That time of year is here again. The summer has come to an end (with a big, wet splash of rain), and suddenly all the magazines and blogs are filled to the brim with what you should and shouldn’t be wearing for the coming months of wet, windy and downright miserable weather that we like to call the A/W season. Of course, as always, people should just wear whatever they feel pretty, comfortable and happy in. However, if you do feel like buying a few key pieces then you will have to sort through the general bollocks and awful fashion failures to work out what is great. To save you from all the shit, here is my pocket guide to the essential items that this season is throwing our way.
A Shearling jacket
It would seem leather jackets just aren’t going out of fashion. The only different now is that designers have, for once, given us something vaguely sensible, and have added a layer of thick and warm sheep wool to keep you cosy. I can’t decide if this is going to be one of those items you can invest in for years to come, but I suspect it may well last you for a few winters at least. If you are a designer addict then my favourite is the utterly sculptural contribution from the kind of jackets, Rick Owens – but highstreet stores like Guess?, TopShop and ASOS.com have their own MUCH more affordable versions!
A Cape
Yup, outerwear again. The cape, of course, has been around for far longer than just one season, but if does seem to be skyrocketing in personality. The key thing here, I feel, is to buy one that doesn’t make you look like a tent. Which can be hard, when you are wearing something that looks like... well… a tent. Still, shop wisely and you can find some beautiful pieces of fabric that will make you feel like a fair maiden or like Little Red Riding Hood, which has got to be fun. I wouldn’t waste too much time finding the perfect one, however, I would just nip onto ASOS.com and buy one of their designer copies – or try eBay for a beautiful vintage wool coat. (The cape pictured above is the Military Cape from ASOS.com)
Warm winter boots
Now, here is a trend I can get behind. Sexy ankle or knee high boots, in leather with chunky heels and plenty of attitude. Oh, and a fur lining. Yes, this trend means that we can enjoy the main attraction of Uggs, without having to have Uggs on our feet. Perfect! Bertie produce a gorgeous and kind of butch pair of walking-boots-with-heels, where as if you can’t handle the overuse of wool this winter you can simple be safe by opting for a more elegant wedge heel as the main competitors to the A/W crown.
Astounding trousers
Yes, you hear me correctly, astounding trousers. For the first time in my life as a fully paid-up member of the Dress Appreciation Society (is there one of those? If not, there should be!), I have got excited about a fashion trend towards trousers. I blame this entirely on Chloé, who have managed to make long, elegant camel trousers that, I would imagine, have the ability to look good on any body shape. They are stunning, and will make bums look fab!
Kitten Heels
Kitten heels were the unexpected victor for this season. Noone saw it coming, and for girls who hate high heels it is bound to be a lifesaver (literally, if you are clumsy as me) to find the shops stocked with lower heels. Cute little vintage inspired looks are the favourite, with bows and feminine touches galore. TopShop stock a gorgeous little lace kitten heel for £65, but most shops will have something at that end of the height spectrum. If you are really brave, team them with socks – but be careful not to end up looking like a plonker, as that is very easily done!
So there you are. These are the ones that I think are worth buying, with a bit of a question mark over the capes! Happy shopping!