10 Casual Basics You Need This Winter

The reality is most days I bop between the couch, to bed, to desk chair completing school work, and working on blog tasks. My days are less than glamorous and although I’d like to pretend I have reasons to wear pretty dresses on random Tuesdays in February, I don’t. And I’m sure the same is true for many of you.

Which is why today I’m sharing ten casual basics to add to your wardrobe this winter. These pieces have quickly become essentials in my closet. With these staple items, you’ll be able to create endless outfits while still looking trendy this winter. If you want more online school approved outfit ideas, let me know and I can get working on that. Enjoy!

Just Jeans and A Tee

1. Layering Long Sleeves– The truth is all you *really* need to create endless outfit are solid tops in both black and white. I always recommend a fitted long sleeve like the one I have on here, a fitted tee, a baggy tee, a high neck tank, and a v-neck tank. This variety will give you all kinds of options and will pair with just about everything! I love this one from SheIn.

2. Black Ripped Jeans- Similar to the tops, I always recommend grabbing your denim in both blue and black. Cropped flares, skinnies, and straight legs are the essentials. Those styles cover all of the “outfit vibes” you may be going for. I just grabbed this black pair from Forever 21 and they are too cute. They’ve got a super relaxed fit and look adorable cuffed. Dress em up with a pair of booties or down with your favorite sneakers.

3. High Top Converse- High top Converse are back and they are ~dominating~ my wardrobe lately. I never thought I’d hop back on the bandwagon but they seriously go with everything. Although the sneakers are pretty casual, the platform gives your look an elevated feel. I have them in both white and black and wear them with jeans, leggings, joggers, you name it!

Outfit Details— top: SheIn, jeans: Forever 21, sneakers: Converse, earrings: SheIn, purse: Romwe, sunglasses: Discount Glasses

Shacket Season

4. Shackets- I can’t seem to shut up about shackets lately. A shacket is thicker than flannel but thinner than a jacket so it serves as that perfect in-between piece for the layering season. I have tons of plaid ones but I wanted to branch out and grab a solid. This tan one is from Forever 21 and is adorable. You can wear it buttoned up as a shirt or leave it open with a hoodie or sweater layered underneath.

5. Leather Leggings- As much as I love a cute pair of jeans, I know they aren’t everyone’s go-to, especially if you’re spending most of your day doing online school from your desk. Don’t be fooled, swap your boring black pair for some leather leggings to instantly pull your outfit together. There are so many ways to dress these up and down—I wear a size XS regular for reference.

6. 3 Piece Crossbody- Oh baby if you’ve been watching my vlogs lately then you know my obsession with these three-piece crossbodys. I have them in dozens of colors and as you can tell from this blog post, they seriously work with any outfit. I find that accessories are key to making your outfit look ~cool~. Not only is this style super popular right now but this bag is insanely practical too.

7. Chunky Boots- Chunky Chelsea boots have been trending for years now and my love for them hasn’t stopped. I’ve been seeing boots like these all over my Pinterest boards recently and they are so fun to style. With a chunky sole and high shaft, these pair so well with sweatpants and leggings. And yet, they are super stylish so you’ll elevate your loungewear in no time!

Outfit Details— shacket: Forever 21, leggings: Spanx, shoes: SheIn, purse: Romwe, earrings: SheIn, rings: Ana Luisa

Put On The Plaid

8. Cozy Flannels- Speaking of pieces that work well on their own or layered with other basics, flannels have made their comeback this winter and are easily some of my most-worn pieces. I have been picking up so many recently and this brown one is definitely one of my favorites. They look super cute buttoned up with a pair of skinny jeans and boots or worn open with a tank and sneakers for something a bit more laid-back.

9. Basic Tanks- As I said at the beginning of this post, basic tops are a must! I’m giving this tank top a special shoutout because it’s truly that good. I grabbed this in both black and white from Forever 21 and am obsessed. It’s not too cropped and it’s super thick so you can go braless while wearing it. Plus, it’s a high neck which is the best when wanting to layer necklaces.

10. Asymmetrical Waist Jeans- Of course straight-leg jeans are all the rage this season so of course, I had to share a pair in this post. I’ve been loving asymmetrical waistlines as they add an unexpected touch to a rather classic pair of pants. These fit me so well and have just a few rips throughout which is my preference. I find that these bottoms look best with chunky sneakers so I’m slipping into my black Converse to finish off the look.

Outfit Details— tank: Forever 21, jeans: Forever 21, flannel: SheIn, sneakers: Converse, earrings: SheIn, necklace: Romwe, purse: SheIn, sunglasses: Discount Glasses

Well, what kind of outfits are you sporting this winter? With these basics, you can create endless outfits that work for both online school and functions with friends. I have a few more Forever 21 pieces coming your way within the next week or so—keep your eyes out! Hope your week is off to a good start.

With love, McKenz

Latest Post: Weekly Wrap Up #6 2021
Related Post: 10 Basics You Need In Your Winter Wardrobe
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