However well-intentioned I may approach the winter months (from a sartorial point of view), waking up to it still being dark and worryingly cold means I inevitably leave getting out of bed to the very last minute, leaving me in a bit of a time crunch when it comes to getting dressed. The result is that, more often than not, I rely on the easiest outfit I can put together. Luckily for me, simplicity is very much in—especially if you lean more towards the minimalist aesthetic. And if I really think about it, the outfits I tend to admire and save on my Instagram feed are those that look effortlessly thrown together. In other words, I'm more convinced that ever that this winter I can find some fresh looks that tick the boxes of being both easy and gorgeous.
Well, mission accomplished. After much extensive scrolling, I've found eight looks that are easy, in that they are built around wardrobe staples, are comfortable, unfussy, and not made up of multiple complicated elements. But they're also undeniably cool, feeling both on trend (note the inclusion of some very on-trend staples like riding boots, suede jackets and a jolt of red) and effortlessly cool. So come and join me on this lazy dresser's journey...
See 8 Basic Winter Outfits That Are Still Chic and Impressive:
1. Straight-Leg Jeans + Layered Knit + Suede Jacket
Style Notes: If there's one denim style I'm loyal to, it's straight-leg jeans. They always give a great silhouette and are endlessly versatile. Give yours a fresh spin with this season's must-have outerwear: the suede jacket. Just make sure you save this look for a non-rainy day.
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The colour of this jacket is just perfection.
A white t-shirt is a layering essential, and when it peeps out from under your knitwear your whole look suddenly looks so much more considered.
My ideal slouchy fit.
Our editors swear by COS denim.
Counter the dreary winter weather with a pop of dopamine-inducing colour.
2. Knit Dress + Colourful Trench Coat
Style Notes: We'll never stop singing the praises of the knitted dress, which is so versatile, cosy and chic. This season, our favourite trendsetters are giving their minimalist ensembles a fresh twist by swapping their classic trench coats for a version in a rich colour, such as the very on-trend burgundy or deep olive greens.
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The kind of versatile knit dress you'll never regret owning.
I'm obsessed with this colour—and a wool trench is arguably much more useful in the cold weather than the lightweight version.
Such a sleek boot.
NEOUS bags remain at the top of my wish list.
3. White Jeans + Long Wool Coat + Birkenstocks
Style Notes: Aimee's outfit is a masterclass is embracing tonal dressing for winter. This mix of creams, taupes and browns creates an outfit that is undeniably chic yet understatedly cool—thanks in large part to the Birkenstocks.
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A camel jumper somehow always makes a look appear more expensive.
I'm a huge fan of wearing white jeans in winter.
It's official—brown coats are the must-have outerwear this season.
The year round flat we all love.
4. Barrel-Leg Jeans + Shirt + Jumper + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Barrel leg jeans are the marmite style of the season, and up till now I'd been slightly too intimidated to give them a go. But Brittany makes it look so easy—I love how she uses the tailored shirt and jumper combination to make the whole ensemble appear minimalist and elevated.
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The cut of this shirt is perfection.
This is a bestseller for a reason.
The jeans that have convinced me to give barrel a break.
I love the way the buckle detail toughens up these Mary Janes.
5. Tailored Trousers + Sweater Vest
Style Notes: We all know when it comes to winter dressing these days, layering is key. Opting for a sweater vest over a t-shirt is a great option for when you're running between meetings and navigating the brisk outdoors and the overheated indoors. Plus, who can resist a pop of red in the form of a pointed-toe heel?
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A close fit t-shirt is great for layering.
A cosy dream.
The trouser that comes back time and time again.
A belt is essential.
These look exactly like @symphonyofsilk's!
A chic necessity.
6. Textured Leather Skirt + Turtleneck Jumper + Boots
Style Notes: I used to think leather skirts were relegated to my early twenties nights out, but trust @modedeamour to prove how to make them look seriously elevated. The textured croc leather, the elegant black turtleneck—this is a Parisian-inspired dream. Gloves, of course, are entirely optional.
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Yes, it's an investment, but this will never go out of style.
A cashmere turtleneck is a very justifiable winter luxury.
My kind of heel height.
No one would believe you got this from the high street.
7. Breezy Dress + Cable Knit Jumper + Boots + Country Jacket
Style Notes: Good news—you don't have to abandon your favourite summer dresses just because the seasons have changed. Claudia's outfit is a masterclass in how to take your breezy white summer dress into the colder months—and this countryside-inspired look just so happens to be very on trend right now.
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A year round classic.
I'm a sucker for a cable knit jumper.
Flat knee-high boots have become a footwear staple this season, and this Toteme style likely won't stay in stock long.
The kind of country coat you can wear anywhere.
8. Column Skirt + Red Jumper + Heels
Style Notes: Red is undeniably the colour of the season, and this is a brilliant example of how to inject it into your winter wardrobe. A column skirt can be dressed up or down for every occasion, and a court heel means you can take it from day to night with ease.
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M&S is always my first stop for knitwear.
Ready for any occasion.
A black court heel is well worth the investment.
I'm obsessed.
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