After starting the new year with all the best fashion resolutions, I always find myself struggling to find outfits that feel fresh and exciting come February. The winter months (and classic British gloom) have forced utilitarian thinking to take center stage, minus the festive party interlude, and I’m officially exhausted from the knitwear and jeans rotation. It’s time for innovation, and I can always count on my favorite influencers to give me a good dose of outfit inspiration.
(Image credit: @anoukyve)
This is what I’m looking for: understated cool outfits that have just enough sparkle to look thoughtful, without looking fussy. It should be simple, but have a big impact, and ideally be based on a few basic products that I already own (or would like to upgrade). And while I want the outfits to look expensive, I don’t want them to cost a lot of money. After a lot of scrolling, I think I’ve found five that meet expectations. Scroll on to see my picks.
1. Perfect layers
(Image credit: @_livmadeline)
Style Notes: This is the year I’m determined to master the art of layering, and Liv’s outfit is an example of my dream look. The rich tones are wonderfully good, and the individual, high-quality basics can be incorporated into so many different outfits.
Buy the look:
Reform
Will oversized shirt
A blue button-down can be styled in so many ways all year round and is the perfect complementary color to the brown pieces.
& other stories
Knitted cashmere blend sweater
A cozy layer for cold days.
The Frankie Shop
Ripley pleated woven wide leg trousers
I can’t stop singing praises about The Frankie Shop’s relaxed customization.
& other stories
Voluminous wool coat with belt
This brown is the ideal match for the trousers.
adidas
Samba OG in Preloved Brown
Trust me, sambas aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
2. Faux fur jacket + jeans
Style Notes: Everyone may be talking about the mafia wife aesthetic, but Camille’s outfit is such a great way to nod to the trend without going all out. Sopranos. Moreover, a faux fur jacket always comes in handy.
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Magda Butrym
Short shag shearling coat in brown
Yes, it’s an investment, but this vintage-inspired jacket has a timeless look that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Mango
Straight jeans with mid-rise
Many of our editors swear by Mango’s denim.
Russell & Bromley
Sling Back Point Pump
Another way to tap into the mafia wife trend is with a sharp-toed heel.
Jacques
Le Bambino long shoulder bag made of patent leather
I predict you’ll see this bag on the arms of many of your favorite influencers this year.
3. Column skirt + sweater
Style notes: I’ve gotten a little tired of my midi skirts, and I think a column skirt is such a fresh alternative. Styled with a red sweater, it strikes the ideal balance between polished and contemporary.
Buy the look:
Double-sided wool maxi skirt with column
No one will believe this is a store find.
Reform
Cashmere boyfriend sweater
Red remains the top color this season and this oversized cashmere sweater is the ideal way to embrace this trend. Tuck the front into the skirt to maintain the slim silhouette.
Mango
Shoes with patent leather effect heel
Patent Mary-Jane heels are a fun styling accent for this look.
The row
Sofia 10.00 medium leather bag with top handle
4. Sculptural top + pants
Style Notes: After the festive hustle and bustle, the idea of putting together sleek evening looks feels a little overwhelming. Débora proves that all you really need is a really nice statement top, which can instantly take a pair of pants you probably already have to the next level.
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Cult Gaia
Samantha off-the-shoulder pleated mesh bustier top
Combine it with jeans or trousers and you immediately have a fashion-forward evening look.
COS
Wide, tailored twill trousers
These versatile trousers can easily be worn from work to the evenings.
Missoma
Axiom necklace
The sculptural chain balances the romantic puffed sleeves.
& other stories
Slingback leather pumps
5. Slip skirt + textured sweater + tall boots
Style Notes: The dream outfit formula for the transitional season. You can easily swap the thick knit for a lightweight sweater for less cold days.
Buy the look:
If you haven’t invested in an underskirt yet, now is the time to buy this versatile essential.
Simone Rocha
Bow-embellished cable-knit alpaca blend sweater
I just can’t resist this Simone Rocha sweater…
Quiet
Camila leather knee boots with kitten heel
These are the ideal boots to combine with skirts and dresses.
& other stories
Small leather shoulder bag
Yes, you do need a new black shoulder bag.
Next one: 12 easy date night outfits that are worth getting off the couch for