Over the years of tossing and sorting an array of fashion hits and misses, I discovered the one essential piece to successful daily outfits - where I felt and looked great, where getting dressed every day was basically stress free - came down to one key ingredient – to build my wardrobe with a foundation of key basics first

The plummeting temperatures of winter are the perfect time to rummage about and take stock of the layers that will keep us warm - without adding Michelin men like bulk to our winter frames.

I've curated those key essentials down to just 5 basic pieces

1. Stylish Camis in assorted colours.

Essential Key Basics begin, with Stylish Camis in assorted colours.

Every wardrobe needs at least one Cami in black or white. At Swish you have a choice of a shorter length Cami or a longer length with different style choices of a wider shoulder strap or thinner, in sumptuous velvet, effortless stylish jersey or forever timeless linen. As for colours, the options range from romantic reds, elegant greys in varying shades and effortlessly elegant navy.

A stylish Cami is your most simple and most perfect layering piece. You can colour block your silhouette for an extra slimming effect, then add in your personality and style by layering a beautiful long length cardi over top.

Add a dash of lipstick a pair of bright gold hoops or a simple pearl drop earring, a colour accented handbag and you are ready for the office, lunch or dinner.

2. Great essential supportive, comfortable underwear.

After years of working as a fashion stylist - this is the most important piece of advice I give to my lovely clients and customers - all the time.

Invest in great, supportive, comfortable underwear first!

Every single layer you add on top of an ill fitting, slack strapped bra will not do you or you new outfit any favours.

A bra needs to lift your bust point to the same place as the pattern maker of your new garment has set the bust point. And trust me, pattern makers are not setting that point somewhere obscure, launching your bust skyward, they are setting that point above your waist line.

The pitfall of waring a loose bra is that your bust heading wouth will shorten and thicken your waistline. a simple aesthetic fact.

We all love comfort first and there are great options out there in underwear that cater for our comfort and support needs more than adequately. Fit yourself out with great underwear and all the layers you add on top will look seamless elegant and as stylish as you want to be.

3. The Perfect Shirt

Essential Key Basics save time, which means stress free mornings!

This is a piece you will reach for time and time again, so make sure you take your time and find the shirt that suits your wants and needs and is the perfect fit for you.

Invest time to find the right fit and fabric feel or print. The perfect shirt for you may be a bold print or a simple colour choice.

4. Oversized Cardi/Jacket.

Functional and easy to wear - I am wearing one today - the oversized cardi is the perfect transseasonal piece when the weather is not so predictable, or you just need that extra layer like me - I love winter but loathe being cold.

Whether you are after the stylish comfort of the cool grey and black Variegated Stripe Jacket or the bold and brilliant blue glamour of the Opal Contrast Jacket - this would look amazing at a wedding function - both pieces layered over your basic cami and pant in a block colour will have your style game soaring.

5. Ponte Pants, Lounge Pants or Jeans, or all three.

Whatever your pant style you cannot go past a pair of super comforatable stretchy, inky black Ponte Pants. They are sleek and fitted without being tight and their inky blackness is forever well dressed.

Or if on the horizon a special event is coming - a wedding or special birthday - you cannot go past the elegant flow of a loose fittted black or navy jersey pant. An essential basic to have on hand. The loose fit in white would be a perfect pair to take on your next cruise vacation.

Denim on denim this season, looks fabulous teamed with the Riviera classic french chic of a simple striped tshirt, or black or white cami

Throw on your dash of glamour and warmth with a beautiful coat or jacket as seen here and here and the options of your day are endless.

Written by Simmon Wagner, a Freelance Writer, working as a Professional Movie Critic, Nationwide Australian Style Writer, Yogini and Founder of theloveauthentic,  https://theloveauthentic.wordpress.com/. Curious and trained as a Journalist, Private Investigator and Fashion Designer, now creating content to tell stories, feature friends, wellness, travel and inspiring people.

Find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Movie Critic, Style Blogger

and at https://theloveauthentic.wordpress.com