9 Winter Wardrobe Staples

Key closet pieces for every wardrobe this season.

It’s a been a strange year. And this year, when it comes to shopping, you may have found yourself a little less focused on trends. Which is where wardrobe staples come in. Lots of our Shop It To Me friends have been shopping for staples and classics more than ever before. The reason? They want pieces that are guaranteed to LAST.

Transcending seasons and trends, wardrobe staples are the bread and butter of our closets. They promise to style in at least 5 different amazing ways and look chic and stylish season after season.

If you’ve not started shopping with wardrobe staples in mind, this blog should serve up some style inspo for you.

Here are our top 9 winter wardrobe staples for 2020.

The Cable Knit Sweater

A classic piece that should never be underestimated is a gorgeous chunky cable knit sweater.

Opt for oversized and wide knit options – and we love anything with a roll or mock neckline for extra coziness.

Style yours with so many things. Layer it over jeans or leather pants for a little more edge. Add it to a miniskirt with over-knee boots. Wear it over a midi or maxi dress and belt the waistline. This look NEVER gets old.

Try layering this sleeveless version with another slimline knit top or bodysuit or even a statement sleeve white shirt.

Dad Jeans

The jeans that everyone is obsessed with right now. So yes, this is also a trend piece. BUT, our fashion sources tell us that we won’t be running back to skinny-jeans-only territory any time soon (or ever!) so to us, these are definitely still a staple.

Dad jeans have a pretty specific cut and shape to look out for. They’re super-duper high waisted to start. Which is amazingly flattering on both curves and straighter body types. They’re fitted at the hips, but that’s the only place. From the thigh down, they’re straight-leg and full length is essential. Save the crop for summer.

Style yours with sneakers, chunky black boots, stilettos, whatever. And wear them with anything from hoodies and sweaters to glitzy sequin crop tops. Literally anything works with these jeans.

The Shacket

We’ve talked about the shacket before but it’s having a serious moment for winter 2020. This is a classic shape that has always been around. But this year, people are really starting to take notice of how versatile and ‘cool’ it is. Which is why we’ve included it in our must-have list for winter.

The shacket is of course half shirt, half jacket. Heavier than a shirt but not as heavy as a full winter coat. Awesome for layering.

Wear yours with jeans or leathers or leggings and sneakers or boots. Or try it differently with a long dress or maxiskirt and platform heels and socks. You can dress this up or down even if you opt for the most casual style. And we love that.

Topshop nails this look. This is just one of the many we love right now.

Plaid. Always.

The New (Chunky) Chelsea Boot

The Chelsea boot was formally known as a slimline classic boot shape. Almost a little bit equestrian. Well, this year, the Chelsea has had a serious makeover and we’re obsessed with the turn-out.

In 2020, Chelsea boots are CHUNKY. Like, seriously chunky. The soles add at least 3 inches to your height. Which is great if you’re not a fan of heels!

They’re also super versatile because we’re wearing them with EVERYTHING!!! Style yours with jeans, leggings, loungewear, minidresses, midi slip skirts, knits, sequins, denim, leather. You name it. Add these boots to ANY look and you’ve made the perfect update.

Dr Martens remain a classic leader when it comes to chunky boots. Their version of the new Chelsea is 👌.

The Teddy Coat

If we’re talking about one proper winter coat when it comes to staples, it’s the teddy. This will ALWAYS be in style, it’s the coziest and warmest coat ever and it just always looks so good. Plus wear it casually or dress it up.

And – you don’t have to look at Max Mara prices to get the look. See…

A sophisticated take on the teddy is this super chic belted version from Calvin Klein.

The Cashmere Knit Lounge Set

We’re all into loungewear right now because we’re spending lots of time at home. So, we had to include our fave thing ever. The cashmere loungewear set.

Having a matching set just makes you feel chic. Even when you’re on the sofa in your slippers. Plus, the soft cashmere knit is just extra AF and sooooo luxurious.

This is our fave one at the moment.

However, we get that not everyone wants to spend $$$ lounge. So, cashmere is not always for everyone. But don’t worry, there are plenty of alternatives to get the super chic matching look without the cashmere price tag.

Here are just two stylish examples from Honeydew and CK.

The Cozy Knit Sweater Dress

We love a good sweater dress. What are we looking for? Chunky knit. Super cozy. SOFT – zero itch. And the perfect length.

This is a staple because you’ll be wearing it from fall to spring. Style it with sneakers or even slip on mules. Then switch to chunky ankle boots. Then add tights and heeled boots or even over the knee long boots and bare legs. Layer with your teddy coat for a chic head to toe look.

The Leather Jacket

We pretty much always include a leather jacket section if we’re talking fashion staples – no matter what the season. A leather jacket will never lead you astray. It styles with EVERYTHING in your wardrobe from loungewear and sweats to eveningwear, so you know you’ll always get plenty of use out of it throughout the year. So, our advice? Choose wisely. And invest in good quality.

A classic biker style is always a good choice. And All Saints will never let you down on quality. You’ll be wearing this in 15 years and it will look even better.

An oversized shape is a different take on the classic biker look – particularly good if you love to layer.

Or, opt for leather in a totally different way with a shacket style.

The Oversized Chunky Scarf

Last but not least, we’ve added in our fave winter accessory to the list. The oversized, chunky knit scarf.

Not only is this the coziest item you’ll buy this season BUT it adds the perfect amount of edge to complete any outfit. Wrap it round your shoulders a few times and leave the extra fabric to hang over the front. You can even belt it and transform it into a cape-like look.

The classic Acne scarf is still a firm fave with bloggers and fashion lovers and one of our personal faves.


Shopping staples doesn’t have to be boring. As you can see from our picks, staples are different to basics. Basics are the simple pieces – like t-shirts, bodysuits and skinny jeans – that make up the foundation of lots of our outfits. Staples can be statement. They can exude your own unique style. But at the same time, they’re timeless. They style multiple ways in most seasons and they’re pieces that you’ll be wearing for years to come.

Staples are our fave.

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