This winter has been crazy with the predictions of fierce weather where as in reality it has been all spring which has led to a major loss to the retailers resulting in discounts and sales all over. It is a good idea to stock up on some of the winter essentials and be ready for the colder spring!

From scarves to gloves to coats to jackets, winter does ask for more and more of outerwear and accessories. After all it is all about layering up in winters. Personally,I have a check list of winter must haves which keeps changing every year depending on what the season offers. But there are certain styles which I think would never go wrong. I love having classic pieces in my wardrobe and here is a peek to my wish list.

1. Classic tailored trench: Undoubtedly my most favorite! Once invented for the British army during the first world war, this style is now a fashion staple. It usually is a knee length rainproof coat with detachable insulated lining, perfect for the harsh winter days. A classic trench can be described as a double breasted coat with belted waist and cuffs with front buttoned pockets and epaulettes and a gun flap. Over the years there have been various versions of this style, which are all popular. It is a cut that fits all body types so everyone should have a trench in their wardrobe. It will always remain in style come what may!

2. Parka: Invented in the arctic, Parka is originally a weather proof jacket or coat with filling of down or synthetic fiber with a fur lined hood to fight the extreme temperatures. With the prediction of extreme temperatures ,this style is very much bang on trend. There are various versions of a Parka, some with zippers,some with buttons and belts and some are made of wool with a fur hood. Good thing about a Parka is that you do not need to carry any other accessory to protect your head!

Personally I prefer to see it on slim figures as they can afford to have puffed up jacket around them and not feel like a balloon ;)

3. Pea coat: Originally worn by the Navy, is another classic which is essentially a double breasted woolen jacket with side slash pockets and metal buttons. A must have in anybody's wardrobe especially as it can be thrown on anything and anywhere and is of course stylish.

Excellent for all body types. Shorter women should avoid wearing coats longer than the knee.

4. Sweaters:

Turtle necks: Variety of ways to style this staple piece. A great base to show off your statement accessories. If you are big into high impact accessories like necklaces, belts,big earrings, clutches etc.,this is a must have in your wardrobe. Not too great on a round face and heavier upper body but don't you frown, you can still carry it off if you layer it up stylishly using some of your tops,dresses, vests and jackets with other winter accessories like scarfs and snoods.

V necks: Another winter essential especially in a working women’s wardrobe. You can attain a classic look by wearing a button down shirt under a v-neck sweater in a contrasting color with a pair of trousers or jeans or can also team it up with your formal skirts. Something that never goes wrong. If you are looking for a more casual and relaxed look to play with , wear a contrasting tank under a deeper cut V-neck with your skinny jean and accessorize the look with chunky belts and necklaces. This cut is especially popular as it is most flattering and easy on all sorts of faces and shapes. It elongates the round face, creates an illusion of a longer neck, awesome for heavier upper bodies as it totally slims down the torso and is sexy to expose a bit of decolletage!

Cardigans: A sweater with a front opening, either buttoned down or zipped up! A sweater which comes in various styles and color options is a wardrobe staple. Wear it over a blouse or a dress, a cardigan offers an option to dress up your outfit. Great for all body types as it comes in a variety of cuts and styles. I like to decorate them with exclusive buttons of my choice which turns a basic cardigan into a chic sweater.

Sweater dresses: Who said you cannot wear dresses in winters? I love to wear dresses all year round and I think women look gorgeous in dresses and should wear them all the time. Sweater dress is a great invention as you look chic while being warm. Wear it over leggings with knee high boots if you are tall or wear it with booties if your are short. Wear it with your favorite skinny jeans and style it with statement belts. The options are numerous. A leather jacket or a denim jacket looks great on a sweater dress with leggings and boots. Tall or short, skinny or plump, all girls must have dresses in their wardrobe just be careful with the length you choose before you buy them.

Cable knit : I love cable knits as they are versatile in terms of styling. Wear it long with a tiny contrast belt over a skinny jean along with a snood and a denim jacket and you are ready for a casual day out with your girl friends or wear it with a shirt under and a leather jacket and you are ready for work. This stylish knit is an excellent option for layering up in winters. Cable knits are available in different styles such as turtle neck, cardigans, v necks and also in sweater dresses which could be worn over tights and knee high boots for a very stylish and warm look.

Cashmere : Wear it once and feel the love! I agree that it is a little too high maintenance and pricey but its all worth it. Cashmere sweater and a cashmere shawl is a must have in a woman’s wardrobe.

5. Hats: Beanies, berets, chullo hats ,flat caps and ushankas, hats off to this season! Not only do hats keep you warm but also helps you finish the look in winters. The classic masterpieces amongst these are the beanies and the berets. Beret is a round knit hat that sits snug around the head and falls on one side of the head. It is flat on the crown and so can be worn in various ways. Add a brooch and dress it up or wear it simple and casual and look stylish. Beanie is a classic knit hat which is necessarily worn to cover up the head and ears during winters. Some beanies fit right on the ear or some have an ear flap. They are always tapered on the top but some may have pom-pom on top and they are called bobble hats. Ushankas are Russian fur hats with ear flaps that could be tied on the chin. They are good for extreme weather as they offer maximum coverage. Chullo hats are similar to ushankas but made from wool. They also have ear flaps which could be tied on the chin and are tapered like a beanie on top. They come from the Andean mountain region and so are great for extreme cold temperatures.

I love wearing hats as they help me look stylish even on my bad hair days!

6. Scarves: Scarves are an amazing versatile winter accessory. It adds an element of interest on a basic attire by either giving a pop of color or by incorporating texture in the outfit. If you are especially not into the mood of necklaces or flashy accessories, then grabbing a scarf is an easiest way of being stylish during winters. Weather you like cashmere or silk,the ties and twists are fun and chic. Another version of scarves have been popular in recent times called a Snood. It is a hybrid of a scarf and a hood. Or in simple terms it is a tubular scarf worn around the neck twisted once or twice depending on the length of the scarf and can be taken over the head as a hood to cover our precious ears!

So have fun shopping for these essentials as I hear that the Spring is going to bring us some cold surprises!