The perfect foundation for building your ultimate winter wardrobe is closer than you think, and may already be hanging in your closet. But year-after-year I am constantly finding myself gravitating towards these top five winter style essentials, so today I thought I would share with you what they are. Each of these pieces can be statements on their own and reimagined in different ways, but when worn together they give you a totally classic and casual everyday look.

Five winter style essentials

The Playful, Yet Classic Sweater

I couldn't share my winter style essentials without starting at the obvious: the wool sweater. But I love a good playful twist on a timeless design. That's why this Comme des Garçons PLAY sporty-chic jumper I am wearing with its flirtatious embroidered heart patch made my list. I just adore the quirky take on the classic sweater dreamed up by Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo, the founder of the cult label Comme des Garçons. It totally embodies casual and laidback sophistication. Throw it on with your favorite denim, like I have here, or pair it with a flirty mini skirt and opaque tights for a more dressed up look.

The Festive Lip

There's nothing like a ravishing red lip for the holidays, wouldn't you agree? You may recall from my favorite holiday beauty routines that a festive red lip is my winter style go-to. I've already been wearing it like crazy over on my Insta. Whether you're plotting that kiss underneath the mistletoe or putting your hair up and running out for Christmas errands, a gorgeous red lip screams winter-ready. But with the myriad of finishes and colors, no two reds are alike. My go to's? Givenchy's Le Rouge Lipstick in 'Carmin Escarpin,' a warm poppy red, and Dior's matte Rouge Dior Lipstick in '999.'

The Pom Beanie

This winter style essential is as practical as it is cute. A pom beanie will 'top off' your cold-weathered look (see what I did there?) with a casual playfulness, and it's just as cute with your sequinned mini skirts as it is your classic denim. I am all about embracing the season and matching my hat to my lipstick.

The Button-Down

The button-down is a must for every season, but I especially love pairing them underneath my jumpers for a layered look that will both keep me warm and reinvent my sweater in a different way. I love going for an oversized classic white button down and taming it with a sweater that hits at the waist like I have here. And bonus? When you're heading off to the tropics to escape the snow you can still get good use out of it by throwing it on over your bikini!

The Skinny Denim

Yes, skinny denim is a wardrobe staple any time of year, but I especially appreciate them in the winter. When the temperatures drop and you've got a big sweater on, all you want is a lean silhouette down there. In the winter, your footwear can rule the world (and your outfit) sometimes - and a great pair of skinnies can be easily tucked into your OTK's or cozy socks and boots. That's it for my top five winter style essentials. What are yours?