versatile, and unfussy. They’re not trend-chasing pieces destined to feel dated in a year. Instead, they’re thoughtfully designed staples that I can wear over and over without getting bored.
That’s become more important to me over the years. I used to chase every “new season must-have,” but now I find myself gravitating toward a smaller rotation of pieces that work hard and look timeless. The coat, jeans, boots, cardigan, and tote I’ve highlighted here are perfect examples of that.
They’re the kind of investments that don’t just hang in the closet—they live in your everyday life. And when something proves itself in that way, that’s when you know it’s truly worth it.
