Winter Wardrobe Essentials!

Be ready before the chill bites with your Winter wardrobe essentials! Invest in the pieces that will keep you warm without bulk, yet look effortlessly polished.

If you haven’t edited your Autumn/Winter wardrobe yet, do it this week.

Identify gaps, set a budget, and invest first in pieces that protect you from cold, wind and rain - coats, waterproof boots, quality knitwear. BUT save your money when it comes to spending on trend colors, novelty scarves or occasional tops! 

Where to start!

From your current stock of Autumn/Winter clothes, assemble the basic outfits that reflect and work for your lifestyle over the coming months.

Nothing is more frustrating than finding you're missing a roll neck sweater that would pull many of your favorite looks together, particularly if you recognized the loss last year! 

Check out the items you're missing from the list below (where they're applicable to your lifestyle of course), and put them at the top of your shopping list NOW!

You can be just a little smug when you're ready with an extra layer to beat the cold! 

Base layers - thermals for skin-deep warmth!

The older we get the colder we get so let's think skin-deep warmth with thermals!

Do you have an early morning commute? Perhaps you're home based and trying to keep heating costs down; or even if you enjoy long country walks at the weekend; start with thermals that breathe! 

The best fabrics to choose are fine merino, silk, or technical heat-retaining blends. Aim for lightweight, close-fitting pieces that don’t add bulk.

You can choose from a cami, short or long sleeve tops and leggings or thermal tights (80 - 200 denier). I suggest you go with nude, black, navy or ivory first that will disappear under clothes. 

INVEST: Two thermal tops plus thermal tights/socks. M&S and similar retailers offer good, washable options in multiple colours. Move fast as some of them are already sold out!

A selection of thermal styles from Marks and Spencer

Layering tops that flatter

These are your everyday foundations rady to be worn alone or under knitwear. 

either cotton, wool or silk, whichever is kindest to your skin and/or pocket.

Choose from a round neck, v neck, roll neck or classic polo for comfort and to compliment other items in your wardrobe. Neutral tops will give you maximum mileage. You can find all of these basics in thermal weight as well, see above.

INVEST: Basic layering pieces: One top in each light (white/ivory/cream) and dark (black/gray/navy) are most useful to have to hand before you indulge in color. 

Knitwear - warmth without bulk

Layer into Fall with knitwear which tops your base layers adding softness warmth and versatility! 

Cardigans and knitted vests give you temperature control (ideal if you run warm/cool like me!) Choose shoulder seams that sit correctly, slightly relaxed which keeps the look refined, but avoid over big!

Choose Merino wool for everyday warmth with minimal bulk; or splurge on luxurious cashmere which drapes well and layers neatly. Cashmere and it's exceptional softness will last for decades, with care, making it a sensible and sustainable investment. 

INVEST: A merino roll‑neck, a cashmere (or cashmere‑blend) crew or cardigan, and a knitted vest for extra core warmth. A selection of sweaters/cardigans here..

Coats that earn their keep

Most wardrobes need two coats: one casual and weatherproof, one smart.

A Puffer/parka is water‑resistant or waterproof. It usually comes with a hood, two‑way zip and sometimes a cinch-able waist for shape. Look for good insulation (down or recycled fill) that’s warm yet light.

A wool or wrap coat is more refined and versatile for work and evenings. Aim for at least 70% wool for warmth and structure.

An average to tall woman looks good in a knee to mid-calf length for maximum elegance and coverage. A petite woman, however, is better to stick to a mid-thigh or above the knee coat unless she specifically shops a Petite range. In that case, a long coat will be cut for your shape and size.

INVEST: One weatherproof puffer/parka and one wool/wrap coat that complements your main outfits.

Waterproof Shoes/Boots

Wet feet are miserable, make us ill and ruin outfits! Choose waterproof or water‑resistant finishes and slip‑resistant soles for the worst of the weather. 

Ankle boots are the most versatile with trousers or skirts while knee boots add warmth with dresses. Do check the calf width and zips. Loafers with a lug sole are perfect for rainy days.

Women of 40+ should look for added comfort details such as a cushioned insole, arch support, a stable block heel, and grippy rubber soles. Be prepared to waterproof boots each season and use suede protector where necessary. 

INVEST: One pair of waterproof ankle boots early in the season, then add a smart knee boot if you wear dresses/skirts.

Accessories that work harder

A small change of accessories can bring a big difference in warmth - and style!

Hats: Choose a beanie for casual and a felt/fedora for smartwear. Always choose colors that flatter your complexion.

Scarves: a generous wool or cashmere scarf adds warmth and be be in a a face‑brightening colour or print.

Gloves: leather (lined in cashmere/wool) or technical touch‑screen gloves for every day; keep a thinner pair for driving.

INVEST: A woolly hat, gloves and scarf are often a cheap buy but do the trick.  A neutral set that matches your coat and one colourful scarf to lift winter neutrals is perfect. If you can afford better then real wool or cashmere will work harder for you.