Combining color with neutrals is great look for winter
As winter approaches, many of us could use a reevaluation of our wardrobes. Why are we still holding on to old sweaters with holes or worn coats? Most likely our bodies, tastes and lifestyles have all changed significantly over the years. However, the fashion choices haven’t always kept up with current trends.
Remember elegance has no specific age limit on it. Here are some guidelines to great styles and how to spruce up your winter wardrobe.
Ultimately the bare bones of your wardrobe are the important staples that go with everything else. They also never go out of style and leave you looking chic each and every day.
Here’s our list of 12 Winter Fashion Essentials that you need this winter:
Fashion Essential #1 – Mid-rise straight leg jeans
Zara, 49.90 USD
Skip the tight skinny jeans entirely and choose a dark blue straight leg pair instead.
Pair them with loafers, kitten heels, ballet flats or even tuck them into a pair of tall boots for cold weather.
This type of denim works well with tunic tops and long jackets (we like the Zara cut).
Sally Field likes to pair hers with a black coat and flats.
Fashion Essential #2 – Fitted jacket
Neiman Marcus, $190
A short yet snug (not tight) jacket that hits you at the hips is a great option. While black is the most versatile color, consider a cream or a navy too.
Wear it with dresses, pants, jeans, skirts or essentially anything in your wardrobe (this one from Neiman Marcus goes with all of the above).
Sharon Stone likes to pair her white blazer with a black camisole and black pants.
Fashion Essential #3 – Black pencil skirt
FCUK, $82 (on sale now)
A black pencil skirt is flattering, sophisicated and versatile. Make sure that you opt for some with a little draping or a little stretch. Pair it with tights and booties or pumps for a nightlife look.
Never wear it with a flat shoe, choose wedges, boots or mid-heels instead. This piece (like this one from French Connection) would look great with a fitted jacket too.
Michelle Pfeiffer wears hers with a fitted, long-sleeve black blouse and stacked black heels.
Fashion Essential #4 – Cardigans
Banana Republic, $100
This is a year-round fashion piece that goes with everything in one’s closet. Create an effortless and chic outfit with a long or three-quarter length sleeve that hits at or slightly above the hip.
Long cardigans are especially great with straight-leg jeans or fitted pants. Banana Republic has some great options.
Sandra Bullock keeps her look casual with her cardigan.
Fashion Essential #5 – Cropped black leather jacket
French Connection, $498
The black leather jacket never goes out of style. Wear it with essentially everything you own. This is a must-have staple that is more expensive than other pieces mentioned, but will last a lifetime.
Choose one that fits well at the waist (like this one from French Connection).
Helen Mirren still rocks one, as she should.
Fashion Essential #6 – Leather Boots
Steve Madden, $199.95
Boots can essentially bring an entire outfit together during cold weather month. Opt for a good-quality pair of tall, short or mid-calf boots.
Buy a pair in both brown and black (Nordstroms has a great selection).
Heather Locklear pairs hers with a gray skirt.
Fashion Essential #7 – Knit Sweater Dress
Maurice’s, $44
Choose a neutral color that can be worn with a cropped jacket or a pair of knee high boots.
Make sure the dress fits your properly and isn’t too small and bunches up around the middle (this dress from Maurice’s flatters).
Oprah wears hers with a beautiful broach.
Fashion Essential #8 – Cashmere Sweater
Uniqlo,$69.90
This go-to classic piece pairs well with an oxford shirt for a smart and sophisticated look.
Wear it with a pencil skirt or fitted pants for two unique looks.
It also doesn’t have to be too expensive (try Uniqlo).
Katie Couric keeps her look classy with a long necklace and jeans.
Fashion Essential #9 – Trench Coat
Burberry, $1495
A trench coat is a trendy way to stay warm and can bring an entire outfit of fitted pants or dark denim and knee high boots together.
Choose a coat that hits at the upper thigh or just below the knee for two classic looks.
Opt for a dark denim, camel, cream or black color for the most versatile option (Nordstrom carries them).
Madonna wears it in black.
Fashion Essential #10 – Classic High Heel Pump
Bloomingdales, $151
Every woman needs a high heel pump.
A new pair is much needed after many years of wear.
Opt for a patent leather pair in a classic color such as nude, black or navy blue – but red adds some punch (Bloomingdales has a great selection).
Jodie Foster shows off her legs with black heels.
Fashion Essential #11 – A great handbag
Coach, $295
Accessories are where you can really allow your personal style to shine through.
Choose a well-made bag that complements many pieces in your wardrobe.
Julianne Moore wears a Birkin Bag, but save your money with a Coach bag instead.
Fashion Essential #12 – Colorful or printed scarf
Tony Burch
A printed or colorful scarf is a fun way to accessorize an outfit.
Choose a print or design that matches your jackets or trench coats too for an even more versatile look this winter (we love the prints at Tony Burch).
Sophia Loren knows a scarf makes an outfit.