A/W Essentials

As much as I would reject the coming season of A/W, it seems some things in life are an inevitable fate. Soon enough, we’ll be trotting home with 6 layers of coats on, begging mummy suze to whip you up a batch of hot choccy. To my excitement, she always agrees.

I originally wrote this post for AW18, only to find that as we delve into AW19, many things have stayed as true “essentials”. This year, a big focus has been reworking my wardrobe, and to limit myself from indulging into fast fashion.

I have chosen these pieces as classic, staple AW garments which will all continue to be go-to pieces as each year passes. I believe all of these pieces to be transitional, versatile, and when styled together; effortless. Besides, that’s how the Parisians always look so damn good.

THE TRENCH COAT

Left: Zara. A classic trench colour and material, with a casual, flowing cut. Right: Mango. A more classic structure, featuring a dogtooth print.

Wow, where do I even being with the staple of all staples. Naturally you will see me rocking a trench all year round, however they have been described as the perfect “transitional” coat in-between seasons. Even the simple trench coat has so many variations, I’ve seen it in many different fabrics, cuts, colours and styles. Of course, the classic Burberry trench will always be the one we know and love, though with that kind of price point, I’ll enjoy rocking my Zara trenches till the death bed.

In terms of styling; the trench coat goes with absolutely everything. I like to think I’ve even pulled it off with a bum bag and my yoga gear… gives the look a nice Parisian twist. My favourite way to actually style a trench is having it draped over my shoulders… effortless, yanno?

Con: the trench has a light weight, typically fitted structure. This means the only item I would avoid pairing it with is jumpers or cardigans underneath, for they will fill out the arms and make you look much wider than you are. The trench is supposed to “hang” loosely so try not to bulk it out with other layers. If you must; try the slung-over-the-shoulder look.

the turtleneck

Left: andotherstories. A tight fitting, white, stretchy turtleneck. Right: Bershka. A cropped, ribbed black turtleneck.

Another absolute classic; the turtleneck. Again, many variations: I have seen knitted, thick turtlenecks or I have seen these slimmer fitting/cropped ones. I have also seen them with a varying degree of turtleneck-iness; some of the jumpers have quite the severe excess material around the neck. They truly go with anything you pair them with on the bottom; jeans, skirts, and everything else.

Con: as these jumpers take up a lot of space of your elegant neck, they can often make the neck seem to have disappeared, so I recommend wearing an up-do hair style to give the neck a little length back.

I often wear turtlenecks with my jewellery on the outside, just to jazz them up a little bit. I also avoid wearing them with long skirts due to a personal taste of not wanting to looking too much like a history teacher… sorry.

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asymmetrical skirt

Left: Urban Outfitters. A PVC textured asymmetrical skirt with a silver hoop. Right: Mango. A trench skirt with tortoise shell buttons and a knot-belt loosely hanging.

I wouldn’t call this one so much a “classic”, but i have only recently become a skirt person; so I’ve been living in this style of skirt for the colder seasons.

As much as I love getting my little pins out, let’s face it; it’s fucking freezing. My knobbly knees simply cannot take any bitterness, but I do believe that skirts like these ones look even better with a sheer black pair of tights underneath. It’s quite hard looking elegant during the winter months so whack on a pair of boots and trot around the town with a pair of killer boots on.

footwear

Left: Russell & Bromley. Black leather slip on loafer with a gold buckle. Right: Office. Black leather high boot with a tortoise shell heel.

Boots boots boots. & boots. I have a problem with boots… leading me to owning about 16 pairs or so. Perfect for dodging puddles, and trotting around in the colder months. My favourites; a classic black leather boot (sorry vegan friends), but they truly do wear so much better and last so much longer. I’m a fan of a “jazzy” heel of some sort, and I am not opposed to a PVC option. Simply put: they go with everything.

Boots also help when you feel like your shape and sexy-ass body is being hidden under a whopper of a sweater dress; they will jazz up any outfit and give you the hit of confidence to make you strut around town.

For days when I can’t bear stressing my little trotters out with heels, I opt for my slip on loafers. This pair from Russell & Bromley is the perfect substitute for my Gucci loafer wants (never gonna happen), and they give any baggy jeans a suited and booted vibe.

leopard print

Left: Topshop. A silky leopard print slip dress. Right: Urban Outfitters. A flowing leopard maxi skirt with buttons down the middle.

Let’s rejoice: leopard print is here to stay for the winter. I am so happy that this 2018 summer trend is going to be staying put for the rest of the year. Warm up your slip dresses with a little t-shirt or turtleneck, adding layers and depth. My one rule with leopard print is to simply, not over-do it. If you choose a leopard piece which is the staple of the outfit, pair it with other neutral tones. I like mixing leopard with black leather, creams, whites and warm tones.

I also like a maxi skirt with buttons down the front otherwise a maxi skirt can be a little mumsy. I undo as many as I can without flashing my foofoo, and get a thigh out on display.

Con: Naturally, leopard print can come off as “tacky” if styled carelessly. I try not to buy leopard print online, as you can’t tell how the fabric feels. The fabric is very important with leopard, as it is the deciding factor as to whether it’s tacky or classy. I like to try the pieces in store and see how they feel.

floral dresses

Below: A Zara midi dress with a floral print, puff sleeves and buttons down the front. A fabric belt to cinch the waist.

Another trend I was sure would only be around for summer, but alas how I have been proved wrongly. It seems like we can take our classic floral dresses, and make them A/W. Piece together the items with biker jackets, black boots and knitted cardigans. I love the juxtaposition between the summery floaty dresses and then a stompy pair of doc martens.

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flares

Below: A light wash blue denim straight leg flare from Bershka.

Truth be told; I didn’t think I would ever buy a pair of flares. My body type is a typical pair shape, and bless my 5″3 soul, I truly compare to a vegetable dumpling at the best of times. A sexy little vegetable dumpling mind you. Styling my shape since puberty stole my 11-year-old ballerina-shaped body, I have come to believe that I must wear skinny jeans to let everyone know: I’m not shapelessly large, I’m just booty-liciously curvy. But heckers, it is 2018; if I can’t wear flares now, when can I?

I bought this blue washed pair, and a black pair to give a go. If you have the same body shape as me; I can only recommend 2 things: massive heels, and a bloody tight belt. Naturally, you need these things to give off the impression of being a 6″ tall goddess.

But for sure, I am being more comfortable wearing the ol’ flares. Doubt you’ll see me in them with a chunky trainer though…

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knitted cardigan

Below: Black & Grey knitted cardigans from Primark.

Can you tell these cardigans are the same? It’s rare I find a good piece from Primark, but when I do; I purchase it in every colour I can. Originally bought this as a “whatever” piece to wear to work, but I get so many damn compliments I’ve decided to wear it out more often! It’s a perfect throw on cardigan to look snuggly and cute, and easily styled due to the neutral tones.

Con: It is difficult to wear a coat over the top of these, due to how “bulky” the material is; so more suitable for indoors or transitional weathers.

PIECING THE OUTFIT TOGETHER

I cannot pretend that choosing my outfits is an easy or careless procedure, no matter how effortless I (try to) make it look. I have so many gorgeous pieces, but pairing them together sometimes actually seems impossible. Cue: “I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!”

I try and envision the pieces together in my head, matching textures, or colour palettes. In the look above; I let the flares be the highlight of the look, but as you might know… blue is kinda hard to style. What goes with it? If in doubt: stick to black! Pairing a blue jean with black or white is always a win. The black gives more a sexy boss feel, whereas white will give you girl-next-door vibe.

I go for a tighter fitting top to make up for the looser-style flared jeans, giving a balance.

In this look, I try and choose a fairly neutral, tonal palette. The trenchy-skirt has a similar vibe the tortoise shell on the boot, giving a “warmer” feel to the look. The small details like the gold jewellery, and the gold detailing on the bag also contribute to this tone.

The white turtleneck is the tighter item again, whilst the skirt has a little space in there. I try to pair it with the slightly baggier cardigan to give some depth there.

Ultimately, all of the items from both looks are fairly mix n’ match. This is a super easy way to ensure you always have “something” to wear. The more “classic” and “neutral” your collection is, the easier you will find pairing them together. Every time you buy an item, try and think of 3 different ways you can wear it/things you can wear it with!

That’s all from me folks. I’m off to hibernate like a little bear for the rest of A/W 2018!

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Jessy Miller