We’ve been having a spate of frigid weather here in NYC so I thought it’d be apt to write about some of my most worn winter items from Quince.
Before we dive in, a few caveats: First, some of these items I’ve owned for a couple years, while others I’ve only had for a few months. So I’ll come back to update this post with notes on how things wear over time, particularly if there are any issues.
Second, if you’re new here, this blog is about striving to be a more mindful and conscious consumer, so I must mention that Good on You, which rates fashion and cosmetic brands on ethical and sustainable practices, rates Quince “not good enough” for the lack of transparency and information around their practices. While Quince appears to be better than fast fashion, they are perhaps not as green or ethical as they claim.
This post contains affiliate links and one item was gifted to me by Quince while I bought the others. If you shop through my links, I may earn a commission. As always, I decide what to write about and all opinions are my own.
Mongolian Cashmere Ribbed Beanie
Mongolian Cashmere Ribbed Beanie – $34.90
I’ve mentioned this cashmere beanie before, and I’m doing it again because it’s probably my most worn item from Quince during the fall and winter. It comes in two sizes. (I went with the larger one.) I’ve had mine (the oatmeal colored one above) for almost three years now. It’s stretched some and pilled a bit, but otherwise is in good shape. (The navy one is newer and belongs to the Mister, who has a smaller head, so it hasn’t stretched out as much.) I like how it provides warmth but isn’t bulky. I can easily stash it in my coat pocket.
Mongolian Cashmere Fisherman Boxy Cropped Cardigan Sweater
Mongolian Fisherman Boxy Cropped Cardigan – $119.90 (This is the same color as the beanie above, BTW, but in different lighting.)
It’s been two years since I first reviewed this cardigan, and I still wear it constantly during the winter months. My skin is sensitive, but I find that this cashmere cardigan, as well as the beanie above, don’t bother me. The sweater is a medium weight, not too bulky, and lightweight, yet warm. One complaint: it pills more than other cashmere sweaters I own from Everlane and Italic. So, it requires maintenance to avoid looking shabby. Runs oversized. I went down one size.
100% Organic Cotton Oversized Cardigan
OK, the next two items are not my personal staples, but they are my sister’s. Her skin is even more sensitive than mine, so she can’t wear wool or cashmere. I got this cotton cardigan with a thick (and warm!) ribbed knit as a gift for her and she raves about it. The dropped shoulders make it relaxed while the lantern sleeves are elegant. It also has cozy pockets. There’s only three colors at the moment in neutrals, but there used about a dozen. Fits true to size.
100% Organic Cotton Fisherman Boatneck Sweater
My sister liked this sweater so much that she got it in two colors. Similar to the cardigan above, it is also made of a thick, ribbed knit. It has a boxy modern shape and elegant boatneck. This runs a bit big, so consider sizing down. She’s generally a S but sized down to XS. For petite me, the sleeves are too long, but that’s often the case with me and sweaters. On my taller and longer-limbed sister, the sleeves fit perfectly.
Responsible Down Long Puffer Jacket
Responsible Down Long Puffer Jacket – $200. Courtesy of Quince. I’m wearing the morel gray jacket. I’m a little under 5’4″.
When I moved from San Francisco to NYC, I tried to avoid buying a new winter jacket and kept using my trusty Everlane Re:Down Puffy Puff. But this winter has been much colder. There were days, especially on windy days, that I wished for a down jacket that covered my thighs. So I gave in and ordered the Quince Responsible Down Long Puffer Jacket. It’s not the most glamorous as it’s basically like wearing a sleeping bag. But it delivers on warmth.
Notable features include 700+ fill power goose down, water-repellent fabric, both a two-way zipper and snap closures down the front, fleece-lined pockets with zippers, and a removable hood with adjustable cinches. (But I don’t know why you’d ever want to remove the hood on truly cold days; it helps so much with blocking the wind.) The sleeves have storm cuffs with thumbholes, though to be honest I’m torn about them. On the one hand, yes, they block out cold air. But on the other hand, they prevent me from pushing up the sleeve to look at the time on my watch.
Quince describes the fit as relaxed, but I disagree. While it does fit true to size, it skims the body. I am usually a S, ordered the S, and it fits my 38″ hips. I can layer it over a thick sweater, but I wouldn’t describe it as roomy. If you have wide hips, you may want to size up.
This puffer is supposed to keep you warm in temperatures of up to -48°F/-44°C. (I tested it out during the recent winter storm, and while it didn’t reach -48°F it was fricking cold, the wind was pelting icy bits at me, and the jacket kept me toasty and dry.) All things being equal, I’d prefer a puffer that was more fashion forward, but at $200, it seems well made and is a great deal. I can see why it’s one of Quince’s best sellers.
Oh, just testing out this long puffer jacket during a snow storm like the dedicated blogger I am.
You can find a directory to all my style reviews here. If you found my review helpful, please consider shopping through my link. Thank you!
