These Under-£50 Basics Are the Foundation of Every Great Winter Outfit

I’m one of those summer people who prefer winter clothes. Let me explain: While I love the feeling of the sun on my skin, barbecues and longer days that the warmer months bring, I get the most joy from autumn/winter outfits. Playing around with layers, embracing cosy knits and picking The One when it comes to a winter coat are all part of the fun. But I sometimes (read: always) choose to take the easy option when it comes to getting dressed for cold-weather days, and this begins with affordable wardrobe basics.

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(Image credit: @taniceelizabeth)

While I still look to my classic capsule wardrobe pieces—the white shirt, oversized blazer and good-quality T-shirt, to name a few—my winter basics are all about being comfy and cosy, but this doesn't mean boring. There's no rule that basics have to be neutral or that they can't have detail, as this can often make cheaper pieces appear more expensive. Just look at the collared jumpers that are all over the high street, for example.

Naturally, knitwear is what the rest of my wardrobe has to work around at this time of year, and this can be anything from the humble beige jumper to the more recent addition of the fleece. Add to this high-neck tops you can layer under a collared jumper or dress for extra warmth, loose-fit trousers to wear over tights and luxe cashmere socks, and I truly believe these seven winter basics are the secret to endless effortless outfits. And the extra bonus is they're all under £50. 

1. BEIGE KNITS

2. SLOUCHY TROUSERS

3. BIG SCARF

4. HIGH-NECK TOP

5. FLEECE

6. RIBBED DRESS

7. CHUNKY BOOTS

Next up, the ultimate 2023 capsule wardrobe.

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Freelance Fashion Editor

Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning.

Back to Who What Wear. With hundreds of published stories on site, Harriet knows what the WWW reader wants. Keeping up to date with the latest It buys and runway trends, she can guarantee to keep you one step ahead of the most stylish people.

When not writing or styling, Harriet loves to go shopping (yes, more fashion). If she’s not in a local Hackney bar or restaurant, you can find her forever searching for her next holiday destination.