Winter favorites: beauty, fashion & more - Episode 86
Winter is officially here, and this episode of Create & Consume is all about leaning into the season instead of fighting it.
From cozy fashion staples and deeply hydrating beauty routines to comforting meals, upcoming reads, and the TV shows we’re already counting down to, this episode is a full-on winter reset—in the best way.
If you’re craving inspiration to make the colder months feel intentional, warm, and enjoyable, this one’s for you.
Create and Consume:
What Austen’s creating this week: I did a reel teaching you how to brainstorm a whole year’s worth of content in one hour by using 3 different themes to brainstorm
What Austen’s consuming this week: The Traitors US season 4 has begun and I’m here for it. From the outfits to the castle antics, I’m loving everything about it.
In this episode:
Fashion: cozy, intentional, and effortless
Winter fashion doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be comfortable and smart.
Cozy loungewear staples
Cold days call for elevated loungewear you can actually live in.
Crewneck sweatshirts from Etsy add a personal, cozy touch, while Aerie sweats are a go-to for softness and comfort.
Apartment slippers round it all out, making staying in feel just as styled as going out.
Statement sweaters
Statement sweaters are doing the heavy lifting this season.
Renting unique pieces from Nuuly—like the Rachel Antonoff bookmark sweater—is a great way to experiment without committing.
When you do find a sweater you love, buying it in multiple colors is a game-changer. Pair it with black or dark jeans and you’ve got an instant outfit with minimal effort.
Strategic layering
Layering is where winter outfits really shine. Heattech basics make it easy to stay warm without bulk, while big scarves, bonnets, and gloves add both function and personality.
Fleece-lined tights are a must for extending the life of dresses and skirts through colder weather.
Winter beauty that actually hydrates
Dry winter air means switching to products that focus on hydration and repair.
Quick refreshes like Wander Beauty’s Baggage Claim Eye Masks are perfect for tired days, while face masks—like Rael’s Miracle Clear Purifying Clay Mask and innisfree sheet masks—help keep skin balanced and fresh.
For deep moisture, Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask and First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream are winter essentials.
To lock everything in, Pixi Beauty’s Jasmine Oil Blend adds an extra layer of hydration, and a simple spa headband keeps hair out of the way during skincare routines.
And yes—hydrating sunscreen still matters in winter, with options from Kiehl’s and innisfree making it easy to stay protected without drying out skin.
Food: comfort without the chaos
It’s officially soup season, and this episode leans into meals that are cozy and realistic.
Sheet pan and one-pot meals are the MVPs right now.
Favorites include sausage and peppers, beef lo mein, chicken meatballs with orzo, flank steak bowls, and shrimp with couscous and asparagus.
These meals are filling, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeks. The big lingering question? Whether it’s finally time to invest in a crock pot.
Books to read in 2026
The upcoming reading list balances comfort, intrigue, and motivation.
Romance
The Hygge Holiday by Rosie Blake
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
Mystery
Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston (out January)
Woman Down by Colleen Hoover (out January 13)
The Cloisters by Katy Hays
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
Start-of-the-year nonfiction
Early-year reads lean motivational, with Atomic Habits by James Clear, You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero, and Uptime by Laura Mae Martin setting the tone for productivity and mindset resets.
TV: winter watchlist energy
January and February are stacked with returns and premieres.
The Pitt season 2 drops January 8 and is high on the must-start list. Traitors US season 4 also premieres January 8—and obsession is already guaranteed.
Love Is Blind season 10 arrives February 11, with speculation around Columbus or Boston and mixed feelings about where the franchise stands now.
Bridgerton season 4 part one drops January 29, finally bringing Benedict’s story to the forefront.
And Paradise season 2 premieres February 23, following a first season that completely rewired expectations.
Summary
This episode of Create & Consume is all about embracing winter through cozy fashion, nourishing routines, comforting food, and media that gives you something to look forward to.
It’s a reminder that winter doesn’t have to be endured—it can be curated.
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