I'm Buying My Cold-Weather Basics From Gap, J.Crew, and Banana Republic—Here's What's in My Cart

Recently, something dawned on me as I was online shopping: Gap, J.Crew, and Banana Republic feel like the trifecta for best cold-weather basics right now. Between the three, I've come across some of the strongest of the season.

At Gap, I know I can rely on them for wardrobe staples I'll wear over and over—making the cost per wear an obvious benefit. I tend to gravitate towards pieces that aren't branded, so I like that many of its designs are understated and nondescript.

For J.Crew, I always head straight for The Cashmere Shop—its devoted section for all things cashmere. Aside from that, my most-worn sweater currently is the new rollneck, and I can confirm at least four other editors on our team own it too (and there are probably more).

Banana Republic, on the other hand, is the retailer I stumbled into—literally—this year. On my first day at the office, I wasn't sure what to wear (that's when I realized much of my wardrobe during the spring was quite sheer). I happened to walk past one of its stores, wandered in, and left with the chicest black, knee-length boatneck dress. I've been a fan ever since.

If you're a minimalist looking to stay warm as the weather gets colder, I've rounded up what's currently in my cart from each brand.

Gap

Gap

Cashsoft Stretch Turtleneck Sweater

I recommend looking through Gap's entire Cashsoft line.

How do I live in New York and not own a scarf? It's alarming.

Gap

Cashsoft Drawcord Hood

I'd like to get this hood for the depths of winter.

Gap

100% Cotton Oversized Sweater

This 100% Cotton Oversized Sweater keeps selling out in every color.

Gap

Cashsoft Crop Cardigan

A cute cherry-red cardigan.

Gap

Cashsoft Oversized V-Neck Sweater

Gap

Cashsoft Crewneck Sweater

Mixing black with navy has been trending.

Gap

Vintagesoft Zip Hoodie

It's always nice to have a go-to zip-up hoodie to throw on under wool coats.

Gap

Recycled Lightweight Oversized Quilted Liner Jacket

Speaking of wool coats, I saw fashion people layer them with lightweight quilted liner jackets to make them warmer.

Gap

Low Rise '90s Loose Jeans

Loose jeans to wear over thermals.

J.Crew

j.crew

2025 Rollneck Sweater

My most-worn sweater right now. It's so comfortable.

j.crew

Cashmere Classic-Fit Crewneck Sweater

A classic cashmere crewneck.

j.crew

Relaxed Crewneck Pullover

This heavier-weight relaxed pullover.

j.crew

Carolyn Turtleneck Sweater in Merino Wool

I want this merino wool turtleneck that costs less than $60.

j.crew

2025 Brushed Cashmere Rollneck Sweater

Wait, I had no idea there was a cashmere version of the J.Crew roll-neck I've been wearing on repeat.

j.crew

Cashmere-Wool Blend Poncho

I know I would wear this all the time.

j.crew

Brushed Cashmere Rugby Sweater

j.crew

Cashmere High V-Neck Sweater

I like the high neckline on this one.

jcrew

Cashmere Boatneck Sweater

Somewhere between a scarf and a wrap.

j.crew

Cashmere Tech-Touch Gloves

j.crew

Leather Tech-Touch Gloves

…or the leather option.

Banana Republic

Banana Republic

Cotton V-Neck Sweater

This viral sweater has been on my wish list.

Banana Republic

Lightweight Cashmere V-Neck Sweater

The lighter-weight cashmere version.

Banana Republic

Luxe Wool-Blend Turtleneck T-Shirt

Banana Republic

Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater

Banana Republic

Lightweight Cashmere Crew-Neck Sweater

You can't go wrong with this.

Banana Republic

Luxe Wool-Blend Crew-Neck T-Shirt

Banana Republic

Relaxed Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater

Love this in the color Port Wine.

Banana Republic

Brushed Alpaca-Wool Blend Scarf

Banana Republic

The Perfect Balaclava by Hat Attack

Another color-weather accessory.

Banana Republic

Italian Leather Cashmere-Lined Gloves

Cashmere-lined gloves feel like such a luxury.