Every wardrobe should come with a few necessary essentials. There’s the little black dress (LBD) and your basic black pumps, but do you know the essential outerwear pieces you need? I define outerwear as secondary layers to your wardrobe. During the colder months, you need a variety of styles of outerwear pieces to polish your style and make bracing the cold more bearable. Keep reading to learn about the key outwear pieces you need in your wardrobe.

                The Basic Black Blazer

black woman wearing black blazerThis business casual piece is lightweight and perfect for looking more polished in an instant. Blazers are great because they don’t have to just be part of your work uniform. They can be used as a transition piece making it easier to wear sleeveless dresses or t-shirts during the cooler months.

Some Common Blazer Outfit Recipes:

T-shirt + Jeans + Blazer = Casual Chic

*Victoria Beckham is the queen of this casual chic style. Whether you’re going on a coffee run or general errand. Polish off your basic jeans and t-shirt with a black blazer. Add black pumps for a cherry on top of this outfit recipe.

Bodycon Dress + Blazer + Flats = Work on Top / Happy Hour Underneath

*This look is great for work, permitting your dress is an appropriate length.

                       The Classic Camel Trench

black woman wearing camel trench coat

I’ve always been a fan of the camel colored trench. The color looks great with almost everything. Camel is the perfect neutral color and will give you a polished look without looking overly masculine. A good wool trench-length coat is the perfect outerwear piece for those colder winter days. It can withstand rain, sleet, and snow, and will provide the most warmth without sacrificing style.

*Tip: Hang coats on wooden hangers. These eco-friendly bamboo hangers come in a set of 12 and will help the coat maintain its shape during the warmer months.

The Black Coat

woman wearing black wrap coatThis year I opted for a black wool wrap coat. The wrap style makes it very easy to put on and off plus it looks great with heels. You need a black coat whether its a peacoat, trench, or wrap jacket because it’s the most classic look you can ever wear. Black jackets will never go out of style, and it will be one of your most valuable winter investments. It looks great for business or casual occasions.

The Utility Jacket

black woman wearing a pink utility jacket

The utility jacket’s purpose is just as it sounds. It has multiple pockets and many styles come with a hoodie making them perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or a walk around the neighborhood.

Though these jackets are more commonly found in more earthy colors like olive and brown, I found one in a light blush pink that I love. I’m not a fan of rugged styles unless it is absolutely necessary. So, this pink jacket fits perfectly into my wardrobe aesthetic. *Tip: Purchase your coats second hand for a good deal. Look for high-quality fabrics like wool and alpaca as they will last for years to come. Don’t skip dry cleaning!