Winter Outfit Ideas with Basic Pieces

Lately I have been inspired me to do a blog post on winter outfit ideas as we are approaching December and snow has started to fall. Yes, the stylish, colourful months of spring and summer have gone by, but that does not mean we should dread fall and winter just because we cannot seem to find the right outfits to wear. Believe me when I tell you that you can still look glam and gorgeous without showing as much skin as you would in warmer seasons.

For me, Simplicity is key. What a handful of people often forget is that simple is sometimes more and that is all you need. In this post, I'm going to show you how to incorporate the most basic pieces you own in your wardrobe into glam ready-to-wear winter outfits.




Outfit #1 - Keep it Classic

Keep it Classic by hazelette featuring a patterned mini skirt

Basic pieces: Black turtleneck shirt and black tights
I cannot stress to you how crucial it is to own these two items in your closet if you live in an area where the climate undergoes drastic changes at least TWICE a year; e.g. Canada, USA, China, Australia. This outfit is very simple, effortless, but super chic and never goes out of date. From Ms. Hepburn/Jackie O, to present day Kim Kardashian, everybody loves a good black turtleneck. To tell you the truth, this outfit comes straight out of my wardrobe. I actually wore this ensemble to work the other day and received so many compliments on a very similar houndstooth skirt I found at good ol' H&M.

Featured Item: Pearl necklace
The stacked pearl necklace adds an elegant touch to the look, as does the Chanel flap bag, but you can always find a much less expensive dupe on the latter (here or here).

How to rock it: Wear your hair down, with the ends blow-dried inward





Outfit #2 - Reddaze

Reddaze by hazelette featuring a zipper pouch

Basic piece: Nude pumps
Nude pumps are a must-have to soften any daring looks, such as this one with the ruffled red blouse. The red blouse itself already screams FESTIVE, and with the addition of that gorgeous metallic grey pencil skirt, it's perfect. HoliDAZE, indeed! If you'd like, you can always add nude colour tights. If you can, avoid black tights.

Accessories: Gold accents
In this outfit, the Gold accents complement the red colour, emphasizing the festive theme. When it gets a little chilly, simply throw on this neutral-toned cardigan; that way, it does not mix up the main colour palette of the outfit.

How to rock it: Tuck in the red blouse into the skirt; put your hair up in a half-ponytail mode or bobby pin your hair to one side





Outfit #3 - Nightinglam

Nightinglam by hazelette featuring benefit makeup

Basic Piece: Nude heels (again!)
This outfit is perfect to wear to a corporate holiday cocktail party or even to go out for drinks in the evening. I chose nude heels to go with this ensemble because I didn't want to discredit that gorgeous deep blue, textured/patterned skirt. Absolutely beautiful.

Featured Items: Statement pencil skirt, neutral colour flowy halter top with bejeweled collar
The key to statement pieces is that you don't want to let basic pieces overpower them, whether it be by colour, shape, texture, etc. This blue statement pencil skirt from H&M is enough to catch one's attention. However, when paired with the flowy white halter, the look is complete.

How to rock it: You can either tuck in the top or let it flow freely. Hair – loose curls add to the glam





Outfit #4 - Navy'n Textures

Navy'n Textures by hazelette featuring a black belt

Basic Pieces: Black pumps, black bag, black belt
It's a well-known and proven establishment that black goes with anything and everything. Put those basic black pieces to work with some textures and patterns!

Featured Items: Nautical-inspired cardigan and complementary textured skirt
If you haven't already noticed, I'm all about high-waisted skirts. That's mainly because I'm relatively short (5'2) and apparently in fashion mathematics, high-waisted skirts and short people produce an ideal equation. In this outfit, I decided to pair the blue-toned textured skirt with the navy nautical cardigan, particularly because I like the idea of mixing up the different textures together, while maintaining a monochromatic palette. I love that little bow detail on the neckline as well! For a more formal alternative, you can add a white dress shirt underneath the cardigan.

How to rock it: This look is versatile enough to wear your hair any way you'd like





Outfit #5 - Upper East Sider

Upper East Sider by hazelette featuring black gloves

Basic Pieces: Tailored, figure-fitted coat & black boots
A nice, shapely, tailored coat is a must-have in my opinion. It is feminine and ladylike, but at the same time exerts a powerful sense of authority, due to the structured design. Check out more economical alternatives here, here, and here. Tip: to add more dimension to the silhouette effect, add a simple skinny belt to cinch the waist area. Black boots – it goes without saying that these should be a staple in your winter wardrobe. Heel or no heel, it's no big deal, as long as you know how to make people kneel ;).

Featured Item: Faux fur Cossack hat
I don't know what it is about this Russian-inspired hat that makes it seem so elegant. Maybe it's the faux fur? The unusual round shape? I really don't know...

How to rock it: Wear your hair down, blow-dried straight





Last but not least.......


Outfit #6 - The Casual Friday

Casual Friday by hazelette featuring hudson skinny jeans

Basic Pieces: Nice white T-shirt, fitted black blazer, a pair of blue dark-washed skinny jeans
Because this outfit is for one of those casual Fridays, you can go a bit crazy with your basics. I mean, you can't go any more BASIC with these pieces, right? No need to elaborate...

Featured Items: Red bag and knee-high leather boots
London, here I come! The red pop-of-colour on the Longchamp bag spices up this very simple, casual look. If you'd rather opt out on Longchamp, you can check out this bag from the US Target website and find something similar if you don't live in the US.

How to rock it: Ponytail. Totally equestrian ;)




If you would like to create your own outfit collages, you can sign up at Polyvore. I'm very much interested to see what you have come up with, so link me your Polyvore accounts in the comments section below!

Until next time,
Hazel xoxox