The Essential Wardrobe

When it comes to keeping warm in Winter there are few no-fail options; the trench, the leather biker and the pea coat. And in terms of staying cosy, the latter wins — hands down. Originally worn by sailors on the high sea, the hip-hugging classic features broad lapels and a double-breasted front — but it can be tricked up with epaulettes, gold buttons, hoods and mid-thigh lengths. Whether you want to wear open to maximize your layering options or top-button to create a '60 inspired shell shape, this is one essential wardrobe staple that is well worth investing in. From bold, block colours to lumberjack plaids to classic neutrals, we've found ten of the best pea coats around. Slip inside where it's warm . . . 

Move over denim! Leather has been on the radar for many a season — making repeat appearances on celeb bods and runways alike — but we think this hard-wearing staple has finally hit its straps; replacing denim as the fashion set's most durable yet desirable fabrication. E-tail stores in-the-know have entire tabs dedicated to their leather offerings, and you'll find everything from tees to dresses to drop-crotch pants have been sexified in this skin. Hence, this week on POPSUGAR Fashion we'll be spotlighting anything and everything leather.

To ensure that your leather foundations are firm we're going to start at the cornerstone of any leather capsule: the iconic biker jacket. One part Steve McQueen to two parts Kate Moss — this tough-girl staple will add 'tude to any outfit. Balmain and Rick Owens are famous for their respective takes on this wardrobe essential, but there are some less exxy versions on offer, too. On your bike! 

Flat boots: nothing keeps your toes drier or your legs warmer. This cool weather classic may give you flashbacks of HRH Princess Anne stomping around the royal (muddy) grounds, but thanks to this season's tweaks (collumn shapes, heel cut-outs, over the knee heights) the flame has been reignited for this wardrobe essential. Tuck your skinny jeans inside your knee-highs for a fuss free look, or play with proportion by teaming a solid-shaped boot with a flirty, mid-thigh hemline. Either way you play, you're guaranteed ten warm-as-toast tootsies. Step inside to shop our top ten edit. 

Today kicks off Australian Wool Week so we're celebrating favourite way to wear this versatile natural textile with an online edit of the ten best textured knits. A big, beautifully woven woollen jumper works double time as part of any essential wardrobe; keeping your body both warm when the temperature dips but allowing you to breathe when the sun comes out. Plus, there's nothing more comforting than cuddling up on the couch in a cosy pullover. When investing, we suggest you look for natural fibres with a high wool percentage. Opt for classic weaves with substance, like large-scale cable knits, chunky basket-weaves and Aran patterns. Knit one, pearl one, buy one! 

Jackets, or cover-ups of any kind really, need an element of versatility. That throw-on-anything-and-go factor is key to keeping your topper on high rotation, and nothing outshines the everyday wearability of denim. A denim jacket is the no-brainer solution to any chilly day when you need something casual but cool to keep you warm. Don't own one? We suggest you invest stat in this wardrobe essential. From zippered bikers to classic indigo styles, we've rounded up ten of the absolute best for you to buy now. 

The perfect grey marle tee or tank is a wardrobe saviour: magically going with everything without looking like you've tried to hard. It's an off-duty staple that adds instant cool to an otherwise dressed-up ensemble. Just like your favourite blue jeans, we think no essential wardrobe is complete without (at least) one. Whether you prefer a luxury fine-weave or thow-in-the-wash cotton jersey, we've rounded up ten of the very best grey marle tops so you can start your collection. 

This wardrobe staple is such a no-brainer we didn't realize we hadn't put it under The Essential Wardrobe spotlight already. The perfect piece to add polish to any ensemble, the black blazer is like the icing on any well-dressed cake. Just ask Kate Moss. Throw over a white tee and shorts for a bit of Lara-Bingle-in-Bondi style, work it with a pair of skinnies for your own off-duty model moment, or play with contrast by teaming it with your flirtiest, most femme frock. The key? Make sure that shoulder line fits your frame exactly, and always — repeat, always — tailor the cuffs if they hang even the littleist bit low. It's time to go back to basics . . . 

In terms of wardrobe staples that every woman needs, the black pencil skirt is hovering somewhere around, oh, the very top of the list. Contrary to popular belief, pencil skirts are no longer the domain of working women — nowadays, these slick numbers are as at home on the social scene as they are in the boardroom. And before you think you've seen 'em all, let us tell you: there's no end to the variations of this classic piece. Whether it's basic cotton, quilted, leather, midi-length, mini-length or beautifully detailed, there's one you'll love mixing and matching with all the existing pieces in your wardrobe. Denim shirts? Tick. Plain white tee? Tick. Sexy, strappy cami, bold printed tops and slick jackets? Tick, tick, tick. What are you waiting for? Shop our top ten now!

If you were under the impression that there was only one style of denim shirt to own, it's time to think again. We've been loyal to the humble chambray version for a few years now, thanks to the resurgence of 90s style creeping back into our wardrobes, but this closet staple now comes in a few variations which can totally transform your look, and styling prowess. Not limited to the simple powers of double denim, a denim shirt can look classic when worn with crisp white, casual when worn oversized or layered, sexy when worn fitted, and office-appropriate when mixed with tailored separates. What can we say? She works hard for the money. Step inside our gallery to get updated.

There's something about blue jeans. The staple wardrobe item has never really gone out of style, but we're looking at the classic blue hue in a whole new light. Forget black, put your white skinnies on hold for a second, save the indigo for next year — because it's the mid-to-light blue denim spectrum that looks suddenly fresh. Whether you want to try out this season's rip/torn trend, give the super-baggy boyfriend style a whirl, or prefer to stick to your tried-and-true skinny leg style, we've rounded up the best denim brands to know and own. Doesn't every girl want to be a blue jean baby?