Boyfriend Jeans and Thick Knits
Blazer: Zara (similar)
Jumper: Mango
Jeans: COS
Loafers: Zara (similar)
You can tell it's winter when your outfit pictures consist of pale skin, thick jumpers and windswept hair but being able to bundle up is one of my favourite things about this time of year. This Mango jumper has become one of my staples this season, with its loose shape and soft grey colour making it really versatile. This is a look I go to for real ease; those big boyfriend-style jeans, comfy loafers and thick jumper acting as one big comfort blanket.
Slimline Blazer and Oversized Culottes
Blazer: Zara (similar)
Dress: Theory
Trousers: COS (similar)
Shoes: ASOS
This time of year is really busy for me (as it is for most people). Working in ecommerce means my weeks are filled with Black Friday/Cyber Monday and Christmas, while weekends are spent getting ready for the festive period and various social activities. I'm not complaining but it is a bit non-stop, so when it comes to style I like to keep things as simple (and comfortable) as possible.
At the moment I'm all about volume and creating new shapes, balancing big pieces like these COS trousers with slimline dresses and blazers. Paired with my new slipper-like shoes from ASOS, this outfit ticks all of my sartorial boxes.
What to Buy this Black Friday
Black Friday is back; the phenomenon that has pretty much dominated the retail calendar over the past few years in the UK. I'm not complaining - new season pieces at a discount? Great - plus it's the perfect opportunity to stock up on Christmas presents. The thing with Black Friday is it's easy to get carried away (I'll be the first to admit I've been getting Black Friday panic) and buy things just because they're on offer and you don't want to miss out. To get around this problem I've put together a curated list of wardrobe staples that will give me the best deals this year.
Chunky Knits and Kitten Heels
Jumper: Mango
Necklace: c/o Felice Dahl
Jeans: ASOS
Shoes: Mango
The kitten heel was a style I never thought I'd really buy into but this season I've been drawn to them more and more - especially when I saw this pair from Mango was only £35.99. I love the shape, the slightly elevated height and the fact that the colour adds a pop to my otherwise dark outfit. This jumper has become a new staple for me too, with a looser fit yet much-needed warmth for this time of year - plus it becomes that little bit more special when worn with this chunky gold necklace from Scandi brand Felice Dahl.
Styling Layers on Layers
Blazer: Gap
Dress: COS
Trousers: COS
Shoes: Zara
I feel like the contents of my wardrobe are gradually getting looser and looser, and my outfits are gradually taking on more and more variations of layering. Take this outfit, consisting of a COS dress (although possibly too short to actually wear it as its original function), relaxed COS chinos, masculine wool blazer and what can only be described as outdoor slippers. I'm not complaining though, it's comfortable and warm and is essentially the next best thing to wearing pyjamas in the office.
The KENZO x H&M Shirt
Shirt: KENZO x H&M
Trousers: COS
Boots: Zara
I told myself I wasn't going to bother with the KENZO x H&M collab that was released a couple of weeks ago. I admire KENZO for its bold designs and new life that Humberto Leon and Carol Lim have breathed into it but pink tiger print isn't exactly 'me'.
It came to the morning of the collection launch however and let's just say I got massively caught up in the office frenzy and the excitement of finally reaching the page after countless times of pressing F5. It will come as little surprise that I bypassed the embroidered, printed pieces and went for the thick wool khaki shirt, that can also be worn as a jacket. Utilitarianism at its best.
Revisiting Fila
T-shirt: c/o JD Sports
Jeans: ASOS
I think the last time I wore anything from Fila it was the late '90s, it was probably a hand-me-down and it sat in my wardrobe next to an ellesse zip-up top. That casual sportswear revival (thank you Yeezy and Vetements) has meant it's back in the spotlight and that logomania that dominated the decade of my youth has suddenly become relevant again. This time around though, I'm swapping the adidas tracksuit bottoms for high-waisted mom jeans.
The Grey Wool Blazer
Blazer: Gap
Necklace: c/o Felice Dahl
T-shirt: Wood Wood
Jeans: ASOS
Bag: Sandqvist
Boots: Zara (similar)
Last weekend I popped into Gap with my sister whilst she picked some (adorable) booties up for my baby nephew. I don't think I've worn anything from Gap - let alone worn anything from there - since the '90s when you weren't anyone unless you had one of those fleecey logo'd hoodies. I saw this grey wool blazer though (something that's been missing from my wardrobe for a while) and now I'm questioning whether I gave up on that store prematurely.
It's thick enough that it's warm but slim enough that it fits under coats without bulking up and has become the perfect thing for throwing on in the morning for work, or for adding an extra layer in this biting cold. I've been wearing it with all-black and a touch of gold from Scandi jewellery brand Felice Dahl for an easy autumnal look.
Relaxed Monochrome
Jumper: New Look (men's)
Trousers: COS
Trainers: Vans at Coggles
In case you haven't noticed, I'm living in black at the moment (this time of year is the perfect excuse). I've added another pair of black trousers from COS to my wardrobe - this time a pair of relaxed woollen chinos that sit just at the ankle and are perfect for when I want something that isn't denim but is also a step away from the culottes/cropped wide leg that I usually go for.
For a casual outfit I've been pairing them with a simple black jumper (I tend to go for small men's styles for a looser fit - plus they tend to have better 'plain' styles that are surprisingly hard to find in the women's section) and fresh white Vans,
Black Layers and Backless Loafers
Dress: Alexander Wang at Coggles
Trousers: Zara
Shoes: c/o New Look
Anyone who's followed my blog for a while will know I'm a sucker for anything layered an oversized, so you can imagine my joy when this Alexander Wang dress came into my life.
After having my eye on it all last Autumn/Winter I picked it up from a sample sale at work for a snip of the original price; there was only one in a size 10 which is slightly bigger than my usual but I think it works.
I've been wearing it over culottes and wide leg trousers to create an extended loose silhouette, and will be wearing it layered over a roll neck jumper now the weather's getting a lot colder.