6 Strategies to Take the Stress Out of Healthy Meal Planning

If you surveyed people on the street, reality-show style, and asked whether they’d like to plan and eat healthy meals throughout the week, the overwhelming majority would likely answer yes. Most of us, whether or not we feel we have the time, at least want to plan to eat well. Yet research shows that 53 percent of American dinners are planned within just an hour of eating, and only 24 percent of them are made from scratch. Clearly, our desires and our reality don’t always match up.

Planning a week’s worth of good-for-you meals (and actually sticking to your plan) isn’t some unattainable health unicorn. Though it may require some effort, this practice is possible — and totally worth it! Here are our top recommendations for tweaks to work it into a busy lifestyle.

1. Follow foodies. Use your feed for food! Following health-conscious food bloggers on social media puts gorgeous images of healthy meals in front of your eyes every day. It may inspire you to try recipes you wouldn’t have seen otherwise. When something healthy appeals to you, take note by bookmarking it or adding it to a Pinterest board to try in the near future.

2. Work with what you’ve got. Begin meal planning by taking inventory of whatever’s in your pantry or fridge. Got some canned tuna, a bag of frozen mangoes, and a half cup of chicken broth? Then you have a starting point! (Just maybe not all those things together.) Alternatively, if your pantry’s so empty tumbleweeds are basically blowing through it, start by browsing local grocery stores’ weekly ads online. Identify some healthy ingredients, whether from your own stock or from what’s on sale, that you want to create meals around. Black beans. Barley. Tilapia. Asparagus. If you don’t already have a go-to recipe for each one, sleuth around the healthy food blogs you’ve begun following or cookbooks you have on hand. Once you’ve identified practical, doable recipes and listed ingredients, it’s time to shop! (And when you do, make a commitment to stick to your list, avoiding unhealthy impulse buys.)

3. Weekend prep is where it’s at. Turning healthy meal planning — and eating — into reality is all about finding the time, since even the best-laid meal plans can go awry when busy schedules butt in. Take advantage of an extra hour or two on a Saturday to not only plan, but also prep as much as possible. Chop some cauliflower to store in the fridge for roasted veggies. Pre-cook a lean meat like chicken or turkey in the crockpot. Small steps like these go a long way toward lightening your load on a Thursday night when dinner gets squeezed between meetings and your kid’s ballet lessons.

4. Live by the mantra, “something borrowed, something new.” It’s easy to get stuck in a cooking rut, keeping to familiar, tried-and-true recipes. What would happen if you resolved to try one new healthy recipe a week? Some culinary flops might be inevitable, but new favorites would likely emerge too. Especially with picky palates, a gradual transition of one new healthy meal per week may go over better than more dramatic dietary changes.

5. Do double duty dinners. No need to “reinvent the meal” every night of the week. Do yourself a favor by cooking a double (or triple) batch of one versatile, healthy item one evening, repurposing it later in the week. A side of rice with fish on Monday doubles as fried rice on Wednesday. Herbed chicken shines as the main dish at dinner and finds its way into lunch wraps for work the next day. Pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, quiches, and Mexican dishes all make great leftovers.

6. Build a healthy pantry. Even if you’re not much of a planner, one strategy for putting healthy meals within reach is to stock your home with better-for-you staples. This way, when you go to start dinner, regardless of whether you’ve planned an actual recipe, you have the right building blocks at your fingertips.

When grocery shopping without a list, load your cart with healthy, long-lasting choices like whole grain pastas, rice, and quinoa; frozen fish and lean meats; and canned tomatoes, beans, and broth. For shorter-term fresh items, opt for colorful fruits and veggies and local dairy, if possible. Keep an arsenal of dried herbs and spices at the ready too. These almost never expire and can add flavor to whatever you’re cooking on the fly.

Got a healthy meal planning hack to share? Tweet us @BritandCo!

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If you grew up on fantasy books, you’ve probably dreamed of taking classes at Hogwarts and escaping to Narnia more times than you can count. But for the niche group of The Magic Faraway Tree readers who wish they could visit the Land of Birthdays in real life, living out your fantasies isn’t such a faraway concept anymore — Enid Blyton’s classic British children’s series is officially being adapted for the big screen!

The Magic Faraway Tree is an upcoming family adventure film about three children who climb a magical tree, meet the wonderful creatures who live inside, and travel to fantastical lands. It’s the kind of movie that will give you alllll the nostalgic feels even if you didn’t grow up on the books (though its absolutely stacked cast probably did!). The film is currently in production, with principal photography having started in June.

Here’s everything we know so far about The Magic Faraway Tree movie.

Your First Look At Nicola Coughlan In 'The Magic Faraway Tree'

Parisa Taghizadeh/Courtesy of Neal Street Productions and Elysian Film Group

Nicola Coughlan is in her fairy era, and this first look at Nicola as Silky in The Magic Faraway Tree is just as, well, magical as I hoped. Just a glimpse of her long blonde hair and those stunning eyes pique my curiosity. And TBH, where Nicola leads, I follow.

What is the main plot of The Magic Faraway Tree?

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The Magic Faraway Tree Plot

When the Thompson family moves to the English countryside, the three children — Joe, Beth, and Frannie — “discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents, including treasured characters Moonface, Silky, Dame Washalot, and Saucepan Man," according to Variety. When they reach the top of the tree, the children "are transported to spectacular and fantastical lands and, through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learns to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.”

When is the Magic Faraway Tree coming out?

Obregonia D. Toretto/Pexels

The Magic Faraway Tree Release Date

The Magic Faraway Tree is currently filming, which means we could see it in the fall or winter of 2025. This would be the perfect movie for the holiday season!

​Who is starring in the movie?

Joe Maher/Amy Sussman/Robert Okine/Getty Images

The Magic Faraway Tree Cast

Joe, Beth, and Frannie’s actors have yet to be announced, but the adult cast is chock-full of familiar names. Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy are set to play the children’s parents, Tim and Polly. (The film’s screenwriter cheekily said, “I mean, even Enid Blyton might be impressed we got Spider-Man and the Queen.”) Nicola Coughlan will be playing a woodland fairy named Silky, and Rebecca Ferguson will be playing one of the film’s villains, Dame Snap.

Nonso Anozie, Jessica Gunning, Jennifer Saunders, and Dustin Demri-Burns are also in the cast.

Who is writing and directing the movie?

Joe Maher/Getty Images

Fans of the Faraway Tree series can breathe a sigh of relief — the film is in great hands. The Magic Faraway Tree’s screenwriter, Simon Fanaby, is no stranger to adapting beloved British children’s classics from page to screen. He’s one of the pens behind Wonka and Paddington 2, which is a great sign that The Magic Faraway Tree is sure to be as whimsical and fun as the books it’s adapting.

A less familiar name (unless you’re a fan of BBC’s Black Ops) is Ben Gregor, who has been tapped to direct the film. According to his talent agency, Gregor specializes in making comedies with visual flair. This writer/director combo is magical.

​Will The Magic Faraway Tree be a franchise?

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The Magic Faraway Tree seems to be a standalone film at the moment. The book series it’s based on is made up of four books total: The Enchanted Wood, The Magic Faraway Tree, The Folk of the Faraway Tree, and Up the Faraway Tree. Although the movie gets its name from the second book, its plot seems more similar to that of the first book. It’s very possible that the movie will incorporate all four books in one since plans for a franchise have yet to be announced.

I may be in my twenties, but I’ll happily be joining elementary schoolers at AMC on opening night when The Magic Faraway Tree hits theaters! Can't get enough of all things fantasy? Check out the latest Wicked movie news.

This post has been updated.

There are few celebrity friendships as iconic and long-lasting as Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio's. The actors met while filming Titanic in 1996, but unlike their characters Jack and Rose, Kate and Leo’s relationship survived long after the ship hit the iceberg and the press tour came to an end.

Kate and Leo put the whole “guys and girls can’t be friends” claim to bed, but according to her, their friendship has endured precisely because they've kept it platonic. “I think the reason that friendship works is because there was never any romantic thing,” Winslet told Marie Claire UK (via Huffington Post). “It’s so disappointing for people to hear that because in the soap opera of the Kate and Leo story, we fell in love at first sight and had a million snogs, but actually we never did.”

The story of Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio’s friendship spans over 25 years. Check out these defining moments of their friendship timeline, from Titanic to today.

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1996 — Kate and Leo meet on the set of Titanic.

We all know and love the friends-to-lovers trope, but Winslet and DiCaprio are the poster children for the lovers-to-friends trope. The actors met while playing love interests in Titanic. Although their onscreen relationship has never come to fruition offscreen, Winslet says the pair immediately clicked as friends.

“He was just very free with himself, and he had this effervescent energy that was really magnetic,” she said in a 2023 Titanic re-release featurette. “And I remember thinking, 'Oh, this is gonna be fun. We're definitely gonna get along.' And we just really did. We just really did.”

1998 — They walk the red carpet together at the Golden Globes.

If you Google “young Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet,” there’s a 99 percent chance the first pictures will be from this red carpet, mostly because Winslet’s look is sooo ’90s. In an interview with ET, DiCaprio says they absolutely came together, but clarifies that they’re “good buddies.”

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

2008 — They join forces on screen again.

The first movie Winslet and DiCaprio did together post-Titanic was Revolutionary Road, where they play another couple who doesn’t work out because one of them dies by the end of the movie (quite a specific niche to fall into, no?). Unlike Jack and Rose, their characters in Revolutionary Road have a tense relationship, which Winslet said made working on the film “an immensely emotionally challenging experience” for both of them.

“There’s just a trust factor there. We both know that we have the best intentions for each other, but we also know that we can push each other’s limits,” DiCaprio said in an interview for the film. “There’s probably no other actress out there that I would feel as comfortable attacking, and I know she can give every bit of it right back to me.”

2009 — Kate shouts Leo out in her Golden Globes acceptance speech.

Winslet won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture — Drama for her role in Revolutionary Road. She gave a heartfelt speech that included some very kind words for her costar and best friend.

“Leo, I’m so happy I can stand here and tell you how much I love you and how much I’ve loved you for 13 years. Your performance in this film is nothing short of spectacular. I love you with all my heart, I really do,” Winslet said. DiCaprio blew her multiple kisses as she spoke. Feel free to join in the audience’s aww-ing; this moment is just too sweet.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

2012 — Leo walks Kate down the aisle.

A source told Us Weekly that DiCaprio walked Winslet down the aisle at her wedding to Ned Rocknroll (whose real name is Edward Abel Smith, in case you were worried) in December 2012.

Christopher Polk/Getty Images

2016 — Kate Winslet cries at Leonardo DiCaprio’s Oscar speech.

When Leo finally won his first Oscar in 2016 for The Revenant, the camera cut to Kate tearing up and clasping her hands in front of her face during his speech. She was also spotted giving him a quick, friendly kiss on the cheek during a commercial break.

2017 — They have dinner in Saint-Tropez.

Pictures blew up over the internet of DiCaprio and Winslet “vacationing” together in Saint-Tropez, but Winslet later revealed that they were there on business. “Leo did his annual fundraiser for the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. He and I went together and we auctioned off dinner with Jack and Rose and actually raised $1.35 million. It was extraordinary,” she told E!.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

2021 — They reunite for the first time since the pandemic hit.

Winslet revealed that she cried the first time she saw DiCaprio after the pandemic began. “I’ve known him for half my life! It’s not as if I’ve found myself in New York or he’s been in London and there’s been a chance to have dinner or grab a coffee and a catch up,” she told The Guardian. “We haven’t been able to leave our countries. Like so many friendships globally, we’ve missed each other.”

2023 — Winslet reflects on her friendship with DiCaprio on Titanic’s re-release featurette.

Kate Winslet revealed that when she and Leonardo DiCaprio call each other, they pick up the phone right away. “There’s no like, ‘Hang on, I’ll call you tomorrow.’ It's instant,” she told ET Online. Think about that next time your bestie gives you an impromptu ring.

The actress also got a bit more sentimental about her long-standing friendship with Leo. “You know, if you think about it, in the world that we live in now, to have friendships that bind you, and that shared history, it’s really something,” she said.

One thing’s for sure: if the Titanic had actually gone down in 1997, Kate would have definitely made room for Leo on that dang door.

Paramount Pictures

November 4, 2024 — Kate Winslet Praises Leonardo DiCaprio and Revolutionary Road

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Kate Winslet recalls just how difficult it was bringing Revolutionary Road to life. The story follows Frank and April Wheeler as they struggle with both the cracks in their marriage and their 1950s suburban reality.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

November 19, 2024 — Leonardo DiCaprio Supports Kate Winslet's Lee

Leo made a special screening of Kate Winslet's Lee even more special by showing up to support her! The two were photographed hugging in front of the poster and it's truly the push I needed to get through the week :').

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This post has been updated.

Ditch the uncomfortable summer wardrobe and invest in pieces that will keep you cozy and chic all season long. From matching loungewear that is a must-have for lazy days to cozy sweaters that are a go-to for holiday festivities, this list of 39 fashion gems will provide you with a timeless collection of pieces that will impress all your friends and family. This list includes trendy accessories, two-piece outfits, and best-selling sweaters designed to keep you looking flawless all winter long.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

This Fleece Vest With a Plush Fabric

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This fleece vest is the secret to layering. The plush, fuzzy fabric keeps you cozy, while the stand collar adds a classy touch to your chic winter look. Simply layer this piece over a turtleneck or long-sleeve to create a laid-back look.

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This Sherpa Jacket With an Oversized Fit

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Slip into this sherpa jacket to instantly create a timeless look. The oversized fit makes it easy to layer over thin jackets and long-sleeves, while the button-down closure keeps your look casual and chic.

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Stomp Around in Style With These Chelsea Boots

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You can never go wrong with a pair of classic Chelsea boots. With their chunky heel and soft faux leather, these shoes are comfortable to wear all season long.

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This Matching Set With a Thick Knit Fabric

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There's no need to sacrifice style for comfort when you have this matching set that comes with a slouchy cardigan and matching wide-leg pants to pair with it. The knit fabric keeps you warm, while the loose fit adds a trendy twist to your lazy day ensemble.

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This Cardigan Elevates Every Outfit

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You can always count on this cardigan to elevate your winter attire this season. The lightweight material makes it a staple for the in-between weather, while the button-down front allows you to style this piece in a ton of different ways.

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Leggings That Come in a Variety Pack

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Leggings are a must-have for fall and winter, and this set includes three pairs in your choice of colors—or all black for everyday wear. They’ll keep you cozy and comfortable all season with a flattering high-rise and plenty of stretch.

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This Sweatshirt With a Mock Neck

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Stay chic in the cold with this sweatshirt, which features ultra-soft fleece fabric and a half-zip design for a touch of style. The mock neck adds a warm touch, allowing you to beat the windy weather this winter season.

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This Quilted Jacket Is a TikTok Favorite

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The lightweight material and oversized fit are just a few of the things that Amazon shoppers rave about when it comes to this quilted jacket. The modern design will add a trendy touch to your cold-weather wardrobe, while the lightweight material keeps you cozy without feeling heavy.

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This Cardigan With Deep Pockets

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Wearing fuzzy material is the secret to staying warm throughout the winter. This cardigan is the perfect place to start, offering you a plush fleece material and an open-front design. Plus, it has a cozy hood that can protect you from all of the unpredictable weather.

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This Knit Outfit With Unbelievable Stretch

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The perfect holiday outfit starts with this knit outfit, which includes a cropped sweater and matching bodycon skirt. The stretchy knit fabric is as cozy as it is chic, ideal for date nights, dinner parties, and other festive celebrations.

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This Long-Sleeved Top With Ruched Details

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Whether you style this long-sleeve top under a cardigan or fuzzy coat, it will serve as an elevated under-piece that is both warm and chic. The mock neck design adds a chic look, while the colorful options allow you to mix and match.

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These Gloves With a Fur Lining

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Accessorize in luxury with these gloves, which have stunning fur cuffs. Crafted from genuine leather, these gloves are designed to keep your hands warm while also adding a chic twist to your everyday outfits.

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This Sweater Set With a Loose Fit

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TikTok users have fallen in love with this sweater set, which includes a high-neck pullover and wide-leg pants. The soft, knit fabric is perfect for colder temperatures, while the loose fit allows for a laid-back vibe.

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This Oversized Sweater With a Striped Pattern

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This oversized sweater is a fashion piece that can be dressed up or down all season long. The relaxed fit and long sleeves make it a go-to for all occasions, while the side slit adds a modern twist that is perfect for high-waisted jeans or leggings.

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This Sweater Blazer With a Peplum Design

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This sweater blazer is a perfect option for date night. The knit design offers warmth and comfort, while the peplum detail adds a flattering, feminine look. The split open-front design makes it easy to throw on over a dress or pair with trousers.

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This Sweater Set With 2 Pieces

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With a roomy striped sweater and matching knit pants, this sweater set is just what you need to stay effortlessly chic this season. The stretchy design makes it a go-to for layering, allowing you to lay back in style from morning to night.

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This Matching Set With a Breathable Design

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Whether you're running errands or grabbing dinner with friends, this matching set adds an effortlessly polished look to your wardrobe. The button-down shacket jacket features pockets, while the matching long pants offer a breathable, stretchy fit.

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These Tights With Hidden Warmth

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You won't have to sacrifice your favorite dresses during the colder months when you have these tights to keep you warm. Designed to mimic the translucent look of normal tights, this accessory is secretly fleece-lined, offering you a cozy fit all season long.

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This Headband Made With Faux Fur

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The best part about this headband is that it adds a chic and practical look to your winter ensemble. The plush faux fur offers a ton of warmth, whether you're running errands or playing in the snow.

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This Knit Cardigan With a Slouchy Look

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Amazon shoppers have fallen in love with the lantern sleeves on this knit cardigan. The oversized fit and open-front design make it easy to style with dresses or loungewear, while the chunky knit material provides warmth and texture.

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This Knit Set With a Matching Cardigan

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Serve looks at the next dinner party when you show up in this knit set, which includes a bodycon dress and a matching cardigan. The knit fabric hugs your curves, while the colorful options allow you to find your best match.

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These Fuzzy Socks Come in a Set of 5

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With the weather dropping in temperature, these fuzzy socks are a staple for your winter wardrobe. The plush material offers a ton of warmth, while the fluffy texture adds a luxurious feel. They come in stunning colors and patterns to choose from.

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This Trench Coat With a Cropped Design

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Everyone is confident that this trench coat is the outerwear piece of the season. The double-breasted design and belted waist create a classy look, while the cropped finish adds the trendy twist we all know and love.

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This Baseball Cap With a Cozy Twist

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Show off your sporty vibes throughout the winter season, starting with this baseball cap, which is covered in stunning wool fabric. This hat allows you to stay warm while adding a chic accessory to your cold-weather look.

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This Faux Fur Coat for Your Evening Attire

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Before you hit the town, don't forget to slip into this faux fur coat that will complete all of your evening outfits. The cropped length adds a trendy look, while the plush material adds a ton of warmth on the chilliest nights of the season.

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This Tweed Knit Cardigan With a Vintage-Inspired Look

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Invest in your timeless wardrobe, starting with this tweed knit cardigan with a vintage-inspired look that Amazon shoppers rave about. The button-down design and cropped length make it a go-to for pairing with your high-waisted trousers or skirts.

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This Long Vest With a Belted Waist

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With a button closure and a belted waist, this long vest is a classy staple for your winter attire. It’s perfect for layering over a turtleneck or a lightweight sweater, allowing you to move and breathe easily while staying chic and cozy.

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This Sherpa Jacket With a Rustic Design

Amazon

When in doubt, you can always count on this sherpa jacket to complete your favorite seasonal outfits. The corduroy fabric adds a rugged look, while the sherpa-lined interior provides unbeatable warmth. Pair it with plain shirts or dresses for a winter-ready look that everyone will love.

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This Cardigan With a Bow Feature

Amazon

Bows have been trending all season, and this cardigan is the perfect way to follow the trend. This charming piece features a crew neckline, long sleeves, and a bow-knot tie front that adds a feminine flair to the classic look.

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This Trench Coat With a Fleece Lining

Amazon

For the days when you don't want to stress about your outfit, this trench coat can provide you with a warm and chic look. The faux leather exterior adds to the trendy vibe, while the fleece lining ensures you stay toasty on chilly days.

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These Earmuffs Save the Day

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Never suffer from chilly ears this season when you have these earmuffs, the ultimate cold-weather accessory. These faux-fur earmuffs are irresistibly soft and provide a ton of insulation against the chilly weather.

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This Turtleneck Sweater for All-Day Comfort

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The oversized fit and loose, chunky knit make this turtleneck sweater perfect for layering with leggings or jeans. The breathable fabric makes this sweater a comfortable option for all-day wear while also adding a timeless look to your outfit.

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This Matching Set for Night Activities

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Slip into this matching set and pair it with your favorite winter booties for the ultimate look. The oversized sweater and bodycon skirt create a relaxing yet elevated look. The fitted skirt shows off your curves, while the loose sweater drapes effortlessly.

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This Plush Fabric With Unique Colors and Patterns

Amazon

This scarf is so warm it could double as a blanket. The plush fabric provides a ton of insulation against the chilly wind, keeping you cozy no matter how cold it gets. Plus, it comes in a ton of different colors and patterns to choose from.

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These Barrel Jeans With an Ankle-Length Cut

Amazon

Step out of your comfort zone with these barrel jeans with a baggy design and vintage-inspired look. The high-waisted fit adds a modern twist, while the relaxed fit makes it a staple for laid-back plans throughout the winter.

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This Cropped Jacket Looks Designer

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Show off designer-inspired looks for a fraction of the cost, including this cropped jacket that's covered in a sherpa fabric. The cropped design creates a modern look, while the zippered front and hood add a touch of practicality.

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A Shearling Coat With a Fuzzy Material

Amazon

Get bougie with this shearling coat that is made with a fuzzy fleece that offers the most warm touch. The button-up front and shearling-inspired design create a timeless look, allowing you to show off an outfit that is both modern and trendy.

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A Puffer Vest With Ruffles

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Layering is easy when you have this puffer vest that is finished with the most adorable ruffle sleeves. The button-down closure allows you to customize your look, while the padded feature promises warmth without creating too much bulk.

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This Sweater Dress With a Ribbed Fabric

Amazon

Feel like the center of attention when you slip into this sweater dress that has a slim-fitted design and maxi length. The ruffle ribbed knit detailing enhances its texture and elegance, while the stretchy fabric ensures all-day comfort.

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