I have recently had a bit of a clean out of my wardrobe, I’m sure most of us do it around the change of season..discover things that have been tucked away at the back of our closets that we forgot to wear all Summer..Whoops, at least they will look like new come next Spring. So after all that cleaning out I decided it was time to be a grown up and shop for what I need not necessarily what I want, and get the winter essentials that work will work back with everything currently in my wardrobe that I love and wear to death.

1. The Dressed up Sweatshirt – The humble sweatshirt has had a bit of a makeover this Winter, it is now not only acceptable to wear your bonds sloppy-joe with a statement necklace and pumps for everyday, but its now ok to wear a sweater, well, anywhere. This 3.1 Philip Lim sweater is designed with Jacket sleeves which gives it a much more structured look. Topshop have some great options, especially this one by Boutique

2. Leather Skinnies – These are a Winter staple, and double as leggings and pants, great for layering under dresses and knitwear. These Helmut Lang stretch leather legging-style pants are my pick, simply for the comfort of the stretch leather that moves with the body. For a more affordable version try a wax coated jean which will give you the same look, Jbrand do a great coated Jean. If you still want to do leather but don’t want to pay through the roof the Nicholas Bethany Stretch Leather Leggings are a great investment.

3. The Clutch – I’m all about simplicity and this clutch is all that in one neat little package, Navy is huge for Winter and I’ll definitely be investing in Navy leather pieces. this Eska Alikai clutch is soft buttery leather on one side and pony hair on the other…the best of both worlds really. 

4. The Coat – A coat is a must have for Winter especially in Melbourne. I am a big lover of leather details, and the leather sleeves on this Zara Coat are whats its all about. Bassike have just released a similar style in Cashmere, which is equally amazing.

5. The Pencil Skirt – I am a converted lover of the Pencil skirt and the Topshop one has a great texture to it. I have to say Topshop at the moment have a great selection, I especially love the graphic check pencil skirt by Boutique, and I adore this metallic piece by Simone Rocha available at net-a-porter.

6. The Statement Knit – It really is about a statement knit this Winter and if you pick the right one it will work with everything, from those boyfriend jeans to that leather Mini. This Proenza Schouler knit is a favourite but there are so many around to to choose from check out Topshop and Asos for some great versions.

7. 8. The boot & Heel – I really only live in black ankle boots, but like I said before I think Navy is a great investment for Winter, so if you want to step away from classic black seek out a Navy pair, the Acne Star in Matte Blue are my pick. Still I have opted for these Tony Bianco Jesse boots to update my well worn ones. And as for Heels I can’t go past white, these Tibi pumps are the perfect height for every day and will carry you through to Summer.