Fashion basics to me are items that you would/should spend a little more money on (or scour the discount section) simply because they will last you a lifetime and can be so widely worn with a range of style and for lots of different occasions!

Black coats: the minimalist classic timeless ones that fit perfectly by your knee, and can be worn with anything. That’s why there so essential, because underneath the coat you could have on a plain t-shirt and jeans, or a really warm (and comfortable) sweater, but the coat looks timeless. They can be worn to business meetings, job/uni interviews, or just when going for a walk on a chilly evening.

So what can you pair black coats with? The answer is everything. Well, almost everything! While we wouldn’t recommend wearing it on top of a prom dress (who would want to anyway? Show off that gorgeous dress.) It works so well with every-day activities. If you wake up late, with fifteen minutes to get ready, and the rain is drizzling down onto the window panes, you can put on a comfy grey sweater, and leather trousers/jeans paired with ankle boots – and added onto it this black coat that makes the outfit look like you spent longer on it than you did. That’s the trick. Outfits in your closets that are essentials because they make you look like you spent hours getting ready, when actually twenty minutes earlier – you were in bed.

There’s this soft grunge look I love which involves pairing your favourite band t-shirt or some cool graphic tee, tucked into a leather skirt, and paired with the black coat. It gives your outfit more personality, and graphic t-shirts are always great conversation starters! So really, it’s a win/win all around. Although you do have to be careful how you pair it so that the two distinct styles of classic and grunge don’t clash, but rather coexist together. An awesome tip for this (if I do say so myself) is to tuck the t-shirt into the skirt, or shorts. In the winter months wear it along with tights and oxfords.
If you want to look like you mean business (which you always do, because you’re a boss!) then you can also wear it for a night out at a bar, or for a date. Along with some black heels or silver oxfords (my guilty pleasure) and fitted trousers.

Classic black coats work perfectly paired with simple delicate jewellery pieces, and especially watches (which I will be discussing later) and like I said it essential because you can basically wear it with everything and have yourself look like you tried more than you actually did!