During the month of January, we launched our Basic series—a set of dedicated posts outlining the essential items every woman should have in their wardrobe. They included:
Today, we’re going to take that series a bit farther and deep-dive into a few of those topics. But we’re going to go a bit further this month and talk about winter essentials you can’t live without. They are:
- bold scarves
- cozy sweaters
- boots & booties
- sunglasses
- overcoats
For each item, I’m going to throw a few style tips at you and discuss whether you should think of that item as an investment piece or not. So, let’s get going with the winter essentials you can’t live without.
Bold Scarf
Winter can be cold, dark, and dreary, so there’s never a better time to incorporate bold pops of color into your wardrobe to brighten your day. What better way to introduce Fuschia, cobalt blue, or tangerine to your outfit than with a bold scarf? Pattern and print scarves add interest to an outfit too. Scarves are a great accessory any time of year.
Style tips
- I’ll wrap a scarf around my waist as a belt or tie one on my handbag in summer.
- But come winter, a scarf is a great way to stay warm and stylish. Scarves can be tied in multiple ways around your neck to add a layer of warmth.
- But don’t forget about silk scarves come winter. They go to work and the weekend with ease which is why they landed on my 5 classic winter essentials list.
Investment piece? Yes.
Shop Scarves (Below)
Cozy Sweater
There are so many options when it comes to a cozy sweater. A simple style uniform I reach for time and again is a cozy sweater, blue jeans, and boots. Voila! Instant chic. There are so many sweaters to choose from as well as different silhouettes.
Style tips
- Cable knit sweaters, merino wool, or a cashmere sweater are always a welcome sight on a cold winter day.
- Whether you like a v-neck, crewneck, or cardigan, this versatile wardrobe staple can be worn multiple ways for work or the weekend and will last for years.
- My favorite is a sleek turtleneck that looks fantastic with blue jeans. This sweater always lands on my 5 classic winter essentials list.
Investment piece? Depends. Sweaters can be on-trend or not. Quality can run the full end of the spectrum.
Shop Cozy Sweaters (Below)
Sunglasses
Don’t forget a pair of sunglasses add a chic statement to any outfit. But they also protect our eyes from the harsh UV rays.
Style tips:
- Don’t be afraid to buy a pair of on-trend pair.
- Do keep pairs of classics like aviators or Jackie Ohhs
Investment piece? Most definitely. Just be careful not to lose them.
Shop Sunglasses (Click below)
Boots & Booties
Once winter rolls into town, the temperatures are sure to dip. Unless you live in Florida, Arizona, or California, that’s when boots and booties come into play as they keep your tootsies warm.
Style tips
- Knee-high boots look fantastic tucked into a pair of skinny jeans.
- Booties are a great option to wear with any length pants, skirt, or dress.
Investment pieces? Depends. Make, quality, and usage can determine whether or not a pair of boots and/or booties will last you a lifetime. In general, I would say “yes”, especially when you’re dealing with tried and true bands like Frye.
Shop Boots & Booties (Click below)
Overcoat
An overcoat always makes the top 5 classic winter essentials list. If you live in Minnesota or Canada, you know how vital a coat is to keep the winter winds at bay. But we don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. These days there are so many overcoats to choose from.
Style tips
- We all need at least one classic overcoat to wear in the evening, at work, or during special events. That’s when a classic single-breasted or double-breasted overcoat comes into play.
- Choose a neutral color with a longer length that can easily slip over a midi dress.
- Shorter coats are perfect for the weekend.
Investment pieces: Yes. A good overcoat is timeless and should last you a lifetime.
Shop Overcoats (Click below)
In case you missed it
That’s a wrap on winter essentials you can’t live without. Last week was Yellowstone week on the blog. In case you missed it, we featured
About The Author
H i Beth Beautiful combinations, I do no nt get tire of say it.
Where is the pretty scarf from?
The Blue one is very nice also
Have a nice Sunday
Love your blog and look forward to it each day! I went to UGA 1979 – 83 (now live in Los Angeles) and love hearing about and seeing your pictures of beloved Athens, GA. Would you consider a post or series on how to care for suede boots and leather belts/handbags? Believe it or not, it’s damp in my closet (close to the beach) and I struggle to keep mold and mildew off my suede and leather accessories :-).
Can tights be worn with ankle pants and boots during the cold winter months to ward off frozen ankles?
Like this post. Great inspiration, I have so many sweaters but still like to see the ones you show with an outfit. Because I have so many sweaters, some are cashmere, I cannot justify paying $400 for one, and my pocketbook cannot afford that price range. I would like to see more 100-150 sweaters shown. Thanks
Hi Beth,
Love your style! Where can I get the black combat boots you are wearing with your puffer jacket?
hi mary,
here is a link: https://rstyle.me/+bFmU4Ni4xyZBBoG7HJdyqQ
Hi Beth
I enjoy your posts so much especially now that I’m snowed in with Covid I think a scarf is the one item that can turn an ordinary outfit into a fashionable one. They were so much better than turtle necks in the hot flash years. They can be taken off and on easily as needed . I’m looking forward to the snow cleared and my quarantine over so I can put together some of your great outfit ideas and go out again
I think scarves are an underrated wardrobe staple, too. Silk scarves are really a 4 season go to for me, even in the depth of Canadian prairie winters. Silk is surprisingly warm. I love their versatility too, as in spring an fall, or cool summer evenings at the lake, they can be easily stashed in or on your bag.
Merino wool is a great go to , for bundling up during winter walks, without the bulk. Great post, Beth.
Great information! I love scarves! For a minute there, I thought you were going to talk about the sweater you always grab to wear at home – ha! I have 3 sisters & we all have a “house sweater” – well-worn & much loved. One of my sister’s husbands mentioned that she was living in “that red sweater.” She & I traded “house sweaters” just to tease him.