Must Have Basics for AW18 - Jersey

At the weekend I did the winter wardrobe changeover...my hopes of an indian summer were dashed by Storm Ali and forecasts of 5 degrees for Sunday so before I succumbed to the gorgeous knitwear and coats arriving into shops, I knew it was important to get my own stuff out of storage. I'm so glad I did because I have a LOT of coats and jumpers....but you knew that already.

Seeing it all out of storage and with my new detox mindset, I was able to accept I definitely DO have enough and don't need to buy much this season. I urge you to do the same if you haven't already - even I, who prides herself on knowing exactly what's in my wardrobe, had forgotten about a couple of coats.

But what I didn't have enough of was basics. Specifically close fitting layering jersey basics. As part of the changeover, I did a ruthless clear out and anything that wasn't still white, went for recycling. Clearly my laundry skills are lacking as I was left with just one long sleeved white top and a couple of black vests.

What do I use my basics for? Well, all year round, you can't beat a white top. It's a wardrobe staple. Perfect for under a blazer, coat or a shirt. It lets other parts of your outfit be the star of the show. Perfect for wearing with an accent coat or bold coloured footwear.

When it gets cooler, they're a useful layer under shirts and knitwear, especially v-necks. I love a peep of white to lift a darker jumper - here are a couple of older blog photos to demonstrate

Basically (pun intended), they're an essential building block of your wardrobe and I guarantee with the right basic jersey tops, you'll have fewer 'what will I wear with that' moments.

So what jersey basics do you need in your wardrobe? I suggest the following:

2 x white vests

1 x black vests

2 x longer sleeve white tops

1 x longer sleeve black top

And where to get them? Well M&S came up trumps this year with these boat neck tops available in a load of colours for £6.50. As a pear shape, boat necks are my friend. I don't have the bust to carry off a v-neck and a crew neck can look quite masculine so when I see a cotton boat neck in a range of colours, I'm all over it.

Cotton Stretch Slash Neck 3/4 sleeve top - M&S

They're £6.50 and the quality reflects this. They're a little transparent but absolutely fine. I'd wear a white vest underneath if I was wearing them alone but when I shared these tops on Instagram along with my love of boat necks, one of my Avenue 57 friends Catherine tipped me off to a similar top in Oasis which she buys every season. I've not had a chance to check them out online but they look to be a better cotton than the M&S one. Sadly no white online.

Envelope Neck Top - Oasis

I have to say it got me thinking about Oasis - I've not been in in YEARS! Must make an effort to drop in - it's a shop that has really dropped off the radar in recent seasons.

Moving onto vests, I find Dunnes great for these because the cotton is a nice quality, with good stretch, they wash well and they're £2.50.

Cotton Stretch Vest - Dunnes

A final top tip - check out the dregs of the sales now to find jersey basics. There are some higher end brand items to be found at bargain prices if you look in the right places.

Easy Basic Vest - Whistles

Boat Neck Long Sleeve Tee - Whistles

The Cotton Boat Neck Tee - Boden

These next ones are not in the sale but they're a good buy if you get a 20% off code

Essential Vest - Boden

And there are loads of other places to check for these jersey gems - TK Maxx, Brand Alley (loads of Hush on there at the moment!) and don't forget to check the loungewear/underwear sections in these places for great options too.

I'll be back with more must have basics for AW18. Leaving you with a few outfits from the past week, starting with a classic jeans and white top combo from a day spent learning how to spray paint street art! I can't say this blog doesn't keep life interesting.

Jacket - Great Plains (AW17) - available this season in the burgundy only

Jeans - H&M (SS17)

Trainers - Kids Vans (current)

White T-Shirt - M&S

Spray Can - Stylist's Own

Then this jazzy skirt is a recent addition to the AW wardrobe after temptation got the better of me in Sarah Alexandra Boutique in Newtownards. I love how it works so well with my New Look jumper from a few seasons ago.