11 winter essentials for women

11 winter essentials for women

As the colder weather sets in, it can be tempting to hunker down under baggy sweats and puffer jackets. But cold temperatures don't always have to mean compromising on style. Sure, you have to battle against the elements more in winter, but there's no reason you can't look fabulous while you're doing it!

Fashion experts believe in the concept of a capsule wardrobe - a small but well-chosen collection of staple pieces that can be matched and reworked alongside each other to create a number of different outfits. Here are some essentials for your winter wardrobe.

Camel coat

A good-quality winter coat is an essential purchase for the colder months, and they don't come much more versatile than this. Camel can be paired with formal wear or jeans and sneakers and still look effortlessly chic. It's also not strictly just a winter coat. It can be worn throughout the milder months, too, minus all the layers underneath.

Grungy knits

Bring out your inner '90s kid with a baggy, grungy cardigan or sweater. Fisherman-style knits are so comfortable and easy to throw on. Teamed with ripped jeans, a band tee and sneakers, it also gives you a cool alternative vibe.

Tread-sole boots

Good footwear is essential in winter. You need something that will keep you warm, dry and safe. This means opting for a boot with a reliable tread to help you navigate icy sidewalks. Try a pair of biker boots or Chelsea boots with a sturdy tread sole. These are ideal to wear with both pants and dresses and will keep you comfortable in addition to looking fabulous.

A shacket

One of 2020's standout garments was the shacket. The not-quite-coat-not-quite-shirt combination is a perfect layering option that exudes contemporary style. Perfect for milder days or as an extra layer under a larger coat, relaxed-fitting shackets are super comfortable, not to mention ultra stylish.

The turtleneck sweater

Hear us out. The image of a cashmere turtleneck may conjure up images of your mother (or perhaps even your grandmother), but this is a piece of knitwear that will never go out of fashion. It can be worn under a dress, over a t-shirt, with jeans or skirts, and so much more. Modern turtlenecks favor a more relaxed fit, but whatever your preference, this is a sweater that will see you through many winters.

Beanie

No winter wardrobe is complete without a beanie hat. The beanie is another timeless classic and one that will generally go with any outfit. Opt for neutral tones, such as this Ivory Waffle Knit Pom Pom Beanie, in high-quality materials such as cashmere, which won't let you overheat or get static hair.

Leather-effect pants

Jeans are a popular choice during winter, but if you want something slightly different, consider leather-effect pants. These can be dressed up and down as much as you like and are far cheaper than their genuine counterparts. They are also ideal for wet days when denim would just leave you feeling damp and uncomfortable.

Knit dress

Winter doesn't mean you have to put all of your dresses into hibernation until the spring. Just rethink the look. Our range of knit dresses are perfect for colder months. They can be teamed up with a nice pair of tights and some boots for a snuggly but stylish winter look.

Bright coat

It's common for winter coats to come in a range of darker colors to reflect the darkness of the season. Be bold and step away from blacks, grays and khakis this winter. A brightly-colored puffer jacket or trench coat, such as this Loose Suede Long Trench Coat, could offer all the warmth you seek with ten times the style of a plain parka.

Oversized scarf

A well-chosen scarf is another great layering option for the colder months. The bigger and chunkier, the better! It's useful to have one plain scarf and one patterned one, like this Animal Print Oblong Scarf, so you can always enjoy the snuggly benefits of a scarf without worrying about clashing prints. In fact, a bold pattern on a scarf can really bring an otherwise low-key outfit to life.

Thermal tees

Winter is all about layering. Sure, you'll want to be wrapped up for your morning commute, but once you're in the office with the central heating on, you'll want to shed layers again. Thermal tees are a great starting point for layering. Sweaters, cardigans, scarves and coats can all go on top, but your foundation is your tee, so choose something that reflects your style and personality.