With wintery weather approaching in the next month or so, it's best to get your closet ready so you aren't caught off guard. I'm a huge advocate of getting things ahead of time - it may be a habit that coincides with my need to be early to everything, but it has only helped me so far. Also, with online shopping at an all-time high (especially before/during the holidays), your favorite pieces may be selling out before you even hit up the Galleria.

To prepare you for the weather (and the influx of online shopping mayhem during the holidays), here's a list of the top five pieces you should have in your closet this winter:

The Trench Coat

An item I've seen on a multitude of celebrities and trendsetters alike, the trench coat is a must-have piece this winter. The trench is wonderful because of its ability to allow layering under clothes, whereas many other coats tend to be strictly fitted, not permitting numerous garments underneath. Just throw it on over anything — it's easy to dress up but also simply stunning when worn casually.

Not only is it versatile, it's superbly flattering with the tie at the waist. I always go for pieces that accentuate my waist, as it tends to have a slimming effect when worn correctly.

My favorite trench is this glorious wool piece by See by Chloe - while wool isn't the typical trench fabric, I think it adds a bit of extra glamour to a somewhat simple coat. This year trench coats are available in every price range, so you really have no excuse to ignore this season's outerwear obsession!

Flat Over-The-Knee Boots

If you're tall like me or prefer not to wear heels all day long, you will appreciate that flat, over-the-knee boots are back again this year. With more and more designers grasping this trend, you don't need to look far for a stellar piece with a smaller price tag. My personal favorites are Stuart Weitzman's Mainline boots — very comfortable and totally gorgeous — seen here.

Not a fan of the $595 price tag? Michael Kors offers a similar version for under $200, so you can save the rest of that cash for the other amazing pieces on this list.

Great for pairing with a dress or worn over leggings, over-the-knee boots are an essential shoe for any fashion fiend. These all-weather boots are easy to walk in, so if you have any upcoming travel plans over the holidays, these boots are a necessity. Seriously.

The Infinity Scarf

I tend to be inept when it comes to wrapping scarves and making them look good, so I generally opt for the easy-on infinity scarf. Its foolproof, circular design makes it easy for anyone to wear, and since it is ready to wear, there's nothing to fuss over but placing it around your neck.

If you travel often, this is also a great choice because it is so simple to pack and you don't have to worry about getting it tangled or wrinkled. It's the perfect airport outfit accessory since it is incredibly easy to stow away in a carryon.

Coming in a variety of fabrics, colors and patterns now, you'll definitely be able to find one that suits your personal style. Want my opinion? Go for this Missoni infinity scarf. To. Die. For.

Something Leather

Whether you like it or not, leather is back in full force this fall/winter. It is literally on everything, from pants, to dresses, to shorts, to shirts. Almost every contemporary and high-end designer has at least one leather piece in their winter collections!

While leather is typically on the more expensive side, there are faux-leather items available to fit in your budget (or for those of you who prefer animal-friendly clothing)... for example, these TopShop faux-leather leggings are only $66. Not a fan of tight pants? Opt for a faux-leather trimmed blazer like this one, also from TopShop. The biggest pieces to invest in leather-wise would be a full on leather dress or leather pants.

I was lucky enough to be gifted a pretty pricey leather sheath by Robert Rodriguez, seen on me here at Fashion Houston. A few other favorite leather pieces on my wish list include these Burberry leather skinny pants and this fitted Preen leather dress. Both are incredible. If you're going to spend your money on one thing this year, I suggest spending it on leather. Yes, it's an investment, but a classic leather piece will last forever... Not to mention make you look fabulous today!

The Crossbody Bag

Style meets function meets comfort in these little wardrobe wonders we call crossbody bags. While I'm always into the look of large, plush purses, sometimes you just need to let go of that extra weight and wear something that doesn't wear you out. The crossbody is the answer to times like these, and almost every designer out there has come up with a version of it for their fall/winter collections.

Why lug around a huge hobo bag at night or have to stuff your tiny clutch under your arm in order to hold a cocktail (a martini, of course) while also shaking hands with people at a party? The solution? An elegant bag that is small like a clutch but comes with a very long strap you can place over your shoulder and wear across your body.

Another fabulous aspect to these bags is the fact you can wear it as a clutch, should you choose to dress up your outfit a little bit more. Most crossbody bags come with detachable straps for this purpose. One I highly recommend is the Lauren Merkin Riley bag - I own it and absolutely love it! Very chic and goes with everything.

Be sure to check out ShopBop, Net-A-Porter and SSENSE for fab winter finds - they add and update daily!

Merritt is the editor of the fashion and personal style blog, Manolos and Martinis.