By Ann Marie Proudfoot

It´s nearly that cosy time of year again for layering and zipping up. Wintertime can be tricky when deciding on what essentials to carry you through the season because unlike summer, you generally require an outfit from head to toe to keep you warm. Here, I walk you through some winter basics you might need.

Jersey tops
Before you venture to buy a Technicolor of tops in jersey material, be sure to have good quality basic colours in your wardrobe. A white, black and brown (if the colours suit your skin tone) are basic colours that will go with most things.

Generally when I choose a brown tee, I opt for a marled fabric as it has a softer effect than plain brown. River Island has a great range of long and short-sleeved tees in all the basic colours and some of the latest vibrant colours.

Layering different tops can add a new look to your outfit and extends your wardrobe a little. To accentuate the look, be sure to layer contrasting colours, sleeve and hem lengths.

Black cardigan, V-neck and Polo-neck
Choose a good quality knit that won´t look over worn after the first wear. Cashmere is a great option and it’s now much more readily available and affordable. It is lightweight yet very warm and an all-round winner for me! Tesco carry a good range.

Jeans
You need a pair for your heels and a pair for your flats, and for some, a skinny pair. If you need more help in choosing the perfect pair, take a look at my article from last month on choosing jeans to suit your body shape.

Combats  Although we have moved off the cargo pants craze, they are still a great item to have in your wardrobe for comfortable weekend wear. Again River Island carries a good range.

Knitted Dresses
Dresses are great options to kick start your complete outfit. For day wear, choose a Knitted mini-dress with thick tights and a pair of chunky boots for and for evening wear the dress with knee-high boots and opaque tights.

Boots
Generally, I would advise having an evening pair of knee-highs, a pair of ankle boots, and then opt for a biker or cowboy style for comfortable casual wear. Check out how to wear ankle boots here.

Coat
The all important duvet for outdoors. I would recommend having a black and cream coat and a belted Mac. Another great jacket for the winter is the puffa; it’s really warm and can be worn with anything. Zara do a good range of puffas in all the basic colours.

AW09 Winter Trends

Of course, it’s good to keep up with the current season’s trends and tweak your winter wardrobe accordingly.

Over the knee boots
In order to keep them classy yet sexy looking, here are a couple of tips when wearing this hot item of the season:

• Avoid wearing the boots with leather skirts or dresses
• They are dramatic all on their own so avoid patent or high shine leather
• Make sure your jeans are tight; they need to fit snugly into the boots
• If you still want the look but hate heels or feel you are too tall for the height, opt for the flat version – Office have a suede pair in brown, black and grey.

Leather
Although the leather jacket has always been a great wardrobe staple, this season you can bring leather into more items – jackets, skirts and dresses. Angelina Jolie (pictured) wore a Michael Kors leather dress to the LA premiere of Inglorious Basterds.  Just be careful and only wear one leather item at once!

Military
Military is back with an 80′s twist – shoulder pads. I did think we had left these behind but it seems not as they are carrying through into this season.

Chunky knits
This season knits need to be chunky and slightly oversized. Add a belt around your waist to give a feminine shape and contrast to the knit. Chunky knits in greys, which is a predominant colour this season, look great for casual wear with biker boots.

Knitted dresses, long cardigans, tunics and oversized jumpers are all big this season and look great worn with another season must-have : leggings (or jeggings and treggings).

One Shoulder
Either choose a dress or top option in an asymmetric style. Styles with some ruffle detail add a feminine touch. Although this style was in for spring, the more vibrant colours have now been replaced with more muted colours and black. Check out Cat Deeley (pictured) in a one shoulder dress as she presents Arthur’s Day event in Dublin at the Guinness Storehouse on September 24.

Tweed
Tweed detail is back on coats, accessories and footwear.  Even Jimmy Choo designed a riding boot with tweed this month.

Boho Chic
Kate Moss does this so well and her range in Topshop is signature to her look. The boho furs or gillets, as they are called, look great on a night out with the added bonus of actually keeping you warm! H&M also stock this furry item.

So stick to the above tips this season and you will be both warm and effortlessly stylish.

Related articles

How to choose jeans for your body type

How to wear ankle boots with dresses

Jimmy Choo launches Donegal Tweed boots