With a new season (and year!) comes a new reason for reassessing your closet — and more importantly, making sure your wardrobe is set and ready for the cold, winter months ahead.

It’s my mission at The Grey Edit to help you find your edit — pinpointing your personal style and inspiring you to try out new brands, trends and pieces that are a true reflection of that. 

>> be sure to take my style edit quiz if you haven’t already to learn which style bucket you fall under <<

But what’s absolutely essential to being able to build off of your own person style, is having a foundation in place — ensuring you have a wardrobe full of basics that you can build off of and work with.

And not just any basics — elevated basics. A concept that I feel strongly about that took years in my personal style journey to realize. Investing in elevated basics — high quality staples that can carry you from season to season — is the key to creating your dream wardrobe. One you can be proud of and one you can build off of and mix in trend pieces whenever you see fit.

Introducing : The Seasonal Edit Series

This year, alongside of bringing you outfit edits and life stories, I’m focusing on bringing you style resources that can help you along in your personal style journey. And to kick this off, I’m excited to introduce a new series featuring seasonal tips on how to achieve your dream wardrobe — The Seasonal Edit Series.

Consider this the checklist of the essential items necessary for your winter wardrobe foundation. The idea is that once you have these items in place, you’ll be able to mix, match and add in statement pieces here and there to complement based on your personal style.

Below you will find your official first elevated basics winter checklist. Pieces are organized by category and to help with every budget — there are two options across high to low investment.

Note : this checklist by no means suggests you should buy every item each season. The idea is to work your way up to owning this list of quality pieces in each category so you have these options to choose from every season — resulting in your dream wardrobe. I’d try to save for investing in new 3-5 pieces each time to replace old items of little to no value

So here’s to long-term wardrobe creation!

Elevated Basics Winter Checklist

TOPS

FITTED MOCK NECK LONG SLEEVE

I’m such a fan of mock neck everything. The high neck adds a level of sophistication up top and allows for the most polished cold weather layering. #ProTip: get one in every neutral color (black, white, grey, cream) – I literally live in these.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

OFF-WHITE BLOUSE

Paired under a blazer for work or on its own for drinks after — a sexy, slinky blouse is the perfect shirt for winter. Off-white is the better choice to add a bit of warmth but white will do too.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

CHUNKY CABLE KNIT SWEATER

When it comes to winter, there’s not doubt about getting cozy. You just have to gather all the best knits. I love a good chunky cable knit sweater because you can pair it with leggings, a skirt, denim or even over a slip dress. The better quality, the longer lasting. And if you need a 101 on sweaters, check out this post by my fave sweater designer.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

TEXTURED SWEATER

Modernize the texture of your sweaters by opting for a horizontal striped pattern this season. I’m loving all of the options and feel it’s the perfect style cold weather top for a front french tuck.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

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BOTTOMS

BLACK SKINNY DISTRESSED DENIM

Because you truly can’t go through fall and winter without a damn good pair of black denim — and since grunge is in, why not go for a distressed look?

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

STRAIGHT LEG CROPPED DENIM

My favorite denim trend as of late — the straight leg offers extra comfort with a high waist for tucking in all you need + a cropped leg that allows you to show off all your fave booties!

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

LEATHER PANTS

To faux or not to faux — that is the question. Perfect for pairing with an oversized sweater and for feeling fancy on the bottom for a night out. #ProTip : if you invest in a pair of leather pants, you’ll get your moneys worth season over season – always think about price per wear with investment pieces.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

WIDE LEG PLAID TROUSERS

The best pattern for winter — pair with your mock neck tops, sexy blouses and under your favorite jacket. These wide leg trousers should hug your toosh and exude confidence.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

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SKIRTS / DRESSES

SLIP SKIRT

This silky bottom option will allow you for pairing with sweaters and even your leather coat for those evenings made for drinks and maybe some dancing. #ProTip : if you don’t want to invest in a slip skirt, go for the more versatile option of a slip dress — and here’s how to style in the winter.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

PLEATED SKIRT

Obsessed is an understatement. Pair with sneakers for a casual look or your heeled booties for a more feminine flair. I flock to this and have for the last two years.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

SWEATER DRESS

Achieve cozy even while wearing a dress — the looser the better in my eyes. Love the options you have with pairing with casual sneakers or tights and booties.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

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COATS

LONG BLAZER

Perfect for pairing over your long sleeve mock neck — a long blazer can be the polished look you’re seeking and can be worn with jeans for a casual chic look. Love the longer tailoring for a more modern style. #ProTip : you most definitely need a go-to black color, but certainly can never have enough options with grey and navy

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

LEATHER JACKET

No matter what style you lean more towards, the modern stylish woman should own at least one go to leather jacket. Always. This season, I’m into both the longer tailored fits and then a versatile cropped moto. Endless pairings. Immense edge.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

NEUTRAL TONED WOOL COAT

This is THE coat you must have. I love being able to pull my favorite grey or black wool coat to throw over the most casual outfit — fave jeans and a tee — and then the obvious nights out. You’ll thank me. #ProTip : invest to your hearts content in as many neutral colors as possible. Camel colored is double points :).

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

PUFFER

Oh the very on trend but also uber functional puffer. Recently seen flaunted on the streets with skinny cat eye sunnies and grandpa sneaks but for you — pair with any item in this list for modern comfort.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

PARKA

If you live in a place that has winter weather, this coat is essential. My husband and I made the leap two years ago to invest in our gooses and we haven’t regretted one day. Warm AF and very stylish. There’s a ton of affordable options out now but again, consider your price per wear here.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

RAIN JACKET

Absolutely essential to Seattle — and why not keep it stylish? These coats pair perfectly with your Hunter rain boots. So damn grey.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

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SHOES

CHELSEA BOOT

Oh the ever-so-classic pointed low heel boot. I’m into wearing these with my skinny black denim or leather pants OR my straight leg cropped denim. #ProTip : the better the leather, the better. We want this babies to last.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

BLOCK HEELED BOOTIES

God bless the chunky heel craze. Gone are the days of getting your heeled bootie stuck in a grate or sidewalk crevice. A block heeled bootie allows you to elongate your leg, walk in ease and achieve an on-trend modern look.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

MOTO COMBAT BOOTS

I admit this is a tiny stretch for an elevated basic — but it most certainly applies as boots with detail will never go out of style. Since moto and combat is so in, why not throw in a pair that turns heads and takes any basic outfit from 0 to 100.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

BLACK & WHITE SNEAKERS

Sneakers = life. And life means wearing sneakers year round. Maybe not in the snow, but any other time during winter, these babies should be integrated into your daily looks. My fave combo with this list? Mock neck, wool coat, cropped denim and sneaks. #ProTip : having an element or design on your all white sneakers will give it the slight edge you’re looking for to really complement your personal style

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

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ACCESSORIES

OVERSIZED SCARF

Because what’s the fun with dressing up for winter without throwing an extra cozy layer on? Go for something that reallyyy cozies your neck. I love throwing these over a leather or wool coat.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

FUR POM BEANIE

Poms are oh so winter and oh so cute. But you don’t have to look uber childish cute if you go for a sophisticated pom like these options. #ProTip : store these high in your home if you have a dog — Smalls seems to always find ways to play with our pom hats

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

CHIC SHADES

Girl — you need a chic AF shade that speaks bold, modern sassiness. I love the larger options with a square or slight cat eye shape — the modern day Audrey.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

BUCKET BAG

Spruce up your handbag collection by throwing in a bucket bag that not only is incredibly functional (you can throw anything in it) but elevates your basic outfit. #ProTip : go for an emerging designer brand like the options below — you’ll turn heads and be unique.

MINIMAL INVESTMENT // INVESTMENT PIECE

So there you have it. The first edition of the Seasonal Edit series.

I’m so very excited to consistently bring you tips on how to pinpoint your personal style and ultimately achieve your dream wardrobe season over season.

Let me know how you like this format and resource — and stay tuned for the Spring 2019 edition coming in March!

To elevated basics —

// cb ✌????