If, like me, you've been readingBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 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
-
Listen, Being Cool in 2025 Requires Just Two Things: Loose Jeans and This “Weird” Viral Flat-Shoe TrendThey're strange, but so chic.
-
My Mom Is in Her 50s and Asked Me for Fashion Advice—8 ChicReplica Store Outfits I Put Together for Her Under $425Outdated prints and "ugly" shoes included.
-
These Easy Outfit Formulas Make Even Fall's Most Polarizing Boot Trend Look CoolSee the inspiration inside.
-
Consider This Your Heads-Up: The Coolest People in Fashion Are Already Wearing This New Elegant Outerwear BrandFounded and designed by celebrity stylist Rob Zangardi.
-
This Is the Luxe Fall Shoe Trend Every Fashion Person Is Already Wearing on RepeatCount these inspo pics as proof.
-
No, Really—This Denim Color Is Easier to Style Than Blue *and* Black JeansAnd everyone with taste is wearing it with loafers for fall.
-
Every Cool Fall Outfit Will Include This Specific Jacket Trend, and I Found the 14 Best VersionsThe chicest people in London and New York are wearing it.
-
From Sweden to London: The Surprising Jeans Color European Fashion People Are Reaching for This FallHere's how to pull it off.
