The Staples: 2013

As 2013 is drawing to a close at midnight, I thought I'd have a little look back over the things I've found myself wearing again and again this year - some are more than twelves months old, some are newer purchases, and some in the above picture are a variation of the version I actually own, but the idea is still there! I've tried to vaguely organise it into categories so let's give it a go.

Trousers - This one is easy - it's generally been Topshop Leighs (in various shades) which are in my opinion, perfect. They're quite thin which means they're incredibly comfortable, but don't go baggy around the knees or fall down - never a good look and one I find myself battling with on many an occasion. I'm all about the separates for an evening out and when it's not my black Leighs, it's some form of leather look trouser/coated jean. Unfortunately my favourite pair from River Island met a less than ideal end involving my knee and the pavement, but they have since been replaced and balance has been restored in the world!

Skirt - No surprise - leather. It's definitely replaced my love of the black bodycon in Uni days and if you want to hear more of my obsession then see this post. No dresses will be being mentioned because unless it's a particular occasion, I always opt for separates...I'm just very fussy when it comes to picking the perfect one. Wish me luck on my annual work party hunt!

Tops - I had to include a standard vest top as I wear these a lot in summer and most days in winter under jumpers. In terms of evening wear, again no surprise, it's been all about a cami - this greyish purple Topshop number has to be my favourite, but I also picked it up in a few different colours (I have a problem).  In the warmer months I tend to go for a slouchy tee and as soon as it gets a bit more chilly I live in knitwear - I could have filled a whole board with my favourite jumpers but I reigned it in and went for this grey mohair New Look knit which has been a firm favourite throughout winter.

Coats & jackets - I have worn this black blazer to death. It's my go-to going out jacket and I also have it in a cream colour which is lovely in spring and summer. I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to being cold so this is good because it's nice and light and not a massive pain to carry if I get a bit too toasty when I inevitably get into my 'I am Beyoncé' state of mind. A leather jacket has been a staple in my wardrobe for quite some time and gets plenty of lovin' throughout the year. In terms of winter coats I've chosen two more recent purchases - I love the biker shape of this black coat from Dorothy Perkins and it's totally in my comfort zone, but I also couldn't resist the unique colour of the Zara duffel. It's so unlike anything else I have but I've really been enjoying wearing it to add a bit of a variation to my outfit as I usually stay within the territory of neutrals and monochrome!

Bags - Again, this was easy. My everyday bag has usually been a standard black handbag and my evening bag is a variation of this black shoulder bag from Next (mine is just plain leather rather than two-tone). They are such a nice size and easy to chuck on over your shoulder rather than having to bother carrying it around - I'm lazy, ok? And again, I may have repurchased in a nice light cream shade (just watch the sticky drink spillages with that one...).

Shoes - Boots, heels, flat sandals and occasionally ballet flats. I can't get enough of heeled boots - for shorties like me it's an added bonus that you can gain a bit of height and add some length to your legs! I've chosen this charcoal suede pair from M&S and a recent addition to my wardrobe - a super tall black pair which are good for smart/casual occasions. In terms of heels, I usually opt for a huge platform to save my poor, dying feet and again, make me look a bit taller than a twelve-year-old. Talking about dead feet, something I didn't include in the image above is my battered converse, which also get cracked out when I'm giving my toes a little rest.

Jewellery - This gold mini Casio has not left my wrist all year and a standard chunky, gold chain has been a favourite for jazzing up a simple jumper of t-shirt. Again, no prizes for guessing that a statement necklace would be making an appearance - I've loved throwing on something with a bit of colour or embellishment to brighten up what tends to be an all black/grey/neutral ensemble, and this Accessorize necklace is my new fave. Finally, I've chucked in a couple of midi rings because it's a trend I've been totally on board with - these ones from River Island were only two quid too so why the hell not, eh?

This little rundown has been a helpful exercise for a couple of reasons: it's made me have a think about some things which I could definitely send to a charity shop seeing as they haven't made an appearance in the last twelve months and it's also made me think I should probably make an effort to wear a bit more colour and crack out a dress more than 3 times a year...let's see how that fares in 2014. Happy New Year!