From now until March, a coat covers most of what you wear. What people see is the coat and what you wear with it: a scarf at the neck, gloves on the hands, a hat. They are also the pieces that make the biggest difference to how warm you actually feel.

Gloves

Lined leather gloves are the most elegant and practical choice for the city. Cashmere, silk or wool linings add warmth; touchscreen fingertips are useful if they are well made. Check the fit at the fingertips and the wrist, which should be long enough to tuck under a coat sleeve.

Scarves

A large wool or cashmere scarf is the hardest-working winter accessory. Choose one long enough to wrap twice, in a color that works with every coat you own. A second scarf in a pattern or a brighter color gives an outfit personality.

Ways to Wear a Scarf

• Looped once and pulled through, the Parisian knot.
• Wrapped twice around the neck for real warmth.
• Draped over the shoulders as a wrap indoors.
• Tucked inside a coat collar for a neater line.

Hats

A fine-knit beanie in cashmere or merino looks polished and folds into a pocket. A felt fedora or a wide brim is a stronger statement for dry, cold days. In serious cold, a shearling-lined trapper or a hat with ear coverage is worth more than style points.

Take Care of Them

Store leather gloves flat, away from heat. Wash wool and cashmere as you would a sweater, by hand in cool water. Keep a lint roller in your coat pocket for dark wool. These are pieces you will wear every day for months, so they are worth looking after.

Shop the Edit

• Agnelle Cashmere-Lined Lambskin Gloves, Nordstrom
• Johnstons of Elgin Wide Cashmere Scarf in Camel, Johnstons of Elgin
• Johnstons of Elgin Mackenzie Tartan Cashmere Scarf, Johnstons of Elgin
• Johnstons of Elgin Slouchy Cashmere Beanie, Johnstons of Elgin
• Janessa Leone Cole Hat, FWRD