How To Do Winter Like A Supermodel

Nightmares are funny things. They show up unannounced, and without warning, torment us throughout the night. Often filled with spooky characters and ominous storylines, they can make one apprehensive to go to bed. A recurring nightmare I have is that from Thanksgiving to St. Patrick’s Day, it’s always cold outside (instead of the sunny, 75 degrees I experience in my sweet dreams). The unfortunate thing about this nightmare is during that same time period, when I wake up in the morning, it doesn’t end. The nightmare is on a continual loop, 24/7, for months. That nightmare is winter, and it’s terrifying for warm weather girlies that require a tropical climate to thrive.

Supermodels, however, don’t seem to have the same cold weather phobia as the rest of us. By the looks of it, one would think that supermodels actually thrive in winter. They, along with their fantastical photo shoots, make winter look chic, cool, even magical. They make it look, dare I say, fun? ChatGPT, explain this to me like I’m five.

Exhibit A. Supermodels in subzero temperatures, positively glowing. Not a beach or a pool, or ray of sunshine, in sight. Looking like they just stepped out of an all-day spa experience. All plump skin and twinkling eyes. Inexplicable.

Exhibit B. Supermodels smiling, laughing, despite the world seemingly having been drained of all color. Just gray as far as the eye can see. Precipitation dripping, slushing, freezing all over the place. They don’t even notice.

How is this possible? How do they ignore their trembling limbs and frozen fingers, and find the silver lining around clouds that look like they’re about to drop ungodly amounts of snow at our feet? Despite every self-preservation instinct surely begging for sun and warmth, they somehow ignore the imminent danger and make winter look cozy and fresh. Mystifying.

The answer is obvious when you think about it. They’re probably at St. Bart’s every other weekend. And if you have that trip perpetually on the horizon, you can handle any dreariness that happens in between. When you’re only roughing it 50 percent of the time, are you really even roughing it?

But that’s not all. There’s preparation that goes into the frigid, all-smiles photo op. Because they know the secret. Anything is bearable when you have the right gear. And supermodels have the right gear. Most of us have hats, coats, gloves, and scarves in the standard (read: basic) form and function. But supermodels don’t settle for basic. Supermodels have all the same equipment as us normies, they just take it to the next level. When considering a purchase, they’re not thinking, “Which coat will keep me warm and not look terrible?” No, no. They think, “Which coat is warm and belongs on the cover of Vogue? Which pair of gloves will keep the fingies warm and also look like I just returned from Monte Carlo? Which hat looks absolutely ridiculous on the shelf, but on me will have them fall to their knees, weeping?” That’s how a supermodel shops.

And of course, they can afford to. They have access to the best coats, hats, gloves, and scarves money can buy. That is true. But you know who also looks 10/10 for one tenth the price? The girl in grad school who knows her way around a thrift store and a weekend sample sale. Some of the chicest girls I know are living off a meager stipend, but save up for a few stunning staples and fill in the gaps with gorgeous thrifted finds. They don’t use their current tax bracket as an excuse. They know it’s absolutely possible to look sensational on a budget. It just takes thoughtful appropriation of resources.

All of this is to say that maybe we should take a page out of the supermodel playbook to survive winter this year. And why not? It’s coming whether we like it or not, so best to be prepared.

If you’re in, here’s the shopping list:

Wraps

The chicest winter accessory of 2025/26, a wrap is the quickest, easiest way to shield yourself from the cold. The jacket or shawl version layered over black tie or an errands ‘fit guarantees supermodel vibes, and compliments.

Supermodel favorites include Alaïa and Simkhai, but there are plenty at a more accessible price point as well:

Shop: Bubish Lottie Wrap, $281

Shop: Tularosa Aubri Jacket, $329

Hats

As I learned from some very nice construction workers in NYC while babywearing my two month old infant on a particularly cold day, it’s imperative to “put a hat on, mami!” Turns out they were right. Cozy hats are divine and keep you surprisingly warm. And somehow, in winter, they don’t even have to be sensible to look chic. It’s Kentucky Derby rules come January. More is more. The bigger, the better.

Supermodels are in Moncler and Acne Studios, here are some dupes that are just as cute:

Shop: Anthropologie Faux Fur Trim Bonnet, $42

Shop: Anthropologie Curly Sherpa Fleece Bucket Hat, $48

Leather

Greased lightning is the assignment. Leather coats, gloves, and whatever else you can rustle up make winter a bit more bearable. Probably because it’s never not iconic. Oversized or fitted both work, but bonus points if it’s trimmed in shearling.

Hailey Bieber has been spotted in Saint Laurent, but cheaper options look just as good:

Shop: Lioness Madame Bomber Jacket, $119

Shop: Anine Bing Cyrus Jacket, $550

Shearling

Speaking of shearling, another winter supermodel must-have is an adorable suede and wool coat. The Mongolian variety, with its long, fluffy, crimped wool, especially when worn long and tied around the waist, gives you retro 70s cred. Luxurious and warm, the dual threat.

Emily Ratajkowski favors Charlotte Simone and Nour Hammour, but you’d never know these weren’t designer:

Shop: Sheepskin Town Wool Coat with Mongolian Lamb Fur, $340

Shop: Altar'd State Emmie Cord Jacket, $132

Big Fur Energy

To overcome the winter doldrums, big fur energy is your fuel. And when we say big, we mean big. Very large in all directions, both vertical and horizontal, is paradoxically the chicest. Like an eccentric artist whose reputation precedes her, pair it with some shades and you will undoubtedly be mistaken for an actual supermodel forthwith.

Hailey Bieber and Leonnie Hanne have been seen in Ralph Lauren and Leo Season, here are some lookalikes:

Shop: NBD x Emma Leger Nadia Long Coat, $359

Shop: ELLIATT Lux Faux Fur Coat, $268

Monochromatic Snow Bunny

Undeniably the cutest winter animal, who wouldn’t want to resemble an adorable snow bunny to keep out the chill? The recipe: fluffy coat, fuzzy hat, leggings, and chunky boots. The key to keeping it chic is a monochromatic palette. As long as you’re various shades of the same hue, it’s fashion, not theater.

Shop: Moon Boot Icon Faux Fur Boot, $340

Shop: Elliatt Blakly Faux Fur Coat, $328

Leggings

Yes, you heard that right. Leggings are still hot in 2025, especially when paired with a high-end rain boot and a very cute puffer. The styling has to be on point so it doesn’t look dated. But used strategically, leggings are still very much a staple in the supermodel rotation, especially if they’re Wardrobe.NYC or The Frankie Shop.

Here are some dupes:

Shop: Aritzia BUTTER Cheeky Infinite Hi-Rise 26” Legging, $63

Shop: Quince 100% Merino Wool Cold Weather Base Layer Legging, $55

Layer Maxxing

Checked off all of the above and still freezing? Never fear. Simply add two more layers over top and you’ll be good to go. The thing about winter is you can never have too much armor. Fur, wool, leather. More is the solution. Just keep piling it on.

Shop: Zara Faux Fur Hat Harry Lambert For Zara X Disney, $46

Shop: ASOS The Frolic Exclusive Faux Fur Maxi Oversized Collar Maxi Coat in Beige, $222

In Nature

Spending it in nature is the way to win any season. Winter is no different. If you can do it near a 2,000 pound animal, even better. Horses have the best energy, and while I’m always trying to convince myself that horses aren’t better than people, it’s pretty hard.

For you, queen, the sky’s the limit this winter. Despite what logic, reason, and common good sense tell us, it may actually be possible to enjoy yourself this winter and look good doing it. So whether you want to try your hand at a winter sport, spend time with furry friends, or simply leave the house unafraid of the thermometer, do it like a supermodel and you’ll be in very good shape. All it takes is belief, inspired action, and a little creativity.