I Live in the Midwest—30 Practical (and Stylish!) Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle Items I’m Eyeing for Winter
(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)
Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one editor, staffer, or influencer shares their top 30 must-haves or current wish-list items.
I live in the Midwest—Northern Michigan, to be exact. I moved back two years ago after living in much warmer climes for close to a decade. At first, the winter weather that I was once so familiar with felt like a shock. Brisk temperatures, whipping wind, and gloomy skies made me wonder, ever so briefly, if I really wanted to live here. It turns out I just needed some time to adjust. Now, I’m happy to report that I love winter (yes, really!). The invigorating cold! The fluffy, fresh-fallen snow! The cozy atmosphere! It’s downright magical—if you dress correctly, feel well, and fight cabin fever, that is.
You see, thriving in the midst of a harsh winter is an art. For me, it comes down to surrounding myself with the right fashion, beauty, and lifestyle items—i.e., practical picks that make me feel warm and cozy and evoke the Danish spirit of hygge. However, I still want to look chic and put-together. The good news is that it’s possible to do both. Ahead, check out the 30 practical yet stylish items I’m eyeing for winter 2026.
Fashion
FP Movement
Hit the Slopes Printed Fleece Jacket
When my sister saw me wear this fleece for the first time, she said, “Wow, you can tell that’s high quality,” and she was right. Every component is well-crafted, from the thick, fluffy fabric to the firm snap buttons. It’s my favorite off-duty outerwear piece. I wear it to run errands and walk the dog, and the maximalist alpine print never fails to spark joy. In fact, I snapped the above picture while wearing it out on a snowy hike.
FP Movement
Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket
For a lighter, more layerable option, I love FP Movement’s Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket. I already have it in a bright-blue shade, Mid-Atlantic, but now I’m eyeing this creamy beige color, called Tofu. It’s so lightweight that it feels like you have nothing on, yet it’s shockingly warm too. The best of both worlds.
sorel
Caribou Waterproof Boot
I’m convinced you can’t find a better pair of winter boots than these. Sorel’s iconic Caribou Boots are waterproof, insulated, and so warm that I can tromp through thick snow for hours without my toes feeling the tiniest bit cold.
UGG
Classic Mini II Genuine Shearling Lined Boot
You won’t catch me in the midst of a Midwest winter without a pair of Uggs. I’m sorry, you just won’t! I technically have two pairs: the Coquette Shearling-Lined Slippers ($130) for indoor wear and these Classic Mini II Boots for outdoor wear. They’re warm and easy to slip on in a hurry. I’m convinced they’re the best cold-weather errand-running shoe out there.
H&M
Warm-Lined Mittens – Beige
These mittens are a recent addition to my winter wardrobe. They’re warm, chic, and match my Uggs.
Princess Polly
Yumiko Skirted Organic Cotton Romper
I recently purchased this romper when I realized my winter wardrobe was missing chic outfits to wear my collection of tall boots and long duster jackets. I love the structural silhouette and lace-up detail on the back. You’ll catch me wearing it with sheer black tights, tall boots, and a warm, ankle-grazing wool coat on a night out.
Sheertex
Classic Semi-Opaque Rip-Resist Tights
Speaking of tights, these ones are rip-resistant. I love them.
Call It Spring By Aldo
Mattiie Knee High Boot
Here are the exact knee-high boots I purchased to go along with my new romper and tights. I like the timeless design and the fact that it doesn’t have a dangerously high or thin heel, which means I don’t have to worry about stepping onto the errant patch of ice.
Madewell
The Sculptural Buckle Suede Shoulder Bag
I’m a sucker for suede bags. I have all kinds of slouchy totes and shoppers, but I’m missing a smaller, structural bag. This is the one I’ll be adding to my cart.
Ana Luisa
Asher Huggie Hoop Earrings
I’ve also been really into mixed metals recently. I like the effortlessness of wearing gold and silver at the same time and not having to switch out rings, necklaces, and earrings with each outfit. These hoops are so chic.
Beauty
Rhode
Glazing Milk Ceramide Facial Essence
Milky toners deserve all the hype. They’re usually packed with ceramides, glycerin, and other hydrating and barrier-strengthening ingredients to prevent winter from wreaking havoc on the skin. I use this one as the first step in my skincare routine after cleansing.
First Aid Beauty
Ultra Repair Hydrating Pillow Pads
If I feel like I need a lot of moisture (my dry, redness-prone skin feels like the Sahara in winter), I’ll use First Aid Beauty’s new Ultra Repair Pillow Pads. The soft, cushiony pads are soaked in a concentrated essence of colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, squalane, and cica. Not only do they deliver intense moisture, but they strengthen the natural skin barrier, and reduce redness. My dream come true!
YSE Beauty
Your Favorite Ex Refillable Exfoliating Pads With Glycolic Acid & Ectoin
Even though I have dry, redness-prone skin, I still exfoliate about once or twice a week. It helps keep my skin looking smooth and bright, and most importantly, it targets leftover sun damage from summer. YSE Beauty’s Your Favorite Ex Refillable Exfoliating Pads are my first choice. They’re soaked in glycolic acid, grape extract, and gluconolactone to dissolve dead skin cells. The addition of ectoin, an effective skin-soother, keeps my skin in check.
Kiehl’s
Ultra Facial Refillable Moisturizing Cream With Squalane
This has been my go-to moisturizer since I used my babysitting money to buy my first jar in high school. It’s hydrating and non-irritating and basically the perfect, no-frills moisturizer for winter. I’ll recommend it to anyone who will listen.
Dr. Althea
147 Barrier Cream
Remember how I said my skin was dry and redness-prone? Well, winter doesn’t help. When I have a rosacea flare-up or my skin feels irritated, I layer Dr. Althea’s 147 Barrier Cream over my go-to Kiehl’s moisturizer. It’s packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and a bevy of skin-strengthening botanicals to keep moisture locked in the skin.
Tanning Water – Light to Medium
Despite my consistent and highly effective skincare routine, I tend to look dull in the winter. Blame it on a lack of sunlight! So I stock up on Saltyface products. Saltyface is a clean self-tanning brand that gives my skin the most natural-looking glow. I like all of the brand’s products, but this Tanning Water is a particular favorite. I simply mist it on my face, neck, and chest, before blending it in with my fingers (be sure to wash your hands afterward). It develops into a subtle, sun-kissed glow.
Kulfi
Main Match Crease-Proof Long-Wear Hydrating Concealer
I love this lightweight and flexible concealer. I use it pretty much every day to disguise my dark circles, blemishes, and redness around my nose and mouth.
CHANEL
N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Foundation
This is my favorite natural-looking foundation. I love it so much I have nightmares about it being discontinued, and I keep at least two bottles on hand at all times because of it. It gives me the most flawless, seamless, glowy skin and (get this) disguises my redness without looking obvious. I love it so much.
Merit Beauty
Flush Balm – Rouge
ICYMI, red blush is having a moment. It’s the best shade for mimicking that flushed, lively look you get from being out in the cold. I call it “snow-angel skin.” This one, from Merit, is one of my favorite formulas. The sheer balm melts onto the skin and delivers the prettiest wash of color to my cheeks.
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Posh Balm – Colette
I always pair my red blush with this incredibly chic lip balm from Victoria Beckham Beauty. It’s thick and cushiony, so it moisturizes my lips for hours on end, while the sheer pop of cheery red brings some dimension to my face. Last time I wore it, I had two strangers compliment me.
Phlur
Cashmere Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist
Phlur’s new Cashmere Skin Hair & Body Mist is *the* cool-girl scent of winter 2026 (there, I said it). With notes of almond, vanilla, and ambrette, it’s warm, spicy, and lived-in—as comforting as a cozy blanket or your favorite cup of tea.
Lifestyle
williams-sonoma
Walnut Wood Spoons, Set of 4
All of my best cooking involves wooden spoons. Seeing as I’m preparing to move soon, and I want to outfit my kitchen with the most stylish and practical items possible, I’m adding this set of four walnut spoons from Williams-Sonoma to my cart.
Every wooden spoon deserves a spoon rest. This one is chic and display-worthy.
AnthroHome
Nude Hepburn Coupe Glasses, Set of 2
Thin, long-stemmed coupe glasses? A definite kitchen essential.
Crate & Barrel
Glass Cloche with Matches
I’m also upgrading my flimsy matchbox collection with a chic glass cloche. I love that this inherently practical item can double as an objet d’art for my coffee table.
Thymes
Frasier Fir Pine Needle Candle
I love an evergreen-scented candle for winter. It makes my space feel so fresh and seasonal. My brother and sister-in-law surprised me with this one, and I haven’t stopped sniffing it since. It combines notes of crisp Siberian rir, grounding cedarwood, and warm sandalwood.
Strawberry Goose
Daily Planner
If you know me, you know I’m incredibly picky about stationery and productivity items. This planner is as close to perfect as any I’ve found, marrying personal and professional routines with ease. I can’t recommend it enough if you’re looking to dial up your productivity this winter.
I want—nay, need—this thick, cushiony mat for my at-home stretch sessions.
Bala
Bangles 2-Piece Wrist & Ankle Weight Set
My mom loved my Bala Wrist & Ankle Weights so much, she took them for herself. I’m replacing that old set with a fresh one in the shade, Bone. They’re chic, comfortable, and so handy for at-home workouts.
Alo Yoga
Vitamin C Glow Shot – 30 Pack
Last but not least, winter is the season for sickness. I was struck down with multiple colds and flus last year, so this winter, I’m stocking up on these Vitamin C Glow Shots. Each one contains a daily dose of liposomal vitamin C to boost immunity and enhance the skin’s glow. They taste good, too.
