The Best Winter Essentials for $100 or Less

Now that winter is officially here, we’re sure many people have begun counting down the days till spring. It’s completely understandable. Though the season has its definite upsides—most of which revolve around the holidays—a lot of you struggle to adjust to the limited sunlight and plummeting temperatures. The dreaded winter chill can put a lot of pain on the body and soul, but there is a way you can ease the transition: Get your arsenal of winter gear in order.

We know, it’s a solution that may be easier said than done, especially if you spent a crap ton of money on holiday festivities; however, you’ll be happy to know there is a wide range of affordable options. From outerwear and accessories to knit sweaters and grooming products, we’ve put together a list of season relatively inexpensive season must-haves. After all, just because you want to combat the winter cold and look good doing it, you don’t have to empty your bank account to successfully pull it off.

Here, we present our list of 20 Winter Essentials that cost less than $100 each.

It’s 2017, and most of us are well aware you don’t have to sacrifice style for function. There are plenty of outerwear options that are practical, stylish, and, perhaps most importantly, easy on your wallets. Just look at Patagonia’s Houdini jacket, for instance.

The lightweight piece is exactly what you would expect from the 43-year-old brand. Not only does its minimal design make it incredibly versatile, it’s also loaded with functional features, including a durable water-repellent finish, reflective detailing, and a chest pocket that converts into a stuff sack. Even if you aren’t limited by a budget, this jacket is a must-cop.

Buy It Now at Patagonia

When it comes to stocking up on seasonal gear, you want a collection of pieces that will not only keep you comfortably warm, but some that can also withstand the harsh conditions winter brings. Enter the G-Shock GA700.

This newly introduced watch is both shock and water resistant, and features a 3D dial with a super illuminator LED light. It also includes a full auto-calendar, five alarm clock settings, and a 1/100-second stopwatch. Available in three colorways, the G-Shock GA700 is a solid piece that is as tough as it looks.

Buy It Now at​ G-Shock

The winter weather can be unpredictable, and can fall anywhere between “chilly” and “soul-crushingly cold.” So if you’re in the market for a piece that can be worn in any possible condition, look no further than the overshirt.

People love this item mostly because it’s versatile AF. You can rock it as a top layer during the warmer transitional weeks, or mid layer during subzero temperatures. Columbia’s Winward III design is a great option, as it features UPF 15 sun protection and Chamois Touch Tricot lining to keep you warm and dry.

Buy It Now at​ Columbia

If you’re going to endure the outdoors for an extended period of time, you need to cop a proper winter beanie—one that will not only protect your brain from frostbite, but can be easily incorporated into your existing wardrobe. We suggest The North Face Reversible Banner beanie. It looks good, will keep you warm, and can be rocked in two ways. It’s like a couple of great hats for the price of one. You’re welcome.

Buy It Now at​ The North Face

Let’s talk about socks for a minute. Though these humble items are easy to overlook, they’re one of the most important purchases of the season. Now, we’re not talking about your go-to cotton socks—the ones you rock during the rest of the year—we’re talking about high-quality, heavy-duty joints.

Smartwool has a wide selection of winter-ready socks, but our favorite has to be the Heather Rib designs. Made from Merino wool, these designs provide excellent temperature control as well as moisture management. And if you’re afraid the material will scratch your feet like crazy, don’t worry: The Heather Rib socks are guaranteed not to itch. They’re comfortable, simple, and will ensure you have all your toes by winter’s end.

Buy It Now at​ REI

We’re sure you have a number of crewneck sweatshirts hanging in your closet, but winter’s arrival provides an excellent excuse to bulk up your collection. If you’re looking for a more relaxed option—for casual outings or a daylong Netflix binge—you should take a look at Nike’s Sportswear Tech Fleece.

For those who aren’t familiar with this line, let us take a moment to break down the sweatshirt’s appeal. This piece, and rest of the Tech Fleece range, was engineered to provide comfort, warmth, and mobility without the bulk often seen in winter crews. The bonded hem and kangaroo pocket details also set this minimal design apart from the rest.

Buy It Now at​ Nike

A nice pair of gloves is one of the best investments a dude can make this winter. Now, we understand there are a lot of arguments against these accessories, such as how annoying they can be when trying to use a smartphone. But in a time when our dependence on technology is at an all-time high, you can be sure several brands have already offered a solution to that very problem.

Stüssy, for instance, has delivered a pair of E Touch Gloves with padded fingertips for easy touchscreen use. They also feature a fleece lining as well as cuffing at the wrist to lock in the heat and keep out the cold, ensuring your fingers will get to see spring.

Buy It Now at​ N°4

Joggers are a must for the cold-weather months, whether you’re trying to stay on your gym flow, or simply want something cozy to wear during your bouts of hibernation. A good choice for this season is the Under Armour Rival Fleece joggers. Not only do they have a ribbed waist, loose cut, and cuffing at the ankles, they also feature a subtle herringbone pattern that is completely appropriate for the street. Yes, you want to be warm and comfortable, but you don’t want to look like a bum in the process.

Buy It Now at​ Under Armour

Of course, there’s a scarf on this list. Don’t ask stupid questions.

Though this time-honored accessory is nothing more than a long piece of fabric, it’s definitely one of the most crucial purchases you can make once the temperatures drop. A thick scarf made of a durable fabric, such as wool or cotton, will provide extra protection for your face and neck. A scarf like this classic Amicale Windowpane design can also take a winter look to the next level—adding a touch of refinement to an otherwise simple fit.

Buy It Now at​ Amazon

A pair of boots is essential for your winter footwear rotation. You want them to be durable, easy to care for, as well as good-looking, but not too pricey.

After a quick search on Google, you’ll notice most winter-ready boots cost hundreds of dollars; however, upon further digging, you’ll see there are some perfectly suitable designs that cost less than a Benjamin. For example, these Dr. Martens slip-resistant canvas boots with air-cushioned chambers. They are as comfortable as they are practical, and have a rugged, military-inspired look you won’t mind rocking well after the winter season.

Buy It Now at​ Dr. Martens

Light down jackets are dope because they offer a good amount of warmth without the bulkiness of an old-school puffer jacket. Uniqlo’s slim cuts and clean designs make them perfect layering pieces for almost any occasion. You can throw it over your sweats for a quick stop at the bodega, or pair it with jeans and an overcoat for a night out.

The Uniqlo Ultra Light Down also comes with a matching pouch, so you can easily store it during your travels.

Buy It Now at​ Uniqlo

We love crewneck sweatshirts during the winter, but there’s going to come a time that requires something slightly more dressed-up. That’s when you turn to the classic wool knit.

These pieces are great alternatives to the cotton sweats, as they offer plenty of comfort and warmth, as well as a smart casual look perfect for work or family gatherings. This MKI crew knit was crafted from 100 percent British lambswool and features a ribbed neckline and hem. Because of its clean design, the sweater can be incorporated into a number of looks. If you’re going for something more relaxed, wear it with a tee and a pair of jeans. If you’re looking for something more formal, rock it over an oxford with a pair of chinos.

Buy It Now at​ END.

You might’ve noticed “comfort” is a common theme in this list. One of the few benefits of shorter days and crappy weather is that it allows you to hole up in your apartments and just chill without any shame. It doesn’t sound like the most productive time, but it’s perfectly acceptable during the winter. (Assuming it’s not an everyday thing.)

To make the most out of these relaxing days, you need to get your hands on the No. 1 cozy boy essential: the beloved hoodie. We recommend Champion’s Reverse Weave pullover, which features fleece lining, ribbed cuffs, and a clean, basic design with subtle branding. Yes, we get that it’s a lazy day, but you don’t have to look like a mess.

Buy It Now at​ PacSun

Here’s the truth: Denim isn’t the best fabric for cold, wet weather, as the cotton fibers provide very little, if any, insulating properties. With that said, we’re well aware jeans are a staple in every American’s wardrobe, and it’s unlikely you’ll abandon them once the temperatures start to drop. So, we’d like to offer some suggestions.

First, you can always invest in a pair of flannel-lined jeans; however, a lot of those designs place function over style, and consequently have unflattering fits. A second option is to cop a pair made of sturdy, heavyweight denim, such as Levi’s 511s. Again, cotton isn’t the most practical fabric for the season, but the thickness of these jeans will hold off the cold much longer than a lightweight pair.

Buy It Now at​ Levi's

OK, so you have a go-to pair of jeans and you refuse to replace them with the options we presented. Fair enough. But you don’t have to look like a shivering chump every time you wear them out in public. Just layer them over some thermal pants and you’re good to go.

Jockey has a great and inexpensive selection of these fitted bad boys, all of which can be worn under jeans, slacks, or even shorts.

Buy It Now at​ Jockey

To achieve optimal comfort, you can pair your thermal pants with a base layer shirt—one that also has heat-insulating properties. Carhartt’s Base Force Super-Cold Weather Crewneck is one of the best options you can find under $100. Just one look at the name, and it’s clear these pieces mean business. Climate-control base layer? FastDry technology? And odor-fighting properties? Yes, please.

These shirts can be easily worn alone, or, just like the aforementioned thermal pants, under your everyday pieces.

Buy It Now at Carhartt

Your seasonal wardrobe isn’t complete without a proper overcoat. Perhaps the most classic style of outerwear, this garm is great for those winter occasions that require a sharper look. Don’t get us wrong: If styled correctly, puffers and parkas can easily give off dapper vibes; however, the timeless overcoat is as refined as outerwear can get.

This one-button joint from PacSun is a great choice because of its versatility. You can see the overcoat is sleek enough to rock with a pair of trousers and a button-up, and casual enough to wear with some jeans and a sweatshirt. It’s a fast and easy way to elevate almost any ‘fit this winter.

Buy It Now at PacSun

Scarf? Check. Headwear? Check? A pair of gloves? Check. You may think you’ve got all your winter accessories covered, but there’s one key piece that is often overlooked: sunglasses.

Though most of us think of shades as an accessory strictly reserved for the sunnier months, these items are a must-have for the wintertime. The sun’s low angle during the season exposes us to more UV rays, and it only gets worse when there’s reflective snow on the ground. Do your eyes a favor and pick up these Warby Parker Downing sunglasses. They feature polarized lenses with anti-scratch coating and offer 100 percent UV protection.

Buy It Now at Warby Parker

Skincare is important all year-round, but once the cold starts to settle in, it’s time to up your regimen. You want a product that will protect your face from the harsh winter elements as well as restore it from any damage caused by the dry air. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel will do just that.

This non-oily moisturizer is blended with caffeine, Vitamins C and E, as well as chestnut extract and soy for greater hydration. It also contains SPF 15 to protect your skin from those harmful UV rays we talked about.

Trust us, even after the winter is over, you’ll be glad you invested in this product.

But It Now at Mr Porter