1. A portable rain hood you can keep in your bag or car for those days when it MIGHT rain but you neither trust the forecast nor want to plan your outfit around your own rain coat that's warm enough.
Promising review: "I love this! The quality is very nice and it fits great. Wore it last week in the rain with a coat I love that doesn't have a hood, and it was perfect. It slips right under your jacket so all you see is the hood, so it pretty much blends in with your jacket. Such a great idea! Wish there were more colors and patterns, I'd order more." —Jill Hammel
Get it from Amazon for $29 (available in two sizes).
2. A three-pack of Hanes white tanks that are more or less the women's-sized opaque version of the classic men's white tanks. Also, the arm hole is cut in a way that totally works without showing your bra.
I recently chatted with a stylist for a TV show (I shan't name which one), and she said that all the stylists on set are obsessed with these and buy them in bulk.
Get them from Target for $12.99 (available in sizes S–XXL).
3. A matching sweat set to throw a jacket or coat over to take you from bed to the grocery store because you KNOW you're going to run into that person you detest from high school when you're there. It's the law. Murphy's Law. Might as well go in *nice* looking sweats.
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can give this a spin before you buy it!
Promising review: "Got this set to sleep in for the winter. The material is very comfortable and soft on the skin and not irritating at all. The stitches were flawless and looks exactly like the picture. I actually wore the sweats outside with another top and I was feeling fine the whole day." —Kesha Follz
Get it from Amazon for $48.99+ (available in women's sizes S–XL and five colors).
4. A waist extender that'll help you get FAR more use out of those pants you're nervous about wearing to dinner because they're right on the cusp of being hard to button up. No need to replace! Be free! Use a waist extender!
Promising review: "I do not know how I lived without them. I have saved a bunch on unnecessary alterations." —Gerald Voigt
Get a five-pack of pants extenders for $6.99.
5. And on the flip side, a set of jean button pins can save the day when you're in between sizes on jeans you love — this pin helps you tighten up a waist gap on top. And all it takes is pressing it in. That's it!
Promising review: "There are the best things ever. I have jeans that fit great but the waist is always too loose. So I saw these on TikTok, and I was so curious to see if they worked or not. But seriously, you need to buy these, the buttons are great material and just the most useful things overall." —Alexa Botello
Get a set of 8 from Amazon for $5.99.
6. A lacy dicky as a cute but profesh look under a sweatshirt or sweater without sweating too much. Plus! It'll help hide any makeup stains right at your sweatshirt neck. (My sweatshirts ALL seem to get those.)
Promising review: "This fit better than I anticipated. It’s so practical not to have a full shirt underneath a sweater but have the look of one with a cute collar. I would like to wear more sweaters without getting too warm. Now I can. I’m more on the busty side but because of the adjustable straps under the arms, this fit perfectly." —MV
Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (available in 11 styles)
7. A SUPER stretchy ribbed pencil skirt you can easily slip on — even if you have a baby bump you're having to base all your ensembles around. Just look at the reviewers. Everyone looks so cute in it with a variety of tops!
Promising review: "Perfect! Ordered an XL since I wore it to my baby shower when I was six months pregnant and it worked well! Nice stretch without being see-through. I ordered the khaki shade and I really love it. Wish they had it in white too!" —maria
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 19 colors).
8. A puffer vest perfect for layering.
Reviewers are saying to size down for a cropped look.
Promising review: "I am absolutely OBSESSED with this puffer vest. It is lightweight and not overbearing, but at the same time, it keeps me warm and feels so comfy. I took the advice of other reviewers and ordered an extra small even though I'm usually a small, and I'm so glad that I did. I love the cropped look that the smaller size gives me. I will certainly be buying this in other colors." —Lydia Spencer
Get it from Amazon for $25.88 (available in sizes XS–2X and 20 colors).
9. A heated jacket because wrapping yourself up in your Barefoot Dreams blanket somehow isn't as practical as you'd like. The rechargeable battery provides 10 hours of warmth with three heat settings. Cheers to incredibly warm outerwear in a non-bulky form. Oh! And it's machine-washable with a detachable hood.
Check out a TikTok of the heated jacket in action.
Promising review: "I was honestly kind of skeptical about this at first because it took a bit of time to heat up all the way, but once it did I was absolutely in love. It gets so warm and is absolutely perfect. It’s very very well made and luxurious feeling. 10/10." —Ezra Adair
Get it from Amazon in two styles: $159.99 (available in women's sizes S–XXL and three colors) and $159.99 (available in men's sizes S–3XL and three colors).
10. A racerback tank top you can throw on with basically any bottom that you own. And reviewers say it's compressive enough that you can skip the bra with it — which is especially welcome when it's hot outside or you're wearing layers.
Promising review: "I have bought this top in seven different colors because I am that obsessed with it. I have gifted it to all of my friends for their birthdays because it is that great. It is spandex-like material and super comfy, but the fit and style of it are what I am obsessed with. It is super cute. I wear this to work out in or even just wear to go out in without a bra underneath, and it keeps everything in check. My number one clothing item for the last couple of months!!" —Midwestern Girl
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 23 colors).
11. A sensory compression tank in a soft, supportive material *without* tags. It's supportive enough to skip wearing a bra with it. Really, the only thing missing is its ability to make your lunch.
12. Or a plunging ruched bodysuit that'll stay in place with you as you move.
Promising review: "I love that this is a thicker material, especially in the front where it crosses over, and can keep you a bit warmer. It doesn't fit nearly as low-cut as in the product image, and can easily be worn to work without another shirt underneath it. Since it's not flimsy, you can wear this in 60-ish degree weather with just a light jacket, or indoors with no extra layers (I am usually cold in offices so this is really convenient)." —s_jm_sf
Get it from Amazon for $19.98+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 15 colors and styles). And if you're looking for a plus size option, this bodysuit ranges in sizes 12–24, has short sleeves, and is available in 10 colors.
13. A pair of pull-on Levi's jeans because maybe you need a new pair of skinny jeans. (Wear what you want, people!) But you're so used to living in leggings that you want a lil' bit of both. These'll please the "real pants" police if that's a concern.
FYI, these jeans are included in Prime Wardrobe so you can give them a trial run if you're a member!
Promising review: "Let me first start out by saying I'm a mom of two, in my mid-30s. Pants and I disagree on far too many levels (aka, once I found leggings after having children, it's been impossible to go back). Pair that with working from home (ahem, never having motivation to wear actual pants even if I wanted to) and you have a full-blown 'this woman is going to spend the rest of her life in yoga pants' situation. Enter these jeggings. I am not even apologizing for using the silly term of 'jeggings.' These could nearly pass for a legging-feel situation. ON TOP OF THAT, they look like real jeans. DONE. TAKE MY MONEY." —Sara W.
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in sizes 2–28, three inseams, and eight colors).
14. Or some fleece-lined jeggings in case you want your pants to have a little more substance than fleece-lined leggings. It's 2024. The whole "leggings aren't pants" has ZERO credence. But sometimes people just want to look like they're wearing jeans and that's perfectly OK.
Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised by this product! I ordered these for a trip to Washington state, where I did a lot of hiking in snow and cool weather. These held up really well, had enough stretch in them to be comfortable for hiking but did not stretch out, and most importantly kept me warm!" —Aaron Arnold
Get it from Amazon for $41.99+ (available in sizes XXS–5XL and in 45 colors).
15. A drawstring bodycon dress with some major versatility — you can adjust the drawstring for the perfect length and look, then throw all kinds of outerwear over it as needed. (I own it in black and wear it at least once a week!)
Promising reviews: "I finally bought this dress after seeing it all over TikTok and HOLY SMOKES. I cannot believe how universally [good it looks on people]. It's absolutely stunning!" —Catherine Thriveni
"This dress is amazing! The fabric is so soft and silky but also has structure and because the sides are ruched, I can adjust it to the perfect length, which means a lot when you're only 5'1". The ruching allows me to control the amount of fabric gathered in the tummy and behind areas. To sum it all up, I LOVE the dress and plan on purchasing at least two more in the army green and the brown because this style dress can also be worn in the fall and spring months with a basic or colored denim jacket and a cute pair of boots or booties!" —Tonya
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 34 colors/styles).
16. Sheer black Melanin Fleece Tights that'll look like sheer tights for darker skin tones without the cold biting you. They're made of stretchy, rip-resistant material so they'll move with you whenever you're out and about. If you've ever thought, "I wish I could wear this skirt without freezing," then here ya go.
Melanin Fleece Tights is a Black-owned small business established in 2023 that specializes in inclusive fleece-lined tights.
Promising review: "Took these tights on a trip to Europe where the average temp was in the 40s. These tights kept me so warm for and I loved the flesh tone and how it matched my skin so perfectly. They are very soft and thick. I would buy these tights over and over for the fall and winter!" —Brejhe Halls
Get them from Melanin Fleece Tights for $33.95 (originally $59.95; available in women's sizes S–2X and three shades).
17. Plus some fleece-lined tights if you want that sheer look that'll go with your lighter skin tone. There's just something about a sheer tight look! But also something about being able to feel your legs in winter.
Promising review: "Absolutely love these winter leggings. I have been living in them! They are comfy and warm. They do pill in the dryer so I make sure to air dry them. These are thick! They allow my legs stay warm during really cold weather. Even at the temp outside now — 20 degrees Fahrenheit! I am planning to get one more set!" —Ninar
Get them from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes and individually or in pairs of various color combinations).
18. A liquid-, stain-, and odor-repelling classic tee that'll turn you into a person who eats a chocolate ice-cream cone while wearing white — if you weren't already that person.
Promising reviews: "If you had to buy one thing from Ably, I would recommend these shirts! I agree with other reviews to size up for a more comfortable relaxed fit. These shirts work well for working out, hiking, traveling, or everyday. I don't even have to wash it every day. Sweat doesn't stay on the shirt so it stays dry and doesn't smell." —Hana
Get it from Ably Apparel for $48. The women's shirt here (available in sizes XS–2X and in 10 colors) and the men's shirt here (available in sizes S–3X and in four colors).
19. A faux shearling moto jacket as a laid-back ensemble topper that'll feel all soft and cozy on the inside but all edge on the outside. I should know; I bought it in the Wine Red color and love it! It is VERY WARM in an unassuming silhouette.
Promising review: "Really an excellent steal! Just like the one from Zara but more comfortable, half the price and warmer. Wore it a few times and already got a dozen compliments." —Aleksandra Teichman
Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (available in sizes S–XL and 10 colors).
20. An *very popular* off-the-shoulder jumpsuit suited for just about any sightseeing needs. It'll also make an incredibly comfy travel-day outfit if you'd rather not with leggings, sweats, *or* jeans.
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give this a spin before you buy it!
Promising reviews: "It is a favorite among our flight attendant group when we are traveling. We call ourselves the sisterhood of the traveling jumpsuit! I absolutely love it, it’s comfortable, inexpensive, easy one piece, dress up or dress down. I add a belt and it’s perfect! I am planning to purchase more colors!" —Floridagirl0611
Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in sizes S–3X and 31 colors/patterns).
21. A relaxed fit puffer just might get you mistaken for an off-duty model when you're running to the store to buy some mouthwash. Turns out, you DON'T have to wear a black puffer to stay warm!
Promising review: "I was on the fence about the size so decided to go with their measurements. I am very busty so that is what I have to make sure that fits OK. It fit perfectly. I love this coat not too long but not too short. I like that it does not have a hood, those are too bulky around my neck. I would rather wear one of my own hats. This is also very stylish for a puffer coat. Great all-around everyday coat." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $63.60+ (available in sizes XS–XXL, 1X–4X and 17 colors/prints).
22. A long quilted puffer with a hood to help really protect you from the elements. It's about as close as you can get to wearing a sleeping bag out and about in public.
Promising review: "I've had it for a year now. Since it's so long it traps heat in really well. I'm 5'3 and it goes down to about 3 inches above my ankles. I love it and wear it all the time, far more than my shorter winter coats, because it keeps me so warm! And it's very elegant and I get compliments on it almost every day!" —Sara
Get it from Amazon for $92.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and nine colors).
23. Sherpa-lined sweats that'll become your go-to when regular ole sweatpants just aren't enough. These'll keep you nice and toasty for shoveling snow or taking your dog outside.
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can give this a spin before you buy it!
Promising review: "I'm always cold in the Wisconsin Winters. These toast me up and are perfect for lounging. So cozy." —Jodi Larson
Get them from Amazon for $29.58+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and 14 colors). And check out a similar fleece-lined pair in sizes 1X–5X.
24. Some thermal socks that'll basically feel like you're pulling your warmest, toastiest blanket on your feet.
Promising review: "This is my second time buying a pack of these socks for my dad who works outdoors all year long (even in the snow). He was excited to get a new pack of these socks and stated that these socks keep his feet warmer than his other cotton socks. The socks are definitely more expensive than your typical retail cotton socks but worth it if you really need warmer socks!" —Myriah
Get them from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in two colors and sizes S–XL).
25. Some high-waisted fleece-lined leggings (with 20,000+ 5-star reviews!) to keep you toastier than your go-to jeans or regular leggings. They have a hidden pocket, three not-hidden pockets, and are water-resistant to help you out when your kid wants to build a snowman. (FAIR.)
Promising review: "These are so warm but still so sleek! Totally opaque, long inseam, buttery soft, and they've got pockets! I machine wash them in cold water and then hang them to dry. I have two pairs in black and I wear the heck out of them. Worth every penny." —Cassandra
Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–6X, three styles, and 24 colors).
26. Some fleece-lined "Crash Tight" leggings to get you through all sorts of outdoor workouts.
Title Nine is a California-based, woman-run small business established in 1989 that specializes in outdoor apparel.
Promising review: "Legit cold killer. I've worn these x-country skiing on -20-degree days as a base layer and always have the pleasure of sweating. They've been perfect on their own for runs or ice skating on more typically cold (15-degree) days. I get coldest sitting still, however, and often wear these as a base layer while writing, and they save the work day!" —Kathryn
Get it from Title Nine for $99 (available in women's sizes XS–XL, petite sizes, and five colors).
27. A fleece hoodie dress in case you've wished you could wear your hoodie and no pants in a socially acceptable way.
Promising review: "This dress is very comfortable and cozy for the winter. I am tall and plus-size. It falls halfway down my calves. It’s very thick and nicely made. I just throw it on to run errands and look cute while doing it. It’s as comfy as a pair of sweatpants but way more stylish. I love it and will be buying other colors." —Theresa Casanova
Get it from Amazon for $43.99 (available in sizes S–3X and in 14 colors).
28. A Mission leather belt with lots of adjustable 1/4-inch positions (normal belts have 1-inch positions) so you can comfortably get dressed instead of squeezing yourself into a lil' torture device. No worry about adding a hole to your belt.
Promising review: "So glad i found this. I love ratchet belts but 'til now i have only seemed to find ones for more formal business wear. But I've been looking for one I can wear casually with jeans for example, and therefore wanted one a little wider — that's why I was glad I found Mission belts which is 40mm wide. I also love the selection they provide. The leather and buckles. Another unique feature is the square end as most belts are rounded/pointed. I'm a 29" waist and bought the small, but I still had to chop off 10cm so that the tail wasn't flapping around my left side." —T. ALKHAJAH
Get it from Amazon for $44.95+ (available in 5 sizes and 45 color combos).
29. A pair of Thigh Society cooling shorts can save your inner thighs while wearing skirts or dresses sans tights.
Promising review: "I bought these to wear under dresses for a trip to Europe because it was supposed to be really hot, and they worked great. They were light, stretchy, and there was no chafing. Maybe not the most moisture wicking, but they were very comfortable, and I wore them several times." —Meghan O'Leary
Get it from Thigh Society for $39+ (available in women's sizes XS–2XL, four lengths, and in nine colors).
30. Some flowy shorts could be the minimum (but adequate) amount of fabric to wear when you're working out.
Promising review: "These shorts are so light and airy! They are so comfortable. The only downside is that they do run small, I would size up by one size. I wore them to the beach and they were perfect for hanging out when I didn’t plan on getting in the water!" —Reese Elder
Get them from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in 29 colors).
31. A suuuper long shacket that'll give you a bit more warmth than the waist-length version you started wearing in mid-September.
Note that reviewers rec sizing one up if you have wider hips.
Promising review: "I need more of these! OMG I didn't know the material was so thick like a coat! I love it. Comfortable and warm." —Myangel Allure
Get it from Amazon for $42.97 (available in sizes S–XXL and eight color combos).
32. Inclusively shaded opaque tights in case you've been vying for the perfect pair that works as YOUR nude. Because you have several dresses you LOVE to wear in the winter but just don't look right with opaque tights. Here come the nudes!
Nude Barre is a woman-owned small biz from Erin Carpenter. Her specialty line of underwear and hosiery has set out to revolutionize the term "nude" with 12 inclusive shades that speak to all skin tones — including those that are most often underrepresented.
My colleague Chelsea Stuart is a huge fan. Here's what she has to say: "I am a lover of tights — v controversial take, I know — but I *am* picky when it comes to material/fit and I think these babies are keepers. I just wore them to our holiday party and they didn't roll, pinch, slip, stretch out, or rip after hours of eating/drinking/watching a table-side magic show/finally meeting my coworkers in person 🙃 (#PandemicHire). Some tights are too thick and wear more like leggings which I am not a fan of but these are comfortably thin (they're 85% nylon and 15% spandex) while still being surprisingly durable. I have really long nails right now and didn't get any tears or runs pulling them on or off so thus far they're winners!"
Promising review: "Color is true to my skin tone, and super comfy. I'm an Asian American with tanner skin (bronze-y and honey undertone), so 10 AM is a perfect match! The quality is impeccable, so soft and smooth, they glide on smoothly. This is definitely a great wardrobe essential everyone needs." —Anonymous
Get them from Nude Barre for $43 (available in sizes S/M–4XL/5XL and in 13 shades).
33. A Hackwith Design House shirt you can wear in 5(!!!) different ways without feeling like you're repeating. (Though, there is *no* shame in ever repeating outfits.) Just think of all the vacation outfit possibilities!
Hackwith Design House is a woman-owned small business. Their sustainable designs are made to order and sewn in their Minnesota studio. Their sizes run from XS–4X. On Mondays, they also release limited-edition designs so you can be one of only 25 people to own a piece!
Get it from Hackwith Design House for $135 (available in women's sizes XS/S–3X/4X and in five colors).
34. Lifting, shaping boob tape that'll stay put despite what you have planned... even under a swimsuit you're actually wearing in a body of water!
Brassybra is a woman-owned biz that was inspired by the founder Katherina's fruitless search to find a supportive bra alternative to wear with her wedding dress. She went with duct tape (OUCH) and now, well, you don't have to!
This kit includes three one-time use bra sets, three sets of nipple covers, and one test strip. It's latex-free, hypoallergenic, and can be cut to accommodate necklines.
Get them from Brassybra for $38 (available in five shades and sizes A/B, C/D, DD-DDDD/European G; shown in chocolate).
35. A zipper repair kit to help you make your coat survive this winter (and probably a few more in your future). *And* it comes with several zipper styles so you're sure to find several matches. (Psst, make sure you're zipping UP all your zippers before you launder clothes.)
Have you ever paid a dry cleaner to repair a zipper for you? I have, and phew, I could've ordered myself dinner instead.
Promising review: "My favorite coat would no longer zip without separating from the bottom. I ordered this kit with high hopes of fixing this annoying problem. I tried the "pinch" technique recommended as step 1 and my zipper sort of worked on most zips for about a day, then went back to its bad behavior. I then went with replacing the pull as described in the directions. My zipper now works better than it has in years! For the few dollars the kit cost, it saved me a good hundred on a new coat. Plus, you get enough pulls and parts for many different zippers. I could not be happier with this purchase." —Kristen Anderson
Get it from Amazon for $13.94.
36. Double-sided tape to help your garments stay where you intend, no matter how much you shake and shimmy.
The adhesive is strong but super gentle on your skin, meaning it won't cause any irritation or redness.
Promising review: "This product works great! I wore a very low-cut maxi gown for my engagement photos and absolutely NEEDED tape to make the top portion stay in place/avoid a nip slip. This product totally did the job." —britt mo
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
37. A Conair defuzzer can revive a pilled piece of clothing and bring it back into fighting shape.
Promising review: "I don't know how I've lived 34 years without this product! It's a total game changer. I just de-fuzzed every piece of clothing I own, and loved every minute of it! I specifically sought this product for my very expensive Lularoe addiction, which I found were getting rather pilly after only a few wears, and everything is like new again!" —Jessica Grzeskowiak
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in six colors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.