20 Classically Timeless Winter Staples

Can you believe December is finally upon us? Feels like I just did the yearly seasonal closet flip yesterday from winter to summer. But now that our summer wardrobe is all packed away, the winter temperatures pretty much dictate which fashion essentials comprise the building blocks of a solid, stylish winter wardrobe that will get us through even the coldest of cold-weather seasons.

Here are 20 celeb-tested winter staples that will never go out of style. So if you’re eyeing that gorgeous camel coat or that luxe cashmere scarf—why not take the plunge and get more bang for your buck? Chances are you will definitely be getting your money’s worth if you can wear it as a forever staple:)

1. CAMEL COAT

This chic hue has never had a passé moment when it comes to coats. Seen on the shoulders of Grace Kelly and Katherine Hepburn and now Cameron Diaz, this classic topper is the epitome of luxe and glamour.

2. CHUNKY KNIT CARDIGAN

Chunky, cabled knits are always great for warming up by the fire on a white, winter night, but the borrowed-from-boys cardigans have as much staying power on the street. Sarah Jessica Parker knows the chic trick—a waist-defining belt.

3. OVERSIZED SUNGLASSES

While aviators are summer’s unofficial sunglass shape, oversized ones are winter’s equivalent. They cover up dry, wind-chapped skin and add Ashley Olsen-style glamour to your jeans and coat uniform.

4. SOPHISTICATED SPORTSWEAR

A chic turtleneck and pair of leggings are the basis for thousands of winter layering combinations. But as Zoe Saldana proves, also make for sleek stand-alone attire.

5. SHEARLING COAT

Shearling thankfully is chic, because it sure is warm. A tan or black lambskin coat will be in your closet—and your daughter’s—for a lifetime thanks to its long-lasting wearability. It’s the anti-fur for laid back types like Kiera Knightly—less fussy, but still just as glamourous.

6. FUR-TRIMMED PUFF

Not just for skiing in Aspen, down-filled jackets are the secret to below-zero style. Trimmed in fur you’ll look like a million bucks like Catherine Zeta-Jones. Tip: Wear with skinny jeans to avoid looking, well, overly puffy.

7. FUR COAT

Luxury is always in style. Whether fox or faux, a glamorous fur coat—Victoria Beckham wears hers as effortlessly as a cardigan—will always keep you chic and cozy, plus take the guess work out of topping your LBD. But remember these are modern times, and jeans make an equally perfect pairing too.

8. KNEE-HIGH BOOTS

Boots that hit right at the knee have a timeless appeal, not to mention flatter most leg shapes. They look great tucked into jeans and add a cool touch to tights and a dress. Take a cue from Rachel Bilson and invest in a red pair to add punch to your mostly-dark winter wardrobe.

9. BRIGHT CARRYALL

A bright carryall works much like a smile does when you are feeling down—it instantly lifts your mood and elevates your outfit. Gwyneth  Paltrow chose fuschsia for her winter pick-me-up, but not red, green or bright blue are equally as uplfiting.

10. LEATHER BIKER JACKET

Literally the perfect transition coat, a leather jacket is surprisingly warm, without being bulky. Whether sleek like Jennifer Aniston’s or featuring all the biker bells and whistles, it instantly adds street style cred to your look.

11. SWEATER DRESS

Seriously easy, and equally chic, a sweater dress is a wintertime no-brainer. Whether cabled and mini, like Nicole Richie’s, or long and sleek, deciding what boots to show off will be your only worry.

12. LONG-SLEEVED LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Getting dresses-up for evening during the winter can bring up many style conundrums. Save yourself the grief and invest in a long-sleeved LBD like Julianne Moore. Wear your trusty winter coat in transit and check your stress at the door.

13. LEOPARD SCARF

Leopard print is a seasonless classic and the easiest way to wear it during the bitter months of winter is an oversize scarf—it adds instant style without animal overkill. Aussie supermodel Lara Bingle paired hers with edgy leather leggings and shades, but this staple works just as well with ladylike looks too.

14. WINTER WHITE PANTS

Rules concerning white are so passé. Simply trade your bright white skinny jeans for a slouchy wool pair. Add a touch of metallic and a tailored jacket like Kristen Bell and you’ll consider this look a wintertime essential.

15. METALLIC EVENING COAT

Buying an evening-only coat is the ultimate in winter luxury. Choose a subtle metallic (not lamé) like Naomi Watt’s belted trench and you’ll look so chic your dress underneath will accidentally become an afterthought.

16. NAVY PEA COAT

A pea coat was probably the first coat you ever wore and it might also be the last. Designed to keep sailors warm at sea, it packs as much fashion history as it does warmth. Michelle Williams shows off standout buttons, but not at the price of timelessness.

17. PLAID WRAP

Tartan plaid, glen plaid, or buffalo check, plaid is to winter what flowers are to spring. Look for a wrap in a patterned fabric, you can’t go wrong with Gwen Stefani’s black and white checks, to play double duty as a jacket and a coat.

18. PATENT LEATHER PUMPS

Just because it’s snowing outside doesn’t mean your party look has to suffer. A pair of patent leather pumps (no peep-toe) are your evening shoe go-to. They are durable against slush and, as Anne Hathaway proves, look just as great with a cozy tights as they do without.

19. BOUCLE JACKET

A knubby, loopy boucle jacket is a working woman’s godsend for wintertime dressing, adding texture and shine to sensible separates. And while it is as comfy as your favorite grandpa cardigan, its day-to-night sensibilities, as Sienna Miller proves, are what truly make it a serial best seller.

20. TAILORED BLAZER

A tailored topper—while not your best bet for the most frigid of days—will never go out of style, just ask Reese Witherspoon. Choose one in navy blue with nautical gold accents, layer it over a sweater and under a coat on colder days and pair it with your Bretton striped tee.

Thank you for reading my blog. 😊

What’s your favorite winter wear staple?