While tried-and-true classics like a crisp white poplin shirt or tailored-to-perfection trousers are the hero items here, they simultaneously serve as the ultimate fashion foundation for your other wardrobe essentials to shine. Take Citizens of Humanity’s button-up shirt, for example. When used as a layering piece over a Uniqlo slim-fitting turtleneck and Toteme wide-leg wool trousers, the look is instantly elevated to another level—and a cooler one at that. Frame’s oversized camel coat is a seasonless star and makes all the more impact when styled with a pair of barrel jeans from Nili Lotan and &Daughter’s Fair Isle cardigan. Meanwhile, no wardrobe is complete without a pair of Levi’s—they’re the perfect denim pick to wear alongside Everlane’s chunky red sweater and a pair of lug-sole loafers from Gucci. Other January essentials include sleek black leggings from Toteme, editor-approved dresses from Joseph and Zara, and cozy cashmere crewnecks from The Row. Honorable mention goes to a trusty pair of chic city sneakers, courtesy of Adidas, of course.
This New Year and beyond, here’s to elevating your wardrobe essentials with ten easy-to-follow outfit formulas that are as timeless as they are on trend.
The Structured Wool Overcoat With a Kitten-Heel Boot
A structured wool overcoat is an effortless and polished way to pull together a look, no matter what you choose to pair underneath. Elevate Frame’s classic camel coat just enough this year by styling it with &Daughter’s festive Fair Isle cardigan and a pair of barrel jeans from Nili Lotan. Meanwhile, kitten-heel boots from Toteme bring the cool factor.
The Trouser-Esque Black Legging With a Statement Sweater
A sleek pair of black leggings is a foundational layering essential in any winter-in-the-city outfit–and this ankle-grazing pair from Toteme is forever at the top of our shopping list. Complete your new mid-winter uniform with Bottega Veneta’s double-layered sweater, a pair of black Mary Janes from Everlane, and Toteme’s faux fur coat, which is equally cozy and chic.
The Go-To Denim With a Best in Belts
No wardrobe is ever complete without a pair of great blue jeans. Beloved for its endless stylistic opportunities, we especially love wearing Agolde’s slouchy style with Everlane’s chunky crewneck sweater and a pair of lug-sole loafers from Gucci. And for some drama, we’re looping in Khaite’s studded Benny belt–a hero item this winter (and beyond).
The Editor-Approved Dress With an Oversized Blazer
As if dresses weren’t effortless enough, Joseph’s color-blocked knit dress offers maximum style with minimal effort, making it the ultimate winter workwear staple. The addition of H&M’s oversized blazer is a chic outfit addition; and same goes for a pair of pointed-toe knee-high boots from The Row and DeMellier’s roomy work tote.
The All-Purpose Knitwear With a Winter White Jean
An all-purpose piece of knitwear is forever in style. Need proof? Find this gray cashmere crewneck from The Row. Cool-ify the classic by styling it with a pair of winter white jeans from Frame and Aeyde’s metallic ballet flats. Meanwhile, a warming winter coat from Favorite Daughter is this outfit formula’s cherry on top.
The Plain, But Perfect White Tee With a Minimalist Maxiskirt
If there’s one item we can guarantee is already in your wardrobe, it’s a plain, but perfect white tee—and this one from Leset is a cult classic. Elevate the closet basic by pairing it with a top trending item or two: a minimalist maxiskirt and a crystal-embellished pair of ballet flats. & Other Stories’ chic gray cardi is a polished pick to add to the mix.
The Chic City Sneaker With a Cool-Girl Corduroy
Oh, the beloved Adidas Samba! How we just can’t get enough of you season after season. This winter, style this off-white style with a pair of cool-girl corduroys from Dries Van Noten and Banana Republic’s plaid coat. Underneath, Theory’s chocolate-colored turtleneck completes the latte-inspired look to perfection.
The Tailored Trouser With a Chunky Lug-Sole Boot
Cos’ roster of seriously chic wardrobe essentials is never-ending—and these classic black trousers are the ultimate piece of timeless tailoring. For continued sartorial success, tuck in a slim-fitting turtleneck from Ganni and atop, layer over Toteme’s croc-embellished leather coat. A pair of lug-sole Tabi boots from Maison Margiela are built to withstand any wintry mixes to come in style.
The Sleek Smoking Loafer With a Denim Midiskirt
Move over ballet flats; there’s a new statement shoe in town this winter: the sleek smoking loafer. Styling-wise, pair Loeffler Randall’s classic black penny loafers with Toteme’s emerald green V-neck sweater and an asymmetrical denim midiskirt from Tory Burch. Proenza Schouler’s shearling-lined leather jackets bring an element of edge into the entire look.
The Crisp White Button-Up With a Polished Work Pant
A crisp white button-up is one of the many menswear-inspired wardrobe staples we can never get enough of. While wearing Citizens of Humanity’s poplin on its own is a solid approach, keeping it open over Uniqlo’s gray ribbed turtleneck is one of our best styling hacks. Wool trousers from Toteme continue the menswear aesthetic, while little white loafers from Le Monde Beryl keep it fabulously fresh.