We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.
1. A trendy teddy coat in a neutral tone that'll help you ease into the style without feeling like you're committing to a fad.
2. A pair of high-waisted leggings that, yes, *are* opaque, and you'll want to buy in each and every color and then wear all winter whether you're working or werking out.
3. A ballet-style wrap sweater for a super-comfy fit that'll look a bit fancy without feeling it.
4. A metallic pleated skirt will look ANYTHING but basic YET will match so many things that it'll earn its keep in that category. (And this story.)
5. Leather smoking shoes for a reliable classic that'll still be in style years from now — just be sure to get 'em resoled before they get too bad!
6. A trusty leather tote with just about every feature you could want in a bag. It's waterproof, scratchproof, filled to the brim with thoughtfully designed pockets, and converts to a messenger, cross-body, *and* backpack.
7. Or a ~reversible~ faux-leather tote that'll give you a little more flexibility when you realize your outfit would look so much better with a black bag. Dump the contents, flip it inside out, rake everything back in, and be on your merry way!
8. A sweater dress with trendy balloon sleeves you can comfortably lean on for all kinds of occasions...especially ones where you're going to be sitting and eating (I wish lots of those for you!).
9. Hunter rain boots for keeping your feet dry while frolicking through fields of wildflowers or dodging suspiciously dark puddles on city streets. Is that a coffee puddle or is it...
10. Or some sneaker-style rain boots you'll come to rely on for those days when it's a 30% chance of rain and you 100% don't want to ruin your good suede ankle boots OR sweat it out through Wellies. And if it doesn't end up raining, it's NBD.
11. Knit jeggings so you can get away with wearing not-pants while wearing a socially acceptable semblance of pants.
12. A cable-knit sweater that'll look you paid so much more money on; welcome to scamming!
13. Faux-leather leggings from Spanx's line for Target will be super practical but don't look it...the best kind of basic IMO.
14. A colorful wrap dress for something that's office dress code–approps without being a total snore.
15. Ankle booties in a range of colors (not just animal print!) that'll look fantastic with all kinds of ensembles. Dresses and tights, shorts, jeans, nothing at all?! You decide!
16. A water-resistant packable puffer coat for everyday wear or that bucket-list trip to Iceland where you plan to *just* carry on.
17. Or a metallic puffer that'll brighten up your winter looks while still matching most everything. Bye, black puffer!
18. A sleek cross-body bag (you can have monogrammed!) in a chic silhouette to help you feel a bit dressy, even if you're wearing that sweatshirt outdoors you've been rocking all week as you WFH from your couch.
19. A rubberized raincoat for gloomy mornings when you can't dramatically drape yourself across a couch indoors. Sigh.
20. Dr. Martens that'll be a tough go-to for days when the sun is shining or it's beyond gray. Plus, they come in a tons of colors in case your version of basic is anything but black.
21. An original Levi's trucker jacket with a multitude of styling possibilities that'll keep it in constant rotation.
22. Pointed-toe flats with just enough flash (and a bunch of colors) to add a little fancy flair to an outfit you picked up off your bedroom floor.
23. A striped tee for elevating a pair of old jeans without sacrificing your comfort level. Also, how cute will this look at casual holiday functions with a cardi thrown on top? Almost too cute.
24. And a striped turtleneck shirt that'll be your new layering BFF.
25. A plaid scarf you can nuzzle into allll winter long. And into the spring when it's still a tad chilly.
26. White Superga sneakers as a fashion girl step up from your Keds (sorry, Keds).
27. A plaid blazer that's serving up some major Heathers vibes. And just so happens to be *very* on trend rn. Might as well pick up a croquet set while you're at it.
28. A seamless turtleneck bodysuit as a base for a multitude of cute outfits. Your pants and skirts will wonder why it took you so long to make an intro.
29. A Buffalo plaid flannel shirt for a winter classic that'll be the next best thing to wearing your flannel PJs out in public — though I'd argue that's acceptable behavior.
30. Versatile ballet flats you'll throw on in a million different ways on the days when you can't or won't with heels.
31. A solid dress with pockets for so much wardrobe versatility, you'll wonder why you didn't buy it in every color (there are 22, BTW!) from the start.
32. A cozy eco fleece sweatshirt ready to replace that old stained one. Or at least you can wear this one out in public and the stained one *just* in the house, k?
33. And a sweatshirt tunic for the times you'd prefer to leave the house in a sweatshirt and no pants. Well, now you can!
34. Chunky Chelsea boots as a boost for really most anything in your closet.
35. A Carhartt beanie that'll look good on anyone and everyone. And it comes in so many colors, everyone in the fam can have their own. Maybe even two!
36. A lightweight tunic that'll easily go with whatever pair of leggings are clean atm. (It's truly a struggle.)
37. A simple cardi you can throw on to fight your frigid surroundings but keep you looking polished.
38. Stud earrings as a finishing touch before you head out the door.
39. A faux-leather motorcycle jacket to throw on over nearly anything, even when you're running to the gym!
40. Slip-on sneakers in a quilted style that'll make every well-cushioned step look a bit fancier.
41. A lacy LBD (that comes in other colors!) to help you look like a slightly better dressed version of yourself.
42. And some stainless-steel hoops to give any outfit a boost.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.