Sometimes it’s the simplest outfit pairings that end up being the most impactful. Take the humble jeans-and-a-nice top combination, which we turn to for almost every night out. Then there’s black trousers and a Breton stripe—on paper, it mightn’t sound all that exciting, but in reality, it works and doesn’t look in the slightest bit try-hard. And isn’t that what we all want? To look stylish but with minimal effort? I know I do. So with the idea of stripping back my “post-winter, pre-spring” outfits to basics, I thought to myself, What is the simplest outfit pairing I can wear this season? The answer: some leggings, a jumper and boots.
More comfortable than jeans and with the ability to look incredibly sleek, leggings shouldn’t be overlooked when assembling your trans-seasonal outfits; they form a solid base to set interesting separates against and are pretty low-maintenance in terms of upkeep and cleaning. Then there are jumpers; find the right one, and you’ll be cosy and chic-looking in equal measure. And finally, there are boots. From knee-high pointed-toe styles to chunky, track-sole ankle grazers, there’s a boot trend for every aesthetic and outfit mood.
Put these formidable staples together and what do you get? An impressively stylish and genuinely easy outfit suggestion. I can do one better—I’ve created five shoppable graphics that showcase just how effective legging-jumper-and-boot outfits can be. Scroll on to see them.
Style Notes: Cable knitwear might be classic, but the interesting weave calls for a more basic legging style. Ribbing, for example, runs the risk of pulling focus. You could, however, add more fanciful boots; personally, I always think mock-croc looks the premium part. When temperatures dip, add a blazer into the equation.
This blazer has been on my wish list for so long.
The cable-knit jumper is always a best seller. I have a feeling this H&M iteration will follow suit.
Ideal for day or night.
Part of influencer and Who What Wear contributor Monikh Dale’s collection for Daphine. Just beautiful.
These come in an array of colours, but this evergreen hue is my favourite.
Style Notes: Striped knitwear is having a major moment, but that doesn’t mean it’s tethered to 2022—this is a jumper style you’ll wear forever, so a designer option wouldn’t be a bad investment. I think H&M’s front-seam leggings help to elevate the entire ensemble—even when casual items like a beanie and tall Chelsea boots come into play.
This also comes in cream-and-black and beige-and-brown colourways.
For especially chilly mornings.
I own this bag in black and get so many compliments on it.
These come in an array of sizes.
The elasticated sides make these knee-highs ideal for pulling over leggings.
Style Notes: Beige knitwear is probably more long-lasting than cream or white styles, as you’ll likely need to wash it less frequently, while the cutout detail to the hem helps set this Paloma Wool style out from the rest. Also, who says you have to stick to black leggings? This green pair from Uniqlo feel just as luxe, particularly when styled with heeled boots. For more high-end appeal, add ecru outerwear and gold jewellery.
Is there anything more elegant than a cream coat?
I’m enjoying the asymmetric hemline on this jumper.
Chain necklaces are back (if they ever left), and this paperclip style is a great place to start.
Flared leggings are all over TikTok.
As are square-toe boots.
Style Notes: First things first: I would never have guessed looking at it that this jumper is high street and not designer. The classic colour and shape needed a modern twist and I had a hunch that adding some split-hem leggings would work. I love it when I’m right. Add a pair of pointed-toe heels, and you’ll look like you have legs for days.
This went straight into my basket.
These earrings have the power to make every outfit you wear look more fashionyy.
Positioned to the front, these split-hem leggings were made to be worn with pointed-toe shoes.
Try wrapping this around your shoulders for rich-and-unbothered vibes.
These look so much more expensive than they are.
Style Notes: Monochrome dressing—wearing similar hues top-to-toe—is a key chapter in the outfit-styling playbook, and it’s not hard to see why. In doing so, you’re basically guaranteed to look polished. To keep this creamy outfit from looking washed-out, I’ve punctuated it with black accessories for a sharp finish. Built-in scarves keep cropping up on the designer coat and knitwear scenes, but you can fake the trend by matching the colour of your jumper to that of your scarf, and it’ll look like they’re blending.
Fuzzy textures look great, but if you have sensitive skin, you might prefer a soft, smooth, cashmere finish to minimise any irritation.
This comes in a handful of cute colours.
Keep on hand for the low winter sun.
The bag every fashion person wants to own.
You won’t find much better loungewear on the high street, just look at these ribbed leggings for proof.
