Winter accessories are where spending more usually pays off, because they are worn every day for months and sit close to the face or hands where quality shows. But not all of them. Knowing which winter accessories are worth investing in — and which are fine at any price — is the difference between a winter wardrobe that lasts a decade and one that is replaced every year.
This guide covers six worth spending on, what to look for in each, and where cheaper works just as well. More in our European Style guides.
Six Winter Accessories Worth Investing In
1. Leather Gloves
Why: worn every cold day, and good leather lasts many winters.
What to look for: soft, supple leather; a lining suited to your climate; a snug fit when new, since leather stretches slightly. Measure first with the glove size calculator, and read how to care for leather gloves.
2. A Wool or Cashmere Scarf
Why: worn close to the face all winter, so quality and colour both show.
What to look for: a natural fibre, a generous length, and a colour from your palette — this is where an accent colour does the most work for the least money.
3. Leather Ankle Boots
Why: worn most days from autumn to spring, and a well-made pair can be resoled for years.
What to look for: a walkable heel, a sole that can be replaced, and a waterproofing treatment. See how French women buy shoes.
4. A Felt Hat
Why: a good felt hat lasts decades with care and finishes a winter coat.
What to look for: the right size above all — measure with the hat size calculator — and a style that suits your face shape. See the best hats for your face shape and how to care for a felt hat.
5. A Structured Bag
Why: carried every day, all year, and the piece that finishes a coat.
What to look for: a size that holds what you carry, a strap for crossbody and shoulder wear, and leather that ages well.
6. A Wool Coat
Why: strictly clothing rather than an accessory, but it is the piece every other item on this list is worn with.
What to look for: a shoulder that fits and a high wool content. The fit rules are the same as for a trench coat.
Where Cheaper Is Fine
- Knit beanies — easily lost, and a cheap one looks much like an expensive one
- Umbrellas — they break, get left on trains, and rarely last
- Touchscreen gloves for commuting — useful, but they wear out fast
- Trend-colour scarves you will not wear next year
- Tights and thermal layers — replaced regularly regardless of price
Is It Worth the Money?
The test is cost per wear. A pair of leather gloves worn most days for four months a year, for eight years, is worn hundreds of times; even an expensive pair works out at very little each time. A cheap pair that cracks after one season often costs more per wear in the end.
Put in the price, any care or repair costs, and a realistic number of wears.
For the full list of pieces worth spending on across the year, read which pieces are worth spending on. If you have a clothing budget to stick to, the clothing budget calculator splits it into replacing, seasonal and investment shares.
Choosing Colours That Last
Invest in neutrals that work with your coat and each other — camel, charcoal, navy, brown, black — and let a scarf carry any accent colour. The personal colour palette generator shows which neutrals and metals suit you, and gold or silver for your undertone covers the hardware on bags and gloves.
Travelling in Winter
Wear the heaviest accessories — boots, coat, hat — rather than packing them; nothing you are wearing counts towards your luggage allowance. See what to wear in Europe in winter and what to wear in Europe month by month, and check the case with the luggage weight calculator.
Cost Per Wear Calculator
The real price of a piece, and a cheap-versus-quality comparison.
Try this free calculator to find your exact match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which winter accessories are worth investing in?
Is a cashmere scarf worth it?
Are expensive leather gloves worth it?
What winter accessories can I buy cheaply?
What colour winter accessories should I buy?
Brand and sizing data on this site is reviewed quarterly. If a figure here is wrong, email fashion@womensfashioneu.com and it will be checked and corrected.
