Darling, it’s cold outside. Don’t worry because we’ve got you covered! Darling‘s Founder and CEO, Sarah Dubbeldam, has picked out a collection of new and upcoming, ethical and international brands that are classic staples to add to your winter wardrobe. We always say that buying less but higher quality is key, so you’ll notice some of these pieces are investments in a quality wardrobe that will never go out of style.
Shop the latest edition of the Darling Edit below. Let us know in the comments what your favorite winter apparel brands are!
KOTN Crew Sweater – $95.00
I admire that since it’s founding in 2015, KOTN has worked from the ground up to ensure fair labour practices and collaborative communities. I love the timeless design of this chic, black crewneck. It is slightly oversized with a rib knit collar, cuffs and hem. It comes in four color options—Black, Chestnut, Cashmere and Merlot—all of which you can dress up or dress down.
KOTN Turtleneck Sweater – $103.00
When I work from home all day, it can easily get chilly in my house during this time of year. Another look from KOTN, this Women’s Turtleneck Sweater is sophisticated, soft (made from 100% cotton) and oh so warm! The relaxed fit with raglan sleeves and a mid-length hem is the perfect work-ready look for all those Zoom calls.
Black Suede Studio “Drea” Boot – $450.00
Made in Brazil out of soft and durable leather, these classic style boots are set on rubber tread soles with whipstitch-style laces and a zip at the side that makes them easy to slip on and off. Instead of being heavy and stiff like most combat style boots, they are light and incredibly soft. Style them with cropped pants or a flowy midi-length skirt and leather jacket. For a classic style that will last a lifetime, they are definitely worth the investment to wear for years of comfort.
Everlane Italian ReWool Overcoat – $298.00
Everlane is a staple brand in my closet because they seek to use the best, ethical factories around the world and source only the finest materials. With “Radical Transparency,” they reveal the true cost of every product they make. Available in Dark Charcoal and Camel, the Italian ReWool Overcoat is the type of coat that you will want to wear forever. The wool is heavy and perfect for chilly weather, and the oversized boxy fit is so flattering. This coat is the perfect mix of minimal and sophisticated.
Frances Austen Reversible V-Neck Cashmere Sweater – $395.00
After a decade of witnessing the overproduction of fast fashion that is not re-wearable, recyclable, or re-sellable, Frances Austen created a new type of brand. All of their pieces are comprised of biodegradable materials, 100% silk and cashmere that is spun in Italy by renowned cashmere producer, Cariaggi, before it’s woven into garments in Scotland by Johnstons of Elgin. This reversible, 100% cashmere V-Neck is quite literally the softest sweater you will ever own. I love that you can wear the V-neck in the back for a slightly more glamorous look or you can wear it in the front and layer it with a turtleneck underneath.
Flattered Andie Suede Black Heel – $159.00
Reliable and stylish, every woman needs a classic pair of black heels. These shoes from Flattered are perfect for the cooler months with their suede exterior. My favorite thing about these shoes is that they are handmade in Elda, Spain—which explains why they are incredibly comfortable!
Varley Vine Pullover – $158.00
This sweater has cozy written all over it, even the color is fun—Eggnog. Made from the softest ottoman rib fabric, the Vine Pullover is the perfect workout-to-weekend piece. I really like the unique exaggerated collar and sleeves, as well as the hoop zipper. Varley is great because from supplier selection to material usage, impact is at the heart of their brand development.
Entireworld Peruvian Crew Black/White – $225.00
I love the unique black and white design of this piece, perfect for Instagram-worthy moments! Entireworld focuses on durability, making items that will last a lifetime. Made in Peru, this sweater is super lightweight and incredibly soft, which makes sense as it is made from 70% Baby Alpaca, 23% Polyamide and 7% Merino Wool. Pair it with a pair of skinny jeans and some boots and you’ve got the perfect cozy outfit!
KULE Ainsley – $298.00
Kule is one of my favorite brands because of their consistent, playful designs. They work with small factories around the world to produce pieces that will stand the test of time. I love this preppy open shawl collar sweater. Made of 69% Cotton, 20% Nylon, 10% Silk and 1% Rayon, this fabric blend literally feels like a cozy blanket on your skin. The signature blue and poppy colored strips on the sleeves make this sweater an instant classic!
Baum und Pferdgarten Arlene Kjole Dress – $249.00
This is one of my favorite Danish brands that I discovered when traveling to Denmark in 2019. If you’re looking for original pieces that will stand out, their prints and designs are incredibly unique. With a silky feel and easy silhouette, this piece pairs well with boots and longline jacket.
AGL White Capsule Moccasin – $475.00
From the Italian region of Marche, the heart of shoemaking production, AGL is an Italian branded founded in 1958 by Piero Giusti, the first of three generations at the helm of this family business. These shoes are an investment because they are made with skilled craftsmanship and the finest of materials that make them fit like a glove over time. This rocker-chic moccasin style has lots of personality and is the perfect shoe to dress up a pair of jeans or compliment a dress or professional outfit.
Maguire Boutique MARBELLA Black Loafer – $210.00
Maguire is unique because they are an independent female-led company working to make high-quality fashion footwear fair and accessible. By working directly with manufacturers and selling directly to consumers, this means you get the same quality at a fair price, as you can see in their Transparent Price policy. Their designs are fresh and fun like these cute square toed loafers! With an 100% leather exterior, they are handmade in a high-end factory in Alicante, Spain.
Want Les Essentiels Velasca Women’s Leather Ankle Boot – $350.00
Made in Portugal, the Velasca Leather Ankle boot is an elevated version of this classic silhouette. The elegant and utilitarian design makes it the perfect boot for both men and women. There is an elasticated ankle panel that is complimented by a front leather tab, making it easy to pull on and off as needed. For the shoppers braving the snow this winter, the gommato-leather toe offers added protection against the elements. As a Montreal-based design label, Want Les Essentiels practices upcycling and also uses salvaged and sustainable materials.
Italic Quinn Wool Cashmere Double Faced Cocoon Coat – $200.00
Italic is an innovative company because they connect you to high quality manufacturers while letting you shop at factory prices. With a membership model, members are granted access to Italic’s full range of high-end products, made by the same factories that make your favorite pieces, but sold at cost. This coat is a winter weather staple. It is made from 30% cashmere and 70% wool, providing both luxury and optimal insulation. With its two welt pockets, single-button closure, versatile length and structured shape, this coat is simply timeless!
LEZÉ Athena Sweater- $98.00
LEZÉ is a female-owned brand that believes workwear should match the comfort and freedom of your lifestyle. This is the perfect WFH sweater! Sleek and sophisticated, the Athena Sweater from LEZÉ has a boxy, structured shape with a flattering V-shaped neckline and cinched waistline. Also, one unique quality about this sweater is its sweat-wicking properties that will keep your skin dry and endlessly comfortable.
ZouXou Malen Boot in Waxed Suede – $298.00
Ethically made in Buenos Aires, ZouXou shoes are designed for women who dress for themselves. A contemporary spin on a Western style boot, the Malen Boot is perfect for everyday wear. It sits just above the ankle so you can wear it with cropped pants or leggings in the colder seasons and then transition it into warmer weather. It is also made from water-repellant black waxed suede, perfect for the elements in the winter.
l’ intervalle Vernier Black Box Leather Boots – $169.99
l’intervalle is a household name in upscale footwear with more than 20 years of international footwear experience that offers exclusive and ethically sustainable products from Spain, Italy and Brazil. These lace-up boots pack a punch and are made for the statement-making woman. I love the extra height I get with the stacked heel, and the leather padded insole is super comfortable!
l’ intervalle Bruges White Leather Boots – $228.00
Another beautiful look from l’intervalle, these zip-front white leather boots are very cool and chic. I love the white leather, which is not as commonly seen in the winter seasons, and the front zipper is a sure statement maker.
Mate the Label Organic Thermal Boxy Crop – $98.00
Comfy and casual, the Organic Thermal Boxy Crop is a relaxed fitting, cropped crew thermal. My favorite parts are the slouchy shoulders, mock rib detailing at the neck and five-thread detailing throughout. It is also made from 100% organic cotton, like everything else from MATE the Label as all their apparel is made ethically in Los Angeles non-toxic, low-impact dyes.
Mate the Label Organic Thermal Wide Leg Pant – $138.00
If you get the cropped thermal, I highly recommend getting the thermal wide leg pants to match. The pants are a mid-waist relaxed fit pant with elastic waistband and an adjustable drawstring. They are so comfortable!
Ann Taylor Ribbed Sweater Dress – $99.99
I absolutely love sweater dresses, and this ribbed sweater dress from Ann Taylor is no exception. Ann Taylor is a brand dedicated to sophisticated and elevated attire for women. I love the caramel latte color of this dress, and the ribbed stitch design makes this dress the quintessential one-in-done outfit!
Joie Jorja Crewneck Sweater – $328.00
This luxe, textured knit features a relaxed fit and V-neck that feels equally modern and effortless. This the type of sweater that you can dress up or down for whatever the occasion requires. I also love Joie’s work as they are donating 10% of their profits during the month of December from select sweaters to Color of Change, an organization dedicated to helping people and corporations respond effectively to injustice by designing campaigns to create change and champion solutions.
Joie Mikah Long Sleeve Wool Sweater – $328.00
My favorite thing about this wool sweater, besides it’s soft texture, is its playful design! In an unexpected mix of knits, this sweater still feels subtle enough for every day, and the 10% of profits mentioned above are also donated with a purchase of this sweater.
Current/Elliot The Juniper Knit Sweater – $298.00
Winter can feel dull and lifeless with its grey tones. The Juniper Knit Sweater will add a pop of color to an otherwise monotone-colored winter season. This sweater is a sure-fired way to stand out! During the month of December, Current Elliot is donating 10% of profits from this sweater to Black Table Arts. Black Table Arts is a community driven arts cooperative located in Minneapolis, MN that gathers Black communities through the arts toward better futures.
*Prices and inventory may change but are accurate as listed at the time of publication.
What are your go-to winter wear brands? What’s a must-have item on your list this season?
Product images via featured brands
