I’m Refreshing My Winter Basics Wardrobe With Sale Finds From Banana Republic, Madewell, and Gap

Here's how to achieve a streamlined closet makeover without breaking the bank.

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With the new year officially in full swing, I’m on a mission to refresh my closet. While I certainly plan to embrace the season’s most viral trends—including animal print coats and thigh-high boots—I’m more focused on building a collection of basics that will anchor my winter capsule wardrobe.

As luck would have it, several of my go-to brands have exactly what I’m looking for at a discounted price. At this very moment, Banana Republic and Madewell offer up to 60 percent off select items. Meanwhile, at Gap, shoppers can enjoy 40 percent off regular-priced styles. While scouring through each retailer’s site, I discovered an assortment of essentials like sweaters in neutral shades, T-shirts ideal for layering, and jeans that pair well with just about any outfit.

Although there are hundreds of items to choose from, I somehow managed to pare down my wishlist to 30 must-haves. Scroll on, and you’ll discover a slew of basics practically begging to be added to your lineup of cold-weather pieces.

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Sweaters

While my closet is already filled to the brim with cozy sweaters, I’m always in the market for more, given that I wear them consistently during the colder months. I’ll be expanding my collection with these elevated pullovers.

T-Shirts Tank Tops

Ask me about my secret to battling bone-chilling temperatures,, and I’ll tell you that it involves layering my outfits with tight-fitting T-shirts and tank tops. It’s an uncomplicated styling hack that never fails to get the job done.

Button-Down Shirts

Crisp button-down shirts are non-negotiable basics. Recently, I’ve been wearing them beneath sweater vests and cardigans for a polished feel. Style this preppy look alongside trousers, a double-breasted coat, and a pair of loafers for a sophisticated winter work outfit.

Denim

This season, the top denim trends are more streamlined than ever. Classic styles that boast wide-leg and straight-leg constructions reign supreme over those that fall on the maximalist end of the spectrum. Play into the look with these straightforward styles.

Leggings Sweatpants

When you need a break from braving the cold weather, cuddle up on the couch in a plush pair of leggings or sweatpants. And if you must leave the house, team your stretchy bottoms with a hoodie and trendy sneakers for an easygoing athleisure outfit.

Outerwear

Make sure to prioritize neutral color palettes and straightforward silhouettes when shopping for your basics—like this roundup of trench coats, puffers, barn jackets, and wool coats. I’ve even added a lightweight blazer to the mix for those winter days that feel more like spring,

Lauren Tappan
Lauren Tappan
Fashion Editor

Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.

Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.