Winter Basics Don't Get Better Than This (Did I Mention They're All Under £100?)

When you’re putting together the perfect outfit, there are a few things to consider. One of your utmost priorities should be ensuring the items that make up your outfit don’t fight against one another. Instead, they should work together to amplify your entire aesthetic. That’s where basics come in, and considering the current season, let’s talk winter basics.

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(Image credit: @mon.ager)

Monique Ager styles out a chic blazer from H&M. 

An edit of timeless staples will have your back year after year and make whatever trends or statement pieces you do decide to buy into look chicer in the process. This applies in the winter months, too, during which you might flirt with the idea of buying, I don’t know, a bright faux-fur coat (a piece many influencers are already investing in, should you be interested). Anyway, to go with said statement coat, you’ll need a handful of basics—classic jeans, perhaps, a simple knitted jumper, or even sleek leather trousers. This will help to spotlight your gorgeous new outerwear without the rest of your ensemble pulling focus.

Now that we’ve gone over the importance of assembling an edit of winter basics, let’s look at what you can get for your money. 

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Marianne Smyth takes her Zara trench coat and effortlessly pairs it with Arket jeans. 

One of the questions I’m most frequently asked is, "Do I need to spend more money on my basics?” The answer, in my opinion, is no. While the saying "you get what you pay for” absolutely applies in some instances, this isn’t the rule of thumb for every single possible item. I love the high street—many of my most-worn finds hail from it. So I firmly believe that, yes, you can find excellent winter basics under £100. You just need to know where to look for the best ones

Not only do I believe it, but I also have proof! Scroll on to see 27 winter basics under £100 I really rate. They’re not all pared back and minimal—there is a dash of colour and print in my edit—but they’re pieces I know you’ll love and wear year in, year out.

1. CHIC COATS

2. VERSATILE JACKETS

3. COSY KNITWEAR

4. TRUSTY JEANS

5. LONG-SLEEVE DRESSES

6. BLACK BOOTS

7. LEATHER SEPARATES 

8. LAYERING STAPLES

9. ELEVATED ACCESSORIES

Next Up: 27 Wardrobe Basics You Need in Your 30s, From Someone Who Knows

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.