At this point in the year (marked by lack of vitamin D, chilly commutes, holiday burnout), we’re beginning to fall into the following personality tropes: ultimate alarm snoozer; money-saving budgeter; chronic over-shopper who’s vowing to invest only in classics. All of which essentially comes down to the fact that we need an easy, on-the-go dressing formula so that even if we sleep in, or can’t buy anything for the remainder of the month, we won’t be left wondering what to wear. Plus, with the amount of layers it takes just to leave the house (coat, scarf, gloves, et. al.), we’re not exactly in the mood for fluff.
Below, our no-bullshit formula to getting you out the door faster and without having to worry about much more than the nearest place to get caffeinated.
Go-with-Everything Sweaters
Between the months of October and March, our sweater game gets a lot of love. Whether it’s a striped turtleneck, blush cashmere, or oversized mohair version, it’s nice to know that it’s totally acceptable to wear the same style top for six months straight with a pair of jeans—no matter the occasion.
Classic Coats
The downside to the sweater- and denim-filled months of winter is that we’d all prefer to not wear the same coat every. single. day. Add to your coat collection responsibly, by choosing classic shapes and colors. Think black, camel, and gray—and smart fabrics like wool and cashmere. Because in the immortal words of every shopper ever, “you’ll have it forever.”
Un-Basic Boots
Now for boots—and not the snow-slushing, rain-safe, practical versions, but the investment type that will go with anything. And while leather Chelsea boots hold a safe spot in everyone’s sartorial repertoire, in our opinion, so do leopard-print calf hair ones. Because when has leopard not been a neutral? Add in some block-heeled high boots for weekends and you’re set.
Investment Bags
Arguably, handbags are the most investment-worthy category, because when it comes to dropping four digits, we’d ideally like it to be something our forty-year-old self (and children, and grandchildren) would still enjoy. Hence the tendency to go for better-with-age leathers, little to no embellishments, and shapes that fit your everyday—like a work-worthy tote, a cross-body, or a ladylike top handle. All classics that add charm to even the most drab winter ensembles.