I’ve loved fashion ever since I can remember. Searching for different trends and finding the ones that I want to recreate is something I spend a lot of time doing. However, keeping track of each fashion trend is very hard, and recreating them is usually expensive. Why would I buy a pair of green shoes when I’ll only use them for one outfit? It’s for that reason that I came up with a list of winter must-haves. These basic items can ultimately change your outfit completely while also helping you stay on trend during the winter without spending hundreds of dollars.
- Leather Jacket
Invest in a leather jacket. Please. Just do it. I bought my first leather jacket about a year and a half ago, but I wish I had bought one sooner. It simply looks good with any outfit. You can use it casually during the day, putting it over a cute shirt and some jeans; however, you could also dress it up for the night. It gives off an edgy look that ultimately makes you look put together and trendy. I think that it is such a key piece for everyone that it’s worth investing in a good quality one. If you are a college student on a budget, Amazon and Shein have some good-looking ones that fulfill the purpose.
My Favorite Look: Mom jeans with a white top, black boots and a black leather jacket
2. Tights
When I tell you I love tights, it’s an understatement. I live in Panama where the weather is hot year-round and I’m not able to wear tights under my skirts. When I came to college, I knew I was going to fulfill my wish to wear tights—and oh my God, that sounds so weird, but I swear I just love them. One life hack I’ve seen all over TikTok: buy some nude tights and then put the black ones over them in order to not get cold!
My Favorite Look: A trendy top with a black skirt and some black tights underneath, finishing it off with some black boots
3. Boots
Boots are always trending, so investing in a good pair of boots should be something on your mind if you want to look cute for the season. Boots that go up to the knee look incredible with any winter outfit — it gives the outfit a put-together look. I have always been a black shoe gal, but lately, I have become obsessed with white boots, so consider different colors before buying ones for yourself. If you want to look even edgier or you like taking risks with your fashion choices, you could buy some colored boots for a little extra something.
My Favorite Look: An oversized button-up with a sweater vest and knee-high platform boots
4. Shacket
To be honest, I had never heard the term “shacket” (not quite a shirt, not quite a jacket) until a year ago. However, since I found out about them, I became obsessed. There is a room full of possibilities with shackets, considering they all are different in their own way: some have a pop of color, some have intriguing patterns and some are plain yet add so much to any look. You can play around with them, wearing them under anything you want or even use them for layering. They will for sure make you stand out among the crowd.
My Favorite Look: Black jeans, black top and a colorful shacket to finish it off
5. Camel Trench Coat
A few years ago, I thought trench coats were for older people. However, after living in Spain for a few months I saw literally everyone wear trench coats, and I became obsessed. I tried every color I could but personally, a camel trench coat is the way to go if it is the first time you are buying one. It creates a mature yet trendy look. Several stores such as H&M and Zara offer affordable ones that work perfectly, so spending hundreds of dollars on a trench coat is not really necessary. I swear, every time I wear my camel trench coat, everyone gives me compliments, so please take my word for it: buy yourself a camel trench coat.
My Favorite Look: A white turtleneck with any colored jeans, adding the trench coat and a cute brown purse
Ultimately, these items can give a new life to existing clothing items that you already had in your closet or be used to create new ones. Even though they seem basic, they can transform an outfit with the right accessories. The good thing about these items is that they are timeless, which is truly an economic benefit.