When you’re putting together the perfect outfit, there are a few things to consider. One of your utmost priorities should be ensuring the items that make up your outfit don’t fight against one another. Instead, they should work together to amplify your entire aesthetic. That’s where basics come in, and considering the current season, let’s talk winter basics.
Monique Ager styles out a chic blazer from H&M.
An edit of timeless staples will have your back year after year and make whatever trends or statement pieces you do decide to buy into look chicer in the process. This applies in the winter months, too, during which you might flirt with the idea of buying, I don’t know, a bright faux-fur coat (a piece many influencers are already investing in, should you be interested). Anyway, to go with said statement coat, you’ll need a handful of basics—classic jeans, perhaps, a simple knitted jumper, or even sleek leather trousers. This will help to spotlight your gorgeous new outerwear without the rest of your ensemble pulling focus.
Now that we’ve gone over the importance of assembling an edit of winter basics, let’s look at what you can get for your money.
Marianne Smyth takes her Zara trench coat and effortlessly pairs it with Arket jeans.
One of the questions I’m most frequently asked is, "Do I need to spend more money on my basics?” The answer, in my opinion, is no. While the saying "you get what you pay for” absolutely applies in some instances, this isn’t the rule of thumb for every single possible item. I love the high street—many of my most-worn finds hail from it. So I firmly believe that, yes, you can find excellent winter basics under £100. You just need to know where to look for the best ones.
Not only do I believe it, but I also have proof! Scroll on to see 27 winter basics under £100 I really rate. They’re not all pared back and minimal—there is a dash of colour and print in my edit—but they’re pieces I know you’ll love and wear year in, year out.
1. CHIC COATS
This coat is oversized done right.
Now, it’s well and truly the season of the puffer, and this longline number gives you so much padding for your pound.
I’ve never seen a more high-end-looking high-street coat. Never. Plus, it’s wool-blend.
2. VERSATILE JACKETS
So many influencers own this jacket. Maybe it’s time to see what all the fuss is about?
Forget the chocolate aviator jacket—I’m here for this entire look, Air Force blue trousers and all. This colour pairing is just too good.
This faux-shearling jacket reminds me of Totême’s clasp-front style, which is precisely why it has made my edit.
3. COSY KNITWEAR
Striped knitwear is selling like hot cakes this season, and I see no reason this jumper won’t follow suit.
& Other Stories has just restocked its best-selling jumper in so many great colours. Next on my hit list is seafoam green.
Anything checkerboard is a winner this winter, and I can see this knit flying.
4. TRUSTY JEANS
I’ve recently discovered just how great Abercrombie & Fitch’s denim department is, and these are the jeans I’m currently contemplating.
Who said ecru jeans were just for summer? This pair will look so sleek with leather boots and a woollen blazer.
On, these jeans have the perfect slouchy silhouette that still, somehow, feels pulled together.
5. LONG-SLEEVE DRESSES
I have a feeling this is going to look amazing on. That little knot detail is the perfect placement.
Knitted dresses are to winter what sandals are to summer—non-negotiable and a complete joy to wear.
COS’s dress department is so impressive right now. This printed style, complete with a roll-neck, is in my basket.
6. BLACK BOOTS
From the square toe to the angled heel, these boots feel so fashion.
Classic and real leather? These H&M boots aren’t going to stick around for long.
A celeb-adored shoe brand for £100 (hey, Kendall Jenner)? Sign me up!
7. LEATHER SEPARATES
It might be faux, but I’ve seen this blazer in-store, and the feel is exceptional.
Black leather trousers are pretty commonplace in winter. Upgrade your look with this fashionable berry flared pair.
Give your winter palette a pep-up with some lighter leather outerwear, such as this M&S shacket.
8. LAYERING STAPLES
Black roll-necks get a lot of airtime, but I find my cream options to be just as versatile.
I’m not a big legging person, but I’d wear this Spanx pair all day, every day if I could. Try them—you’ll understand the hype.
A knitted vest will become your layering go-to. Ideal for wearing under coats when temperatures plummet, the sleeveless shape means it’ll even fit under the most tailored silhouettes.
9. ELEVATED ACCESSORIES
I didn’t think it was possible to fall in love with a pair of gloves, but here we are.
It might feel expensive for a hat, but trust me when I say you’ll wear this pretty Ganni beanie for years.
These tights are worth the investment and will last you way longer than budget pairs.
Next Up: 27 Wardrobe Basics You Need in Your 30s, From Someone Who Knows
