For us, November marks the official start of cosy season. It’s that time of year when mornings often start foggy and cold, and getting out of bed is a chilly experience.
Afternoons get darker and nights draw in; candles are lit and log burners are dusted off. We slowly pack our transitional pieces away – the light jackets, fine knits and floaty dresses are pushed to the back of the wardrobe as heavier items come into daily rotation. Tights are back. Dressing gowns, too. It’s a glorious time!
When we’re faced with a long winter stretching ahead, there’s really only one thing we want to do – cuddle up in cosy clothes and hibernate till March. And especially this year when we’re more aware than ever of the cost of central heating, you might be doing everything you can to avoid turning that thermostat up.
Wrapping up in chunky knits, fleecy pjs and oversized hoodies is not only comfy and cosy, but that extra jumper or thick pair of socks might help you save a little on your energy bills this winter. Here are our top cosy picks for work, rest and play…
Cosy for work
Ok, so you can’t rock up to the office in your Oodie and slippers… but if you are based out of home for your job, there are ways to cosy up your professional attire. And if you work from home, well… the world is your oyster!
Knitwear
Nice knitwear is key for a cosy yet professional look. We love this rich burgundy cardigan – worn with a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers, it adds an extra layer to a smart look.
This high-necked grey jumper is another great buy for a sleek outfit – wear with a pleated midi skirt for the office or with your PJ bottoms at home!
Coats
If you’re commuting, a heavy duty winter coat is essential. This long camel style is a cosy wool mix, making it perfect for keeping out the chill but not too bulky for squeezing onto public transport.
Teddy coats are still on trend, and this coat is extra cuddly for your early morning walk to work. And if you want something a bit more practical for the Great British weather, this Regatta raincoat is chic and stylish.
A good pair of tights
In the winter months, tights can really make or break a cosy outfit. Go too low on the denier and you’ll be left shivering, but with the right pair you can extend the life of your skirts and dresses through even the coldest parts of the year.
Look for 50+ denier for good leg coverage and when it’s really cold, fleece-lined tights are essential. Another top tip is to look for tights with heat-trapping technology – they’ll hold heat close to your legs and insulate you against the cold.
Boots
Keep your feet snug as a bug on those chilly lunchtime walks with a good pair of boots. We love this textured ankle style, or get extra leg coverage with a knee high pair – the low heel on this style is smart and understated.
Cosy for rest
Getting all cuddled up to sit at home on the sofa is a pretty straightforward task, we know! But there are some key components to ensuring your rest attire is as comfy and cosy as it can possibly be…
Pyjamas
Pyjamas are an absolutely essential part of any cosy, dressed down look. And if the temperature is in the single figures, it’s fleecy PJs all the way – we won’t accept anything less!
We love these fluffy mint pjs, while this fleece-lined pair is great if you run a little on the warm side. If you’ve already got a favourite pair of PJs but want to up the cosy factor, why not add this faux fur pyjama jacket? Obsessed!
Dressing down
Getting out of bed on a chilly morning is a struggle, but having a cuddly dressing gown waiting for you does make it a bit easier! We love this fleecy version, or if you’re feeling fancy… how about a stylish zipped version?
Fluffy socks or slippers
Heat escapes via our feet, so having cold toes will make your entire body feel chilly. Make sure your feet are toasty at all times and the rest of you will feel the benefit, too!
These clever thermal bed socks are reversible, with cosy bouclé fabric on one side and finely ribbed jersey on the other. They’re so soft too, making them perfect for sensitive feet.
And to really up the cosy stakes, add a pair of slippers over your fluffy socks – we love this cable knit, faux-fur lined pair by Sketchers
Cosy for play
Winter weekends were made for blustery walks followed by cosy pub lunches in front of a roaring fire. Make sure you’re dressed for the occasion with clever layers that you can add and remove as the temperature changes.
Gilets
Gilets are ideal for wintery weekends spent outside – they hold heat close to your body but keep your arms free, which is great when you’re active and keeping warm by moving about. This longer length style is super stylish and on trend for the season.
Hoodies
When it comes to keeping cosy, there’s nothing like pulling a big, oversized hoodie on and cuddling up in it. Ultimate comfort vibes! We love sizing up in our hoodies and wearing them long over leggings, with thick knitted socks and hiking boots if you’re out walking.
This slogan printed hoodie works with the current sports luxe trend, while this longer style has a zip for easy removal when you get to the pub!
Leggings
The final piece of the cosy winter dressing puzzle – leggings! For those casual winter weekends, a thick pair of leggings will keep you wrapped up without the bulk of jeans or heavy trousers.
This thermal ribbed pair look fab with an oversized jumper and some chunky trainers for a cool, ‘off-duty Princess Di’ look.
So, reckon you’ve got all you need to stay cosy this winter? We hope our tips keep you toasty right through to February. For more inspiration, check out our cosiest knitwear picks.