These Are The 15 Cosy-Season Items Helping R29 Editors Survive Winter

It's that time of year again: wake in the dark, internally debate whether you really need a job, loose the argument with yourself, crawl out of bed, immediately regret the decision; spend the rest of the day trying to warm frozen fingers, battle wind and rain, and daydream longingly about your warm, cosy duvet. Rinse, repeat. Winter can be a long old slog at the worst of times, which is why we're all about making it as easy and as enjoyable as possible. And so, I did what I always do when facing a predicament — I asked my colleagues for their advice.

From extra long, supposedly 'life-changing' water bottles to heated blankets with feet pockets (yes really), these are all the ways Refinery29 editors are surviving (and trying to thrive in) the colder months; and the products making winter just that bit more bearable.

“I prefer taking long walks during autumn and winter — I’d choose shivering over sweating any day of the week — and these super high-waisted, brushed-interior Vuori leggings help keep me warm even on the chilliest days. The fleece-like lining is so soft and cosy and it makes these bottoms slightly thicker than your average legging. For the last two years, they’ve become my go-to’s for outdoor workouts and running errands.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer

"After learning about the TikTok-approved scarf-to-balaclava hack, I became obsessed with balaclavas, which offer all of the warmth with none of the fiddling. I love that I can easily pop mine on my head whether I’m going skiing, running or just walking around in the frigid winter temperatures and that it keeps me nice and cosy." — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator

“I’ve been living in these lately and something about the baby flares and chillier weather just feels so right. The slinky style of these leggings hugs every curve and is so comfortable. As a petite gal, I usually can’t wear flared leggings without the hem dragging on the floor, but Lululemon makes these Align ones in a variety of inseam lengths, from short to tall. I currently own two pairs, but am desperately resisting the urge to add other colourways to my cart.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

"Blankets are my everything; I love this blanket from Big Blanket Co. for sleeping and snuggling under for nice winter film marathons because 1. it’s huge, and 2. my blanket-hogging partner (and dog) can’t leave me freezing at night with this much material to go around. I’m serious when I say this is a huge, snuggly-soft blanket. I recommend it to everyone, blanket-lovers and non-blanket-lovers alike." — Becca Sax

“I would never have thought such a thin, half-zip jacket could provide such warmth, but New Balance nailed it. The heat technology is impressive and kicks into action almost as soon as you put it on. I’ve worn this layered over a top and under a coat when going on autumnal forest walks and it feels like there’s a little radiator on me. I also recently wore this to and from a rave, when the weather outside was freezing but the venue was roasting. (I had on a cropped vest and was sweating buckets.) Having this folded up in my bag meant I could arrive in style without a puffy coat, but not compromise on being warm.” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer

"Sure, I could have persisted with my period pain strategy of wandering around the house with a regular hot water bottle stuffed down my trousers, but life already offers so many opportunities to feel undignified, I figured; why not take a win where I could? WUKA's hot water bottle is loooooong (77cm to be precise) and is designed to be worn around your waist, either at the front — take that, needlessly painful cramps! — or on your lower back, which is the perfect antidote for when you’ve been disrespecting your spine by working from your bed or sofa (that’s right: I see you. And I am you). It’s even got a little pocket that you can tuck your hands in, resulting in a very pleasing ‘I’m a Jane Austen character and I’m wearing a hand muff, aren’t I charming?’ effect (if you squint). There’s a lot more I could say, but honestly, if that last bit didn’t convince you, I don’t know what will." — Jessica Aureli, US Money Diaries Editor

“I live in sweats during autumn and winter, but I’m always on the hunt for loungewear that seems a bit more elevated. This FP Movement set is great for working from home but could easily transition outdoors for a neighbourhood walk or coffee run. Did I mention it comes in 15 colourways?” — Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager

"We’re big fans of Cozy Earth’s bamboo sleepwear around here — just read our team review if you need more proof. I’m very specific when it comes to pyjamas: They HAVE to match and the material has to feel soft enough to cocoon myself in, but not so toasty that I’ll break a sweat in my sleep. Cozy Earth’s buttery-soft fabric accomplishes just that with contrast piping that gives it that classic look. The temperature-regulating stretch knit is so comfortable that I often stay in my PJs on WFH days. " — Venus Wong, Senior Writer

"Slowly but steadily, FitFlop is taking over my shoe collection — from sandals to hiking boots — and my weak ankles are so glad of it. Now they’re saving my cold toes with their new Gen FF shearling booties which are hands down the comfiest slippers I’ve ever worn (truly, they've taken over from my trusty UGG Scufettes and Birkenstock Bostons). Plus, they feel really sturdy — like they'll last me years — thanks to the thick, grippy rubber outersole (so you can wear them outside if you want), the wide leather edging that protects the suede from wear and tear, and the cushioned inner sole for extra bounce and support." — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer

"As soon as there’s a hint of chill in the air, I don’t want to be wearing anything other than a fleecy sweatshirt. It keeps me warm and is super easy to dress up or down — but, most importantly, it’s fairly low-maintenance compared to jumpers. I’ve fallen head over heels for this velour pullover from Summersalt: The half-zip design and gorgeous olive colour upgrades the look from comfy tracksuit to casual chic. It works as a set, with matching lounge trousers or with jeans. I’ve been wearing this non-stop around the house and as a travel outfit to keep me cosy on flights." — Venus Wong

"I reviewed Bombas’ Gripper Slippers back in 2022 and they’re still a cosy favourite of mine and my fiancé. (We have matching cable knit ones — aww.) As much as I love a big ‘ol fluffy slipper, sometimes they’re a bit bulky if I’m doing chores around my apartment. Here’s where Gripper Slippers truly shine: They have the snug fit of a thick sock, but the rubbery tread and comfort of a slipper. As other reviewers have mentioned, these aren’t meant to provide a high level of warmth, but I actually don’t mind that one bit since I tend to run hot anyway. Since my initial article, I’ve gotten my parents on the Gripper Slipper train and even gifted a pair to my best friend, who has never owned a house slipper in his life." — Karina Hoshikawa

"The power of a good scarf truly isn't spoken about enough. While it may seem like a style-driven accessory, once the serious winter weather hits, a good scarf is the difference between being warm and being cosy AF. Getting one made of extra-fine merino wool like this scarf from FALKE is a major game changer, as the virgin wool provides maximum thermal insulation (meaning you are properly protected against the cold). Plus, the ribbed Fisherman design comes in a sea of neutral colourways, making it the ideal scarf for every day." — Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor

"These are some of the most comfortable socks you'll ever own. I first found Smartwool when I had to buy hiking socks and the brand has been a favourite ever since. I usually wear slippers around the house, but if not, I wear socks — and these ones are always my top pick. They are so soft, comfortable and cushiony that I cannot stress enough how much I love them." — Becca Sax

"This Free People staple has already earned a legion of fans on the R29 team and for good reason — it's super soft and super cosy; cropped and fitted for a flattering look, and not too bulky so you can easily layer it under your winter coat (without ending up too much like the Snoopy in a puffer jacket meme). I've been loving wearing mine out on winter hikes with Free People's other winter saviour, the Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket (you can see the pink collar of my fleece just peeking out here — I opted for the Pacific colour combination with the fleece and the Viridian colour way for the puffer, and they're a perfect match). Together, they keep me toasty but not too stuffy (especially once your heart rate peaks and you naturally get a bit hot and sweaty)." — Esther Newman