I’m finding the easiest way to freshen up my wardrobe is by adding a dose of winter white. I’ve noticed how quickly it brings a stylish edge to my predominantly Classic closet. High on my wish list for the season is a bag and boot in a creamy hue that would step up my game in a subtle way. A Skirt and Sweater are safer bets, but still add a breath of fresh air to the sea of black and gray that dominate most wardrobes the next few months. Here are a few favorites:

sweater, skirt, boots, bag

I wear head-to-toe black a lot, especially over the holidays, but look how the chic factor is kicked up a notch with a white bag. I think the creamy hue is just gorgeous and love how the shape of The Row‘s circle bag pops against these black separates. And taking a closer look, when wearing all black, why not make each item a standout on its own? The lapel and button holes on Alexander Wang’s blazer, for example, immediately signal an eye for workmanship and appreciation of design. Same goes for the crepe trouser with subtle slits at the ankle and the velvet/silk camisole with dual textures. And I can’t overlook Balenciaga’s interpretation of the classic flat sling back in a pleated, stretched lambskin. So pretty. Wouldn’t these stunning citrine Fred Leighton earrings be the perfect exclamation point to this look?

bag, shoe, blazer, trouser, earrings

Next up is an ivory sweater – a staple with jeans that will never look dated. But, I’m also loving sweaters over long skirts this season, preferably in a fabric with movement. Better yet, what a perfect place to add polka dots, a print that’s important right now and looks modern and aware yet classic. The sock bootie in its subtlest form is a great addition to this look or any. It’s more wearable than you might think and quite flattering. If I needed to add a new black bag to my mix, I’d grab Calvin Klein’s clean version of the basic bucket bag silhouette in a heart beat. I could count on it to be an essential piece for years to come. I like an earring with length when wearing a high neck but nothing too fussy. The organic shape on this pair from Fernando Jorge is an interesting, elegant design that would easily work day to night.

skirt, sweater, bag, boots, earrings

A great example of the transformative power of a white shoe, specifically a boot. A forever classic outfit of jeans, a sweater and a luxe camel coat is a safe bet and would look good with a predictable loafer yet is far more interesting with the unexpected addition of a cream-colored boot. I saw a similar look on a stylish woman recently and the pale boot frankly made the outfit. I like the familiarity of a Chelsea and the darker sole on this boot from Jil Sander in particular knowing I would be more inclined to pair it with other outfits because of its comfort and subtle details.

sweater, coat, boots, jeans, hoops

An ivory skirt might come off as a little uninspired on its own so I like the play on shape and cutouts in this one from Rosie Assoulin. I’d keep the rest of the outfit fairly simple to let the details on the skirt make the statement on their own. Pairing it with a classic ribbed sweater adds shape and identifies the overall silhouette of the outfit. I would just easily wear this chunky heel Givenchy pump as I would a flat loafer or mule.

sweater, skirt, shoe