It's Functional-Dressing Season—5 Winter Buys That Are Secretly So Practical

Here in New York, I shall be plagued by the elements for the foreseeable future. We hardly get the fun of snow anymore, which leaves us with the good old-fashioned biting cold, some occasional pouring rain, and the far more common winds off the East River that chill your bones to the core, requiring an immediate shower to warm up the second you step foot in your apartment.

As a result, this is the time of year when pure aesthetics aren’t necessarily enough to get me excited about a purchase. I want my boots to low-key be waterproof without looking like I’m en route to Glastonbury. I want gloves that I don’t have to take off to use my phone. I want chic alts to regular old puffer coats and knit beanies that will keep me feeling nice and warm and somewhat stylish when I’m braving the elements to walk my dog. If this is also you, please enjoy these chic winter buys —they’re perfect for this season and secretly so practical.

Balaclavas and Scarves