My Essentials | Winter Edition

Welcome to the Winter Edition of “My Essentials”. Here I’ve compiled a list of items I gravitate towards in winter. They are by no means fundamental wardrobe pieces but they definitely make it a whole lot easier to decide what to wear in the morning. Without further ado, here are my Winter Essentials.

PS. Didn't realise until I started putting this post together, but there seems to be a earthy colour scheme among these items!

1. Mock Neck

Okay, so I don’t own a legit turtleneck, but these two mock necks I recently purchased have been lifesavers. I can forget my scarf all I want and I’m still relatively warm! Not to mention that for me personally, turtlenecks can feel a bit suffocating indoors because you can't take it off. I like that although both these are thin material they keep me relatively warm, and don't require too many layers to fend off the cold.

Sleeveless: Valley Girl | Similar Style Here
Cropped:  Urban Outfitters

The Alternative: The turtleneck is obviously a warmer option to the mock neck. And if all you have are regular tops if you have a thin scarf in the same colour as your shirt it would loosely give off the same appearance from afar

2. Leather Jacket

I love, love, love my leather moto style jacket. I’ve been on the hunt for a good leather jacket, because the previous ones I owned were gifts, and ended up being too big. I’m glad I found a brown one. It has a softer look than black leather but the silhouette is still edgy

My Jacket: American Rag (Sold Out) | Similar Style Here

The Alternative: There isn’t really an alternative to the classic leather jacket but I really don’t think it’s a wardrobe necessity – I lived without one until this year! I guess a blazer can also create a polished look like the leather jacket does. If you want a leather jacket for its edgy look however you can always experiment with accessories, or attach pins to an oversized denim jacket.

3. Collared Shirt

I’ve said it before, but you can do so many things with a collared button up shirt. It’s the perfect layering piece and accessory. For the winter, if I want to wear it as is, I simply wear a shirt underneath and because I always choose shirts with a slightly looser fit, it’s just extra hidden warmth without the bulk of another visible layer. The other great thing is the collar. Layered underneath a jumper/sweater with the collar and sleeves peeking through spices up a solid coloured outer layer.

My Shirt: Forever 21 | Similar Style Here 

The Alternative: I’m 99% sure that everyone owns at least one collared shirt. Whether it’s a button down, or a blouse with a peter pan collar. If you don’t own one, this is definitely a basic and you should invest! In the mean time this is your chance to experiment with layering – try a puffy vest over a long sleeve, or layer a higher neckline under a jumper/sweater for a pop of colour!

4. Combat Boots

My live savers on a rainy day! All my other shoes end up soaked but when I wear my combat boots my socks stay dry all day. I purchased these boots a few years ago at London Rebel (Highpoint). In addition to that, they keep my ankles warm on those icy cold days.

My Boots: Naughty Monkey | Similar Style Here

The Alternative: If it’s the rain you want to prevent getting in your shoes, any kind of shoe with thicker material will suffice. There’s also this spray you can apply to any shoes that supposedly makes them waterproof. If it’s extra warmth you’re looking for, wear any shoes that go up to the ankle, like high top sneakers. There is also no shame in doubling up on socks. No one has to know. Sshhh

5. High Waisted Pants

I have a few pairs of high waisted pants but my favourite is my burgundy or maroon (not sure lol) high-rise pants. High waisted pants just give me that extra warmth around the stomach if I wear a top over it. With cropped tops, or tucked in shirts, it gives me extra height, which is especially appreciated when I wear boots, which can sometimes cut off my height.

My Pants: Cocolatté | Similar Style Here

The Alternative: High waisted silhouettes are on trend and have been for awhile, but there’s always the possibility of it going out of style, so if high waisted pants isn’t your thing don’t worry about it – although I love them I don’t think it makes all that much of a difference to the variety of a wardrobe. I just personally love them because I’m short and need to extend my height by any means!

I hope my tips have been helpful to you! Expect a Spring Edition of My Essentials!

Have fun,

Nyssa