These Are the 9 Items Making It Easier for Me to Get Dressed This Month
With presents to buy, parties to attend and mince pies to eat, it’s no surprise that our wardrobes can sometimes take a back seat in these winter months. Not to mention the weather, which doesn’t exactly lend itself to fancy-free dressing when you’re just busy trying not to freeze. Anyone else partial to slipping into a constant cycle of knits, jeans and coats with the odd sparkly top thrown in?
Not that we have anything against that classic combo, but sometimes, a little bit of inspiration is needed to breathe life into our existing wardrobe and keep us feeling on top of our fashion game until the new season. I took to Instagram to see what some of our favourite influencers were currently getting dressed in and found I was seeing the same nine pieces over and over again.
These anything-but-boring-basics are so easy to incorporate into your current offering and with a few simple styling tricks will elevate everyday looks to make them feel very 2020 before we’ve even got there. Whether it’s for staying sane over Christmas at home or feeling festive with minimal effort, if you only buy nine new items this winter, make it these…
1. Black Blazer
Until now, I’ve been slightly put off by the formality of a black blazer, preferring to stick to checked or camel styles, but after seeing so many cool influencers throwing theirs over everything from hoodies to minidresses, I’m totally sold. The key is to go for a masculine, oversized shape.
2. Chunky Boots
Let’s be real—if you haven’t got a pair of chunky black boots yet, it’s time. Whether you prefer lace-up combats, hiking or Chelsea boots, trust us when we say adding a pair of these to your collection is the easiest way to make that weekend jeans-and-jumper outfit feel modern.
3. Cream Trousers
Okay, this may not be a piece of clothing to wear in the rain or on a winter walk, but for those crisp, blue sky days in the city, there’s nothing chicer at the moment than a pair of cream tailored trousers. Try wide-legs for an evening event or tapered tucked into knee-high boots for the daytime.
4. Chain Necklace
The ultimate jewellery piece to keep in your handbag for after-work occasions. You can also just add a gold chain to any day-to-day outfit and feel a little more glam.
5. Little Black Dress
If you’re a fan of making your partywear work harder, go for an LBD à la Jessie Bush and you can easily take your festive outfit to work. I’ve recently been wearing this Zara number with a polo, tights and knee-high boots in the day and de-layering and adding some jewels for the evening. This classic is more versatile than you think.
6. Croc-Print Boots
Yes, croc-print boots are still around and aren’t looking like they’ll go anywhere soon. The high street has finally caught up and there are so many great options whatever your preference (ankle or knee-high) to add to your winter wardrobe. Pair with anything from a glitzy dress for New Year’s Eve to black jeans for a cosy pub lunch.
7. Zip Knit
This is the fashion industry’s favourite layering piece at the moment. Not just your average roll-neck, the zip collar adds another dimension to any jumper and jacket layered look, as Lucy Williams demonstrates so well.
8. Leather Trousers
Not groundbreaking, but we’re seeing so many tailored, straight-leg leather trousers on Instagram recently as opposed to the leather leggings of yore. They’re much more flattering and perfect to switch in for jeans for a more grown-up and put-together look. They work just as well with heels or trainers, event dependent.
9. Sparkly Shoes
December wouldn’t be December without a little sparkle. If, like me, you resent buying party dresses that you’ll only wear once, instead invest in a pair of sparkly shoes that can make any old outfit feel festive and that will also work to dress up jeans throughout the year.
Next: Read about the only new fashion trends you need to know for next season.
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
-
I'm a Shopping Director—These Are the 49 Chic Items I Can't Stop Thinking About
Elevated picks.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
Here Is the Ultimate Guide to Buying Diamond Earrings
Class is in session.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
I've Been a Jewelry Designer for Years—These 3 Trends Have My Full Attention
Diamonds outlast any trend cycle.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
I'm an NYC Editor and Former Nordstrom Stylist—I Know You'll Love These Items
The best of the retailer's website is incoming.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
5 Shopbop Brands Fashion People Can't Stop Wearing
You need to know these five brands ASAP.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
The Beginner's Guide to Cutting Your Closet's Carbon Footprint
Ditch the polyester fabric, please.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
Fashion Girls Know This Is a Top Place to Find More Affordable Designer Gems
The best-kept secret.
By Ray Lowe
-
Chanel Bags 101: All You Need to Know About the Iconic Accessory
The ultimate investment.
By Carson Olivares