Six Essential Cold Weather Accessories and Where to Buy Them

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Everything that's romantic about fall and winter — walks through the park with hot cocoa, ice skating with hot cocoa — is better if you're not complaining about being freezing. With the right cold weather accessories (that's hats, gloves, scarves, and the like), you can actually enjoy the changing leaves and golden light that make this time of year special without being a brat who wants to go back inside.

We've detailed what you need to keep everything from your ears to your toes warm this season. Our checklist is below.

1.) Knit Hat

Step one to staying warm: cover your damn ears. A knit hat is the easiest, most on-the-go-friendly way to do this. A basic cotton-blend beanie won't cost you more than twenty bucks, but if you really want to go the distance, consider a cashmere blend.

Shop it:

2.) Non-Hat Ear Warmer

For the times when you really just can not with hat hair — or your hair is styled in such a way that does not lend itself to hat wearing — there are still head-warming options. Ear muffs are an obvious choice, but don't count out a turban-twist headband or a standalone hood.

Shop it:

1. Urbancode faux fur earmuffs, $18.50
2. White + Warren cashmere headband, $98 (available in three colors)
3. Adrienne Landau fox headband, $170 (available in two colors)

3.) Scarf

If you cared to, you could have an entire wardrobe of scarves: faux-fur, blanket-sized, infinity loop, and so on. At the very least, make sure you've got something in a versatile color that works with your go-to coats and is big enough to fill in the gusty gaps between your neck and your jacket collar. Here's an area that's really worth seeking out premium material.

Shop it:

1. Jayley skinny faux-fur scarf, $55
2. Maison Standards wool cashmere-blend scarf, $75 (available in three colors)
3. Jil Sander Navy wool-blend scarf, $140 (available in two colors)

4.) Knit Gloves

As with their hat counterparts, stretch-knit gloves are just easy. Like lip balm, you'll want to stock up for the season and make sure you have a pair tucked in every coat pocket and purse so you're never without them (it's okay to go cheap here, no need to drop stacks on these).

Shop it:

1. Target stretch knit gloves, $3.50
2. ASOS speckled knit fingerless converter gloves, $14.50
3. Madewell 100% wool 'texting glove,' $35

5.) Leather Gloves

For something more polished than a knit, invest in a pair of leather gloves. The hide will naturally block wind, but look for a warm liner like cashmere as well. Buy these a little snug, because they'll stretch as they break in, just like a leather jacket or shoes would.

Shop it:

1. Merona perforated detail tech compatible sheepskin gloves, $25
2. Fownes Brothers leather tech gloves with faux fur trim, $64 (in two colors)
3. The Arrivals deerskin glove with cashmere lining and tech-responsive thumb and index finger pads, $95 (available in two colors)

6.) Boot Socks

Yeah you have socks, but do you have boot socks? Whether they're ankle length or knee high, these boast a few smart design elements to keep your feet extra toasty: tops with extra ribbing for a close fit, warm fabrics like fleece, and quickdry properties.

Shop it:

1. Hunter polyfleece ankle socks, $20
2. Patagonia lightweight merino crew socks, $22
3. SmartWool merino knee-high socks, $24