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.