Dressing for winter can feel like a lot of effort, especially for those of us that are used to just throwing on a flowy dress and a pair of sandals and calling it a day! But it doesn’t have to be. By adding a few key pieces to your wardrobe, you can create a variety of looks to take you through the colder months, effortlessly.
And if you’re an accessories lover, now’s your time to shine! A plain knit and jeans make for the perfect base to layer necklaces and a scarf.
Here are the staples that we have added to our winter closet this year; they’re all pieces that you can mix and match and that won’t go out of style after just one season - you will be able to wear most of these year-round by simply adding and removing layers.
1. The perfect pair of jeans
You’d be hard-pressed to find an item of clothing that will work as hard for you as a well-fitting pair of jeans! Invest in a pair of dark wash denim that you can dress up for an evening out with a nice top and a heeled boot or down with white sneakers and a tee. For the perfect weekend look, choose a lighter wash with some fading, zipper detailing or a fun print!
Slim-legged jeans are ideal for winter as they work well with tops and jackets of different lengths; think flowy longline cardigans, short blazers, boxy knits and structured coats.
2. A tube skirt
A true Blue Bungalow signature piece and for good reason, the tube skirt is a power player in any winter wardrobe! Why do we love them so much? They’re flattering on any body shape thanks to the stretchy, double layer fabric that flatters your curves and smooths out any lumps and bumps. Even better, they can be worn with a variety of tops: batwing tops, long sleeve knits, tees, blazers - anything goes.
Just add a pair of tights or leggings on colder days and you’re good to go - it’s the ultimate trans-seasonal piece. And don’t be afraid to add some fun to your outfit by switching up your accessories; a black tube skirt looks just as good with black tights and a black ankle boot as it does with navy leggings and a tan boot.
3. A basic dress
Dress lover? Fear not - we have some wintery options for you! There is nothing easier to wear than a long sleeved dress in a plain yet trendy colour, think khaki, chocolate brown or grey. Paired with a statement scarf, a pair of drop earrings and a jean jacket, it makes for the perfect outfit for a winery or high tea outing with the girls. If you live in a colder climate, you can wear your dress as a tunic top paired with a ponte pant or warm leggings and boots. The options are endless and the sky's the limit!
4. A statement jacket
No, jackets do not have to be black and boring! We ladies at BB like to have three jackets in our winter wardrobe: a super warm one for those freezing July days or that ski trip to New Zealand, a dressier option for night outs and an everyday staple that can also be worn inside - think velvet blazer or jean jacket.
Psst if you’re feeling uninspired and have no idea what to wear for your next trip to the grocery store, just throw on a pair of jeans, a black long sleeve top and wear a statement jacket - you’ll look stylish in a matter of seconds and no one will be any the wiser!
5. A wrap or poncho
So cold you don’t feel like getting out of bed? There’s literally nothing closer to being wrapped up in a warm doona than a cashmere wrap or wool poncho. Think of it as the acceptable way to bring your blanket to the office! Available in a variety of colours and materials to fit your fancy, a wrap or poncho can add some warmth to your summer dress and makes for a good layering piece when worn over a jumper and a maxi skirt.
6. A scarf
If you don’t feel like adding more clothes to your wardrobe but still want to freshen up your look, there’s no easier way to do so than to pick out a few scarves: a cosy cashmere scarf to wear with your favourite jacket, a leopard print scarf to wear over a black dress or top and make a statement, a feminine floral scarf to pair with a denim jacket and a colourful scarf to brighten your day and have you dreaming of summer.
Scarves are affordable and versatile. You can wear them loosely draped over your shoulders, wrapped around your neck, as an accessory on your favourite handbag, tied around a bun in your hair… who knew a simple piece of fabric could be that interesting!
7. A pair of sneakers
Sneakers are all the rage this year and for good reason; they’re stylish yet comfortable and, thanks to all the different styles on offer at the moment, can as easily be worn with pants as with a dress or a skirt. A plain white sneaker is a must-have, but why not also add funky trainers to your shoe cabinet? They’re the perfect way to showcase your personality through your outfit - nothing like a pair of metallic or leopard print sneakers to add some spice to an otherwise basic look.
Whether you choose a more streamlined shoe or one with a chunky heel, one thing’s for shoere (hehe) you really can’t go wrong this season with a stylish sneaker.
8. A versatile boot
Whether you live in a climate that requires boots or whether you simply want to wear something other than your trusty summer flats, ankle boots are a classic! Go for a pair with a small heel to elevate your outfit and take it from day to night or look for a boot with interesting detailing such as a colourful snakeskin pattern or geometric cut-outs to take your outfit from blah to fashionista.
9. A long sleeve top
While a basic long sleeve top is admittedly not the most exciting item to shop for, it will go a long way to help you transition your summer and autumn pieces for winter! We love a good bamboo basic as it is a breathable and thermo-regulating fabric, which means that it will keep you warm and dry no matter the weather. For a touch of affordable luxury, go for a micro modal top; its soft and stretchy fabric will feel like a warm hug and it drapes beautifully under a wrap or poncho.
10. A trusty pair of leggings
Another basic piece that you must have in your wardrobe is a trusty pair of leggings - and we would argue that you need more than one pair to get through winter. Whether you choose to wear them as pants to lounge comfortably around the house or wear them as tights under a dress or tunic top, leggings are easy to mix and match and will keep you warm on the coldest days.
And don’t be afraid to try something other than your trusty black bamboo legging; a funky print can add some interest to a plain hi-lo top and a navy tight can help break up an all-black outfit!
Related Articles
For more fabulous style guides and outfit tips, be sure to check out some of our other blogs!