This season, I have found myself leaning towards pieces that straddle the smart/casual divide. My lifestyle has become more home-based than ever, so I am looking for ways of dressing that are relaxed yet elegant. This means soft textures, a versatile colour palette and classic, everyday silhouettes that can be dressed up or down. I’ll also be adding a handful of retro-inspired transformers to refresh my collection and give it seasonal relevance.
Isabel Marant Étoile
“A blanket coat is always in my winter edit; I love its casual, throw-on appeal, while its light yet warm nature means you can layer it up or down to suit the temperature (wear over a shirt now, add knitwear when it gets colder). This oversized check is striking enough to provide the focal point for any outfit.”
Isabel Marant
“As a child of the ’80s, sartorial influences from the era are particularly resonating with me this season. Though shoulder pads might seem unusual, when subtly placed on a classic white T-shirt, they provide a flatteringly structured silhouette. The knot front is also perfect for wearing with high-waisted trousers.”
Mother of Pearl
“Denim is playing a starring role in my autumn/winter wardrobe. With a high waist and relaxed-fit, these wide-legs are smarter than a boyfriend cut, yet still have the sense of ease I’m looking for. They’re versatile, too; pair with a T-shirt and sweater or dress up with a shirt and mules.”
“I like to wear sunglasses, even in the depths of winter when that low light can be surprisingly bright. I consider cat-eye the most versatile frame as it suits every face shape, and I love this clean, white hue, which will refresh last year’s knits and outerwear.”
“I never thought I’d wear a hoodie; however, I have fallen in love! I am elevating the casual style by layering it underneath a blazer for a smart/casual clash. This khaki iteration from Pangaia is made from environmentally friendly yarn and comes in sustainable packaging.”
“Black leather trousers are one of my winter staples. Adding luxe appeal to any outfit, I consider them a chic alternative to tracksuit bottoms and will wear them with chunky knits and flats.”
“A pair of ready-to-walk-anywhere boots is a must in my cold-weather collection. These lace-ups marry the function of hiking boots with the sleekness of city boots, meaning they can easily be dressed up or down for myriad occasions.”