Winter is the time of year when the quality of your clothes matters most. No longer can you shrug at a cheaply-made polyester shirt, or be contented with an acrylic-blend knit. These fabrics tend to be less durable then their higher-end counterparts, can produce annoying amounts of pilling and static cling, and most importantly, are pretty terrible at keeping you insulated on those below-zero nights. And, as we know, keeping warm should pretty much be the first priority for any Canadian getting dressed between the months of November and March.

Of course, this doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice looking cute. Some of the warmest fabrics for winter dressing also happen to be the most flattering and luxurious. I'm talking angora, mohair, merino wool, and everybody's favourite: cashmere. Who could forget the era of the fuzzy sweater (a.k.a. the '90s), or the two movie characters who practically wrote the style book on this much-referenced decade: Cher Horowitz from Clueless and Corey Mason from Empire Records? Just pair with a tartan skirt and you're ready for the world.

The Lillian Rib Knit Sweater designed by Acne Studios and sold at Jonathan & Olivia makes for a great cold weather staple, especially if you find the idea of wrapping your torso in a cropped, bubbly knit intimidating. For one, the longer length is suitable for women of all ages, and the slimmer fit of the body in contrast with the fuller sleeves is a complementary shape for most body types. The pale pink shade is a welcome reprieve from the endless black that most likely constitutes the majority of your winter wardrobe, and would look amazing paired with skinny jeans or a leather pencil skirt. 

$365 (on sale). Available online or in-store at Jonathan + Olivia, 49 Ossington Avenue, 416-849-5956