At times we might envy northern countries and their wonderfully white winter seasons. Mountains covered in a thick blanket of snow, rosy-cheeked children sledging down the hill in colourful snowsuits, Christmas markets selling hot Glühweihn – we want in on it all! The cold and everything that comes with it, is synonymous with winter and the Christmas season – at least that’s what we hear in all the songs and see in all the movies.

Just because we don’t reach extreme minus temperatures in Africa, however, doesn’t mean it doesn’t get nippy enough to dress up warm and winter-trendy. Investing in a snazzy snowsuit, neon coloured moonboots and a pilot hat may be going a step too far, but there is definitely a list of wardrobe essentials we all need for a stylish and toasty winter season – here it is!

Long-Sleeved Bodysuits

Low-rise jeans and crop-tops may be all the rage for the summer months and festival season, but once the temperatures drop, you’re going to want to make sure that your mid-riff is always covered. You wouldn’t want to enter the holidays with a kidney infection now, would you?

One of the best ways to ensure that your upper body stays snug and warm on chillier days, is by wearing a long-sleeved bodysuit. No more tugging down a t-shirt or top that is constantly creeping up to expose your lower back and belly! Bodysuits have become extremely trendy over the last two years and are available in plain colours as well as with fun prints and designs. It looks great worn with a pair of jeans and a cardigan or under a short-sleeved summer dress you’re not ready to retire for winter just yet.

Hooded, Oversized Cardigans

Nothings beats a good  ol’ oversized cardigan when “the weather outside is frightful” – it will to keep you delightfully warm and in style for the season. If said cardigan also happens to feature a hoodie, even better – it’ll turn into your wardrobe’s ultimate comfort item that will serve great for lounging around at home as well as in the office or out in the winter world.

Pair your hooded, oversized cardigan with a midi-dress or a skinny-jeans and boots combo and you will achieve that wonderfully relaxed winter-look we’re all after. The best part about opting for an oversized cardigan – be it made of wool, fleece or a cotton-blend – is that you’ll have plenty of room to layer your clothes on colder days without restricting your movement. There’s no need to look like the Michelin man if you keep in mind that winters are all about the “onion-look” – the one that allows you to add and discard layers as you see fit.

Sweater Dresses and Tunics

One pet-peeve many of us share in common during the winter season, is the cold-bum-syndrome. No matter how carefully we choose our clothes prior to braving the cold, if we’re wearing a jacket that only reaches to our waistline, we’re always going to be stuck with icy bum cheeks and midriffs that will take some serious defrosting in front of the fire place or our home’s heating units.

A way to avoid the bum-freeze is by wearing sweater dresses or tunics that reach beyond our backsides and will lock in the heat we so desperately need in that area. Whether you’re a die-hard skinny-jeans gal or still swear by the flared jeans of the nineties, sweater dresses and tunics look fabulous worn over any style of jeans and guarantee to keep your warm and trendy.

Knee-High Socks and Leg Warmers

Some of us retire our mini skirts and dresses as soon as autumn announces itself – no matter how thick our tights, we still end up catching a cold whenever we do brave it. Others can’t live with this trusted wardrobe essential and have found ways to wear it through any season with the help of an additional layer – namely knee-high socks. Knee-high socks worn with mini skirts and dresses over classic tights, will keep you warm and comfy whilst still looking sexy.

The same can be achieved with knee-high or even regular leg warmer. If you happen to be one of many people who believe leg warmers were one of the many style trends of the eighties that didn’t make it into the 2000s, think again – they are still very much alive and helping feet and legs kick up some warmth during the colder months.

Infinity Scarves

It doesn’t quite feel like winter until you’ve dug your scarves out of the bottom of your wardrobe – they are true winter essentials that offer a stylish look and extra warmth. Most of our body heat escapes from the nape of our necks when we’re wrapped up in our winter jackets, so it is vital to cover this area and trap the heat. This can be achieved with any style of scarf of course, but our favourites are by far the infinity variety, simply because it’s so versatile and acts as much more than just an extra garment to keep us toasty.

Infinity scarves have a unique, layered and cozy look that can be paired beautifully with all types of outfits. It can become the statement piece in a simple jeans/leggings, t-shirt and cardigan get up, or the ultimate face, ear and neck protector when braving a stormy walk with the dog.

Boots

Although our trusted converse shoes go with everything, you should consider swapping them in for a pair of good boots during the winter months. Converse shoes simply do not offer the warmth and protection needed to keep your feet dry and snug – they are not waterproof and there’s hardly any material between your feet and the freezing cold ground.

Boots – whether they are ankle-boots or knee-highs – were practically invented for the drearier months that are prone to rain and humidity. They offer far more protection for your feet and will allow you to walk your four-legged friend in the drizzle without the wetness seeping through to your feet. Most importantly, they are incredibly fashionable and will complete any outfit.