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
Cozy turtleneck sweaters comprise approximately 50% of my winter wardrobe.
This beautiful sweater is made with 100% organic Tanguis cotton.
When shopping for a classic cable-knit, choose a slightly more oversize fit so you can layer as needed.
This classic cable-knit gets bonus points for blouson-inspired sleeves.
I'm obsessed with this eye-catching sweater from the recently launched Anna October x J.Crew collab.
Hurry: This sweater from Marshalls won't be on sale forever.
2. Camel Wool Coat
You don't have to spend a ton of money to get a great-looking camel coat.
But you totally can if you want to…
Ralph Lauren's top coats are a classic winter staple in the Northeast.
J.Crew makes excellent coats; we love the leather collar detail on this one.
3. Black Blazer
Find a fitted blazer in a fabric that can be worn year-round.
Relaxed-fit blazers are ideal for wearing over thicker sweaters.
Double-breasted designs deserve the best buttons.
Think a blazer feels too corporate? We love this more casual design styled with rolled-up sleeves.
4. Straight-Leg Jeans
You truly cannot go wrong with an excellent pair of jeans from the Gap. We are especially fond of the '90s style in a dark wash.
There are so many different sizes and shapes of Madewell jeans that you're sure to find the perfect fit in any category.
Try tucking thinner sweaters into the front of high-waist jeans for a simple styling trick.
Mother denim is well worth the investment.
5. Chelsea Boots
-
Sorry, Skinny Jeans! These 14 Outfits Prove Barrel Jeans Are Still the MomentReceipts have been pulled.
-
If You're Scared of Skinny Jeans But Are Craving Something New, Try This It-Girl Denim TrendSee and shop the style inside.
-
Is Everyone Already Swapping Skinny Jeans for This Even More Dated Denim Trend?Let's take a look.
-
I Forgot About These Winter Boots Until Meghan Markle Styled a Pair In the Most 2025 WayGood thing they're on sale.
-
I'm a Professional Shopper—These Are the 3 Best Categories From the Nordstrom Winter SaleThese chic pieces are selling out fast.
-
Meghan Markle Traded Her Usual Black Skinny Jeans for a Denim Trend That's About to Be EverywhereAnd you can too.
-
These 30 Incredibly Chic Picks From the Nordstrom Winter Sale Scream Cool GirlTime to up your fashion game.
-
I'm High-Key Obsessed—Nordstrom Has the Best Basics, and They're on SaleTop-tier pieces ahead.
