25 Not-So-Boring Basics That Will Spice Up Your Winter Wardrobe

•

Published Dec 21, 2020

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling mighty bored of my plain old white T-shirt and basic black leggings. Even though they happen to be the type of items I pull out of my dresser almost everyday, I feel like they could have a little more pizazz to them. Like an unexpected cutout, a cute line of buttons or even just some discrete leopard print (yeah, I said it). So, in an attempt to spice up all of our winter wardrobes, here are 25 not-so-boring basics that will hopefully make getting dressed a little more fun.

Madewell

It’s the side buttons and mockneck for us. Seriously, your go-to pullover has nothing on this number.

BUY IT ($70)

^{Available in sizes XXS to XL.}

Nordstrom

2. free People Santa Clara Thermal Top

This waffle-knit top can be worn as a V-neck or as an off-the-shoulder top—depending on your mood.

BUY IT ($68)

^{Available in sizes XS to L.}

Revolve

3. the Range Prime Cotton Knit Slashed Turtleneck Sweater

That distressed arm detail guarantees that this turtleneck sweater will stand out from the rest in your knitwear collection.

BUY IT ($350)

^{Available in sizes XS to L.}

Universal Standard

4. universal Standard Ronda Stirrup Legging

Wear them with flats or tuck the stirrup over a pair of heeled leather booties. Who knew a few extra inches of legging fabric could change a look so drastically?

BUY IT ($94)

^{Available in sizes 00 to 40.}

The Outnet

5. rag & Bone Eden Cutout Stretch-knit Midi Dress

This LBD amps up the sex appeal, thanks to the strategically placed cut-outs that cross the bodice and make their way onto the back. Va-va-voom, indeed.

BUY IT ($495; $247)

^{Available in sizes XXS to M.}

Revolve

6. 525 Asymmetrical Pullover Top

Just as easy to wear as your fave white T-shirt, but the asymmetrical neckline makes it feel slightly dressier.

BUY IT ($88)

^{Available in sizes XS to L.}

Revolve

7. nbd Celine Pant

Why not make your everyday leggings a million times more flattering with a split seam at the ankle and ultra-high waist?

BUY IT ($118)

^{Available in sizes XXS to XL.}

H&M

8. h&m Oversized Wool Coat

Cut like a trench coat but made like a winter coat, this is one easy-to-wear piece of outerwear that will add a polished touch to any outfit (even if it is sweats and sneakers).

BUY IT ($199)

^{Available in sizes XS to L.}

Net-A-Porter

9. the Line By K Malcolm Belted Cutout Ribbed-knit Turtleneck Midi Dress

Between the trendy keyhole detail, the ribbed material and the flattering waist tie, this midi dress definitely pushes the limits of what a basic is.

BUY IT ($260)

^{Available in sizes XS to XL.}

Verishop

10. sylven Lake Black Suede Boot

A timeless bootie with a little bling that’s like jewelry for your ankle. What’s not to love about that?

BUY IT ($495)

Bandier

11. twenty Montreal Felt Connect Hoodie

Bored by basic hoodies? This hybrid cable knit sweater/classic sweatshirt should snap you out of that funk. (And yes, there are joggers to match).

BUY IT ($250)

^{Available in sizes XS to L.}

Bandier

12. bandier X Solid & Striped Soleil Zip Front Legging

Contrast details—like a zipper fly and flattering side stripes—turns boring black leggings into a statement piece. Wear these with a chunky turtleneck and you’ve got a cool new WFH uniform.

BUY IT ($118)

^{Available in sizes XXS to XXL.}

H&M

13. h&m + Off-the-shoulder Sweater

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t get a little flirty with your cozy knitwear.

BUY IT ($35)

^{Available in sizes L to 4XL.}

Madewell

14. madewell Drawstring Midi Slip Skirt In Leopard Jacquard

Look, we’ve all accepted that leopard print is a neutral. But this jacquard skirt (with a drawstring, no less) is the best proof we’ve seen thus far.

BUY IT ($98)

^{Available in sizes 00 to 16.}

Madewell

15. madewell Washed Leather Chore Jacket

Here's a little reminder that not all leather jackets have to be in the moto style.

BUY IT ($455)

^{Available in sizes XXS to XL.}

Net-A-Porter

16. frankie Shop Eva Cotton-jersey Tank

The addition of padded shoulders makes a basic tank into a statement piece—one that’s super trendy, to boot.

BUY IT ($75)

^{Available in sizes XS to L.}

Shopbop

17. senso Aubree Ii Ballet Flats

Swap the expected round-toe and delicate bow for a pair with pointed-toes and an edgy gold ankle chain.

BUY IT ($145)

11 Honoré

18. 11 Honoré Jada Skirt

A little ruching goes a long way. Okay, and a dramatic side slit helps, too.

BUY IT ($290; $120)

^{Available in sizes 12 to 26.}

FWRD

19. enzo Costa Lurex Jersey Long Sleeve Twist Top

Swap your camel knit top for this twisted Enzo Costa number that’s woven with lurex.

BUY IT ($165)

^{Available in sizes XS to L.}

Verishop

20. stand Studio Farrah Coat

A simple tilt of the quilting on this super warm winter coat takes it from boring to unexpected. The sleek, glossy finish helps, too.

BUY IT ($798; $559)

^{Available in sizes FR32 to FR40.}

Verishop

21. agolde Criss Cross Upsized Jeans

A wide-leg style is far more comfy than skinny jeans, but that criss-cross waist detail makes these feel a bit more special than any other denim currently in your rotation.

BUY IT ($178)

^{Available in sizes 24 to 32.}