"It’s only natural we adjust our beauty routine for the winter (extra hydration, please!) and that our wardrobe gets some tweaks (bring on the layers). Another thing that needs a little revamping to adjust to freezing temps? What we carry in our bags on a day-to-day basis. Gone are the sunshine-filled, minimalist days of summer; now, every time you leave the house, you have to prepare for the possibility that winter weather is going to wreak havoc on your plans.
And not only that—you now have to wrangle a bag onto the shoulder of a puffy, down-filled coat, which is a problem that we forget exists until we’re out for the day with a short-strapped bag that we end up needing to carry in the crook of our arms. TL;DR: Dressing for winter is hard, and picking a bag (and packing it) isn’t any easier.
Whether your day ahead involves snow, sleet, or a mix of all four seasons (looking at you, Chicagoans), these winter purse essentials will have you prepared for whatever your winter day ahead has in store for you.
Winter is all about accessorizing. Keep a spare pair of gloves in your bag that will match any coat you’re wearing, like these ultra-warm, neutral shearling ones.
In addition to serving as a pop of color against your coat, a scarf comes in especially handy on days when the freezing winter winds show up to ruin morale. A non-bulky wool or cashmere scarf goes a long way when that winter wind comes to bite.
You might think summer is the season that sunnies are the most important, but let’s not forget how blinding the winter sun is when reflecting off snow. Protect your eyes with a chic pair of sunnies. We love this round, black pair that’ll fall naturally into your cold-weather styling.
Let’s be real: We’ll take any spark of joy we can while in the midst of gray, cold wintertime. Get one every time you tie your hair up with these upgraded hair ties, featuring a trendy bow.
Cuyana is our go-to brand for quality and durability, and their wallets are no exception. This silver one is neutral enough to match all of your bags but eye-catching enough to be easy to spot amongst all the belongings in your tote bag.
Take your winter warmth to the next level with rechargeable hand warmers. They truly make all the difference, especially in the middle of a cold commute.
While we love our Aquaphor year-round, she really puts in work during wintertime. Lather it onto your lips or anywhere else the cold weather leaves you feeling extra dry.
You can’t get enough hydration in the winter, which is where a tinted lip balm comes in handy. It’ll give you just as much pigment as a gloss does, but with added protection and moisture. This cherry red shade is especially perfect for the holiday season.
I never leave my house without my hand sanitizer on me, especially when colds and flus are inevitably spreading this time of year. This Touchland hand sanitizer is the best of the best, as it kills 99.9 percent of germs and is completely fuss-free with a spray applicator.
Dry hands have met their match with this ultra-rich hand cream. Layer it on to quench your hands’ sensitive skin and prevent any chapping.
Need to freshen up mid-day? That’s no problem thanks to the trusty roller-ball perfume you keep in your bag. Something Wood by Phlur is a quintessential winter scent that mixes musk and vanilla for the ultimate cozy vibe.
Have you ever stood on the corner of the street in the winter waiting to cross and the wind was so strong and gusty it actually brought tears to your eyes? Avoid winter makeup mishaps with a pack of tissues ready to take on any malfunction, big or small.
Cold weather has a tendency to make phone batteries die a little more quickly, which won’t be a problem for you with the help of this easy, ultra-compact portable charger.
Hydration is key all year round, and this spill-proof water bottle is perfect to keep in your bag to ensure a worry-free, hydrated commute.
Our favorite winter bags of 2023
