9 Closet Essentials For Chic City Style This Winter
On cold, dark mornings, there’s nothing quite like embracing fashion’s power to lift your spirits. From blissfully soft wardrobe foundations to trending finishing touches, these nine seasonal staples will make light work of winter dressing, says COLLEEN ROSS
A maxi skirt
Even in the face of blustery weather, the street-style set is remaining loyal to maxi skirts, from A-line to figure-skimming. Both styles are just the thing to wear with sweaters or fitted jersey staples, and knitted skirts, such as Lisa Yang’s ‘Ameline’ design, are dominating social feeds. Over on the dressier end of the scale, Frame’s silk-satin style comes in a sleek column silhouette that flares out slightly at the hem. Wear yours to dinner with a cashmere cardigan and heeled knee-high boots.
A suede bag
If you’re looking to invest in a new bag this season, there’s really only one material to consider – and that’s suede. Not only does it look and feel beautiful, but it adds texture and depth to outfits, elevating everything from knitwear to denim. Loewe’s prized ‘Pebble’ bucket bag is reworked this season in a larger size and comes in versatile camel suede, while Chloé’s sumptuous ‘Bracelet’ style is embellished with gleaming gold-tone hoops in a nod to its bohemian roots. Perfect whether you’re traveling or commuting, Tod’s ‘T Media’ tote in olive green is the epitome of pared-back luxury and a sophisticated choice for the office.
A sweater vest
Often spotted on tastemakers in Copenhagen and staffers at NET-A-PORTER HQ, the sweater-vest revival is still going strong. From our NET SUSTAIN edit of consciously crafted clothing, Calle Del Mar’s cashmere and silk-blend design will become a lifelong favorite if you show it some TLC with a special comb. What’s more, the pretty floral pattern will add subtle interest to neutral tailoring or denim. Elsewhere, Our Legacy’s vest stands out thanks to its sugary-pink hue, while Lisa Yang’s ‘Ebby’ tank is spun from cashmere and brushed for a soft, fuzzy handle.
A classic turtleneck
Diane Keaton has been the ultimate poster girl for this knitwear staple since the ’70s, revealing to her Instagram followers earlier this year that she “forever and always will be a turtleneck kind of gal”. Taking the icon’s enduring fashion credentials as proof, it’s an easy mindset to back. Plain, striped, colorful… there’s no hard-and-fast rule this sweater season, except that materials matter. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, Toteme’s striped sweater is spun from a blend of wool and alpaca for warmth and softness, while Nili Lotan’s beige turtleneck is knitted using fine cashmere fibers and has a relaxed fit. Style yours beneath a chic blazer.
Knee-high boots
Boots are essential for any cold-weather wardrobe, and this season, equestrian styles specifically are reigning supreme. Sleek and timeless, Valentino Garavani’s pair has been made in Italy from glossy tan leather and is perfect for every day. Alternatively, for something a little dressier, look to Manolo Blahnik or Saint Laurent – the latter’s ‘Vivian’ style comes in smooth burgundy leather and rests on a sleek stiletto heel. Elsewhere, Khaite’s ‘Andee’ boots come in statement snake-effect leather and feel very rock ’n’ roll. Pull yours on with a split-hem denim skirt or a mini skirt and sheer tights.
A tailored coat
When it comes to forever buys, a winter coat is often the biggest. Trust us, something flawlessly tailored and long in length is the answer. Keep things cool, classic and refined with The Row’s double-breasted ‘Woody’ design – the strong-shouldered shape will add polish to pretty much any outfit – or Wardrobe.NYC’s oversized checked style. Elsewhere, fans of warm-toned neutrals will love the biscuit hue of Saint Laurent’s wool and cashmere-blend coat. As always, the timeless shade pairs effortlessly with blue jeans, but it also looks chic with dark tailored pants.
Straight-leg jeans
When it comes to finding your go-to jeans, you’ll rarely go wrong with a straight-leg pair in tried-and-tested washes. Agolde’s ‘90s Pinch Waist’ jeans are cut from rigid denim and have a vintage blue wash. Set to be bestsellers, Anine Bing’s high-rise ‘Manon’ pair come in faded black that’s easy to dress up or down. Remember, every wash cycle affects the fit and feel of denim – that’s why aficionados (and sustainability experts) swear by freezing their jeans between laundry days.
Essential winter accessories
Come winter, the finishing touches are non-negotiable – as well as adding color and texture to a look, they are crucial for braving the elements. We love practical yet pretty scarves, which instantly lift a wintry color palette. Loewe’s jacquard-knit style, for example, feels wonderfully fluffy thanks to the sumptuous alpaca fibers in the blend. A brushed cashmere beanie by Lisa Yang is another sensible choice that adds instant cool to any aesthetic. Finally, for a little evening glamour, Agnelle’s butter-soft woven leather ‘Stanilas’ gloves are ultra-sophisticated and lined in smooth silk, so they feel like an indulgent treat for cold hands.
A knitted dress
A knitted dress will slot right into any capsule closet. The best part? They’re so easy to style. Altuzarra’s ‘Cuddy’ dress has been crafted from cashmere in a versatile gray-green shade that works perfectly with cream accessories. Meanwhile, New York-based label Salon 1884’s ‘Elodie’ midi has an elegant turtleneck silhouette and looks equally chic styled with knee-high boots or elegant pumps. Elsewhere, Alaïa’s hooded dress is both sleek and cozy, making it a gorgeous choice for evening – complement the classic black color with gold jewelry.
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