This Basic Will Hold All Your Winter Looks Together, and You Probably Own It

Instagram is a funny place. One minute we’re liking a picture of a puppy; the next we’re delving into someone’s living room interiors, and in quick succession, we’re shopping. We have everything at our fingertips, and something we will always appreciate (as well as cute pets) is the ability to find outfit inspiration in a flash. Whether it’s how to dress like a French girl or the latest colour combinations to try out, there’s no shortage of ways to click refresh on your wardrobe. And let’s face it: During winter, this is more necessary than ever. So what if we were to tell you an item you most likely already own is the key to winter dressing? Or if you don't, then you can get it for almost the same price as a large glass of vino in a London bar? Well, the humble black roll-neck top is the secret.

Instantly making any outfit—from midi dresses to miniskirt suits—into a winter outfit, the trusty top will not only add that extra layer to keep you cosy but also look so good. You can also get the classic wardrobe basic on the high street for around £25, so is it any surprise every fashion person is basing all their cold-weather looks around this magic style? Here, we’ve found the best Instagram outfits that all have one thing in common: the black roll-neck top.

1. Roll-Neck + Cardigan + Chunky Loafers

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(Image credit: @modestmira_)

Style Notes: Amira is an expert at layering her modest outfits. A black roll-neck with a pop of blue will brighten any winter’s day. Layering a cardigan over the top is so clever.

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2. Roll-Neck + Faux-Fur Coat + Boots

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: When winter hits, we all have to pull out the big guns in the form of faux-fur outerwear. Black and brown is the colour combo Lucy Williams approves of with her black roll-neck and brown coat and boots. Swoon. 

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3. ROLL-NECK + PUFFER COAT + MARY-JANES

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: This dreamy Prada coat has been doing the rounds lately and what better way to style it than with a classic polo-neck knit underneath? Marilyn shows yet again how a head-to-toe black ensemble can look tres chic.

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4. Roll-Neck + Faux Fur Coat+ Straight-Leg Jeans

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(Image credit: @sylviemus)

Style Notes: Want to know the way to winter-proof any shirt you own? Layer a roll-neck with a faux fur coat just like Sylvie did, and voilà, cosy and cool in equal measures.

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5. Roll-Neck + Skirt + Aviator Jacket

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Style Notes: Play with lengths by pairing a polo-neck with a miniskirt. This styling is in keeping with the 'skirt off sick' trend.

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6. Roll-Neck + Shirt + Tailored Trousers

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(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

Style Notes: Want to know the way to winter-proof any shirt you own? Add a roll-neck underneath just like Brittany (aka the queen of wardrobe staples) did, and voilà, cosy and cool in equal measures.

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Next Up: 21 Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends That Really Matter.

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Opening image: @emmanuellek_

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning.Back to Who What Wear. With hundreds of published stories on site, Harriet knows what the WWW reader wants. Keeping up to date with the latest It buys and runway trends, she can guarantee to keep you one step ahead of the most stylish people.When not writing or styling, Harriet loves to go shopping (yes, more fashion). If she’s not in a local Hackney bar or restaurant, you can find her forever searching for her next holiday destination.