After spending last fall and winter in London, I learned not to leave the house without lots of layers, gloves and a scarf. To a California girl like me, this way of dressing was a totally new concept and though I didn’t like the temperature, I began to appreciate how fun dressing for cold weather could be! This season, I’m planning trips to cold weather locales just so I can wear some of the following must-have winter accessories.

BR Infinity Scarf

One of my must haves this year is the infinity scarf which takes the hassal out of figuring out the perfect au current way to tie your scarf. I suggest buying at least two, one that can be your favorite piece for when you are cuddled up, like Banana Republic’s Cashmere infinity scarf, and another that is trendier like Deepa Gurnani’s Multi Wrap scarf in a tie-dye silk gauze.

Gloves are essential in cold weather cities, but if you are like me, you have that nasty habit of losing them. I blame it my subconscious hopeless romantic that thinks maybe I’ll meet my soulmate shopping for gloves at Bloomingdales like in Serendipity. Until that happens though, my favorites for the season is the timeless Urban Outfitter’s Leather Button Glove and a trendy pair of fingerless leather motorcycle gloves. Don’t have my annoying habit? Treat yourself to Portolano Leather Gloves with Studs to bring a little edge to your outfit in a subtle way.

Hats are every girl’s blessed accessory for a bad hair day, or one ruined by the elements. This season, a cloche is a lovely way to have that 1920s, vintage influence and look perfect all bundled up.

Aqua Studded Wool Beret

If you loved the fedora in the summer, you don’t have to give it up! Instead, simply find yourself a felt or velour version. I’ve personally always loved a good beret, and this season I’m going for a sequined or studded style as the perfect accessory to dress up an evening look.

A good umbrella is undoubtedly integral during the winter months so you aren’t the girl stuck in the thunderstorm having rain pelt down on your once perfectly coiffed hair. I used to just go for the pop open umbrellas, until I discovered the clear bubble version. I immediately fell in love with this contraption that let me walk in the rain without a drop hitting my entire upper body and secretly enjoyed watching everyone look at me enviously for it! You can find these at all price points and buy one from Target or a Burberry design from Neimen Marcus.

Spanx tights

Last winter, everyone in London was wearing patterned tights and when I returned in them people here scoffed at my Topshop purchase.  Now they’ve gone mainstream and are a must-have for both everyday wear and holiday parties. One of my favorites to pair with a simple black skirt are Spanx Chain Link tights that not only hide extra holiday pounds, but lengthen your legs too. I’m also loving the Betsey Johnson Lace Tights in grey for that subtle, unexpected mix of color and print.