We'll always take an interest in following trends, but when it comes to building out a smart, hardworking wardrobe, items that are a little more classic will always take precedence. That doesn't mean your closet has to be chock-full with the most basic of basics, but rather that you start to pinpoint which trends, pieces, cuts and fabrics always come round time and again. Will there ever be a winter when shearling coats and jackets aren't in favour? Probably not. Will chunky boots ever go out of fashion? Unlikely, because we've come to rely upon them for A) making outfits look cooler and B) being infinitely more practical than anything else we've worn in winters past. Will time-honoured designer stalwarts like Margiela's Tabi boots or The Row's Banana bag ever lose their appeal? Goodness, no.
So consider this list below less of a schooling in the absolute essentials and more of a rundown of the elevated classics that will be guaranteed time in the (winter) sun year after year and that those in the know will appreciate from 50 paces. From the perfect quilted coat to the loafers you'll slip into every day of the week, these are the coolest, and most classic, pieces I've spotted on Instagram recently.
If you're looking for the perfect pair of stompy boots to wear this winter and for as long as you can keep on battering them, then it's this wonderful pair from Jigsaw. Yes, they're a little pricier than your average high-street versions, but they do look like fantastic quality.
Check, plaid and tartan come back into fashion every single winter, so this monochrome midi skirt will be a chic piece to choose no matter what the year.
If you like your coats, big, snuggly and perfect for layering, this is the one. Great with denim, cool over boho dresses… a tan shearling coat is surprisingly versatile.
A well-tailored pair of slouchy trousers should be in every wardrobe, and these ones from Me+Em look like a great fit—the brand's trousers are famously good.
Maison Margiela's Tabi boots (the ones with the distinctive split toe) were first designed back in 1988, and they're as much of a hot ticket now as they were then.
I adore this whole outfit (from the vintage clothes to the "old Celine" boots), but it's those Gucci sunglasses giving extra A-list pizzazz to a great winter look.
In the competition for best hands-free designer bag, this one from The Row wins every single time. There are leather versions but also now nylon too, which makes it ever so slightly cheaper. If money is no object, then this truly is a great investment piece you'll want to use every day.
We've said it before, and we'll say it again, this quilted jacket from The Frankie Shop is everything and then some! Now coming through in new colourways, like the black and military green below.
Tanice has an eye for those kinds of slouchy, throw-on basics that just look so good, and this jumper is no exception. I'd take the trousers, bag and shoes too, TBH.
There are a couple of minimalistic influencers who own these square-toe loafers from COS, and I can see why—they look way beyond their high-street price tag.
All the neatness of a blazer with the added bonus of being super snuggly, this faux-shearling LVIR jacket looks so sumptuous and like a delight to wear.
Next up, the best high-street deals for Black Friday.
