Cruelty-Free Winter Wardrobe Essentials

Having spent more than fifteen years in New York City, and enduring some frigid winters (which felt even colder as I’m from California), I learned the importance of having cruelty-free winter wardrobe essentials before the first snowflake fell. My goal was to find winter basics that were not only functional and comfortable but also stylish, given that I was living in America’s fashion capital.

However, the challenge of assembling a cruelty-free and vegan winter wardrobe is that most clothing and accessories available are neither cruelty-free nor vegan. In New York City, for instance, one is inundated with real fur-trimmed jackets, leather boots, as well as gloves, hats, and scarves all adorned with some kind of rabbit or other animal fur, with few stylish and chic cruelty-free alternatives.

Fortunately, if you aim to adopt a vegan and cruelty-free lifestyle that includes your wardrobe, there are now plenty of options available in the market. One of my personal favorites for puffer coats is Save the Duck, an Italian company that focuses on creating high-fashion clothing that is not only cruelty-free but also sustainable They hold the distinction of being the first Italian fashion brand to receive a B-Corp certification, which guarantees the highest environmental production standards in the world.

You won’t find any down plucked from live geese in their products! Instead, they use a material called “PlumTech,” which is very similar to real down in terms of its look, feel, and warmth. Furthermore, they prioritize using certified recycled fabrics made from plastic bottles. If you’re not a fan of Save the Duck, there are other brands that offer vegan jackets as well, such as:

• Matt & Nat
• Apparis
• Noize

After securing your main winter jacket, it’s time to invest in some base layers, especially if you reside in a snowy region. Thin, breathable, and warm fabrics should be the main characteristics of base layers. In the past, wool or silk were commonly used, but now many companies are using advanced synthetic materials that provide optimal warmth and comfort without adding bulk. I personally recommend Uniqlo Heattech for its variety of colors and styles such as crewneck and turtleneck, and for those who want a thicker option, they also offer an “extra warm” version. For a sportier look that can also be used for skiing, the North Face “Sunset Pass” jacquard top with thumbhole cuffs is an excellent option.

Cruelty-Free Winter Wardrobe Essentials

During the winter, I prefer wearing my AG Farrah high-waisted skinny jeans as they provide great coverage and stretch without being too tight. The skinny legs make them easy to wear with any kind of boot or bootie, which is my go-to footwear during the colder months. I’ve lived in New York City for so long and found that wearing these jeans with my Saint Laurent rubber wellies kept my feet both warm and dry. The boots were waterproof, and when combined with a thick pair of winter socks, they were also comfortable to walk in, even through the snow. Unfortunately, my crystal studded Saint Laurent boots are no longer available, but Hunter and Le Chameau make some great wellies. The latter brand is even a favorite of Kate Middleton.

A crucial addition to any winter wardrobe is a cozy beanie that can keep your ears toasty warm. During my time in New York, I found that the beanie style was the best at keeping my ears from freezing during the harsh winter months. Nowadays, I don’t have to wear a beanie as often living in California, but I still keep a few on hand just in case. For the warmest option, look for cotton beanies with a fleece lining to cover your ears.

Do you have any other favorite cruelty-free winter essentials that I missed? Are there any brands that you love and would recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments below. In the meantime, stay warm and safe!