If, like me, you’ve been reading Who What Wear religiously for the past decade, then you know that nothing is boring about great basics. Just a bit shy of “uniform dressing,” without committing completely to a capsule wardrobe, a closet full of just a few winter basics is all that’s needed to get through the season in style.
That’s not to say you need to wear them all at once—in fact, we suggest mixing at matching these key winter basics with whatever you already have on hand. That’s the point, right? Great basics go with everything and can be worn regularly without compromising your personal style.
This season, we recommend shopping for (and perhaps investing in) these five simple wardrobe staples: a camel-colored coat, a classic black blazer, a chunky white knit sweater, straight-leg jeans, and Chelsea boots. That’s it! And if you already have a few of these items at your disposal, great—do some quick “girl math” and use that savings to invest in a top-quality piece that you’ll be happy about wearing for years to come. Ready? Let’s shop.
1. White Chunky Cable-Knit Sweater
BOTTEGA VENETA
Oversized Cable-Knit Wool Sweater
Cozy, oversized sweaters comprise approximately 50% of my winter wardrobe.
Nobodys Child
Cream Crew Neck Cable Knit Wool Jumper
This beautiful sweater is made with RWS wool and organic cotton.
When shopping for a classic cable-knit, size up so you can layer as needed.
VARLEY
Camello Cable-Knit Sweater
This cable-knit gets bonus points for blouson-inspired sleeves and a zip thrpugh collar.
Reiss
Wool-Cashmere Cable Knit Jumper in Cream
I’m obsessed with the eye-catching button details.
2. Camel Wool Coat
Soaked In Luxury
Rubie Notch Lapel Belted Coat, Burro
You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a great-looking camel coat.
STELLA MCCARTNEY
Oversized Double-Breasted Wool Coat
But you totally can if you want to…
Polo Ralph Lauren
Double Faced Wool Wrap Coat
Ralph Lauren’s top coats are a classic winter staple.
MANGO
Long Structured Wool Coat
Mango makes excellent coats; we love the shoulder pads in this one.
3. Black Blazer
Find a relaxed blazer in a fabric that can be worn year-round.
The Frankie Shop
Bea Twill Blazer
Boxy blazers are ideal for wearing over thicker sweaters.
Whistles
Black Aliza Waisted Leather Blazer
A great leather blazer counts too.
ZARA
Oversize Double-Breasted Blazer
Think a blazer feels too corporate? Make this feel more casual by rolling up the sleeves.
4. Straight-Leg Jeans
House of Dagmar
Straight Leg Denim
You truly cannot go wrong with an excellent pair of jeans from House of Dagmar. We are especially fond of the straight leg in this true blue wash.
These come in six different colours.
Khaite
Abigail High-Rise Straight Jeans
Try tucking thinner sweaters into the front of high-waist jeans for a simple styling trick.
MOTHER
The Mid Rise Dazzler Flood
Mother denim is well worth the investment.
5. Chelsea Boots
THE ROW
Zipped Chunky-Sole Leather Ankle Boots
You can’t argue with this price.
GANNI
+ Net Sustain Paneled Recycled-Leather Chelsea Boots
That’s a seriously chunky tread.
Russell and Bromley
Mystic Boot
The suede feels extra luxe.
