My Friend Wants an Elegant Winter Wardrobe—I Sent Her These Zara, M&S and COS Buys

Overnight, the temperatures have dropped and an icy breeze has rolled in, declaring that winter has formally arrived. As a purchasing editor, I’ve spent the previous few weeks looking down the perfect knitwear, scouring the brand new coat choices, and handpicking probably the most worthwhile and expensive-looking items to make our winter wardrobes each cosy and trendy. Today, my finest buddy requested if I might assist her construct a complicated capsule wardrobe with an inexpensive edge, and that is precisely what I despatched her.

In phrases of private model, my finest buddy is drawn to minimalist items with a refined edge and enduring enchantment. Her summer time wardrobe is an immaculately crafted collection of anti-trend types that she calls upon yr after yr, however the balancing act of heat and model is proving tough this winter. Thankfully, I spend day by day scouring the excessive road for probably the most elevated types, and with the assist of beloved names like Marks & Spencer, Zara and COS, I’ve proven her simply methods to create a glossy winter wardrobe that she will depend on this winter and for a lot of extra to return.

When it involves purchasing the excessive road, Marks & Spencer, Zara and COS all the time get it proper. This season, Marks & Spencer is leaning into texture to make its items really feel high-end, with comfortable velvets, glossy satins and an array of cosy knits. Instantly, these items deliver a thought of contact to our appears. Already this season, we have seen a sequence of Zara types fly off the digital cabinets, because of its extremely elevated autumn/winter 2025 assortment. Getting forward of the tendencies is one thing that the model is understood for, and this season, the main focus is on positive particulars that deliver a sophistication to our cold-weather items. From funnel necks to elevated color palettes, these are the sorts of trending accents that by no means exit of fashion. Finally, COS brings its consideration to element and high-quality fabrications to the fore for the brand new season. Creating elevated types with the designer look however not the value tag is what it does finest, together with leaning into basic items with an edge. An elongated hemline right here, an outsized silhouette there, COS brings a recent contact to our most relied upon types.