Some Animals May Hibernate in Winter but in Fashion, the Future Never Sleeps

Sorry for the lack of blog posts last week but I didn't seem to have a very fashion related few days. We finished our freehand drawing week and now we've moved onto Adobe Illustrator for 5 days which I much prefer because I can actually do it.

So I've been researching what to write in this new post and decided I would talk about what I will be wearing this Winter. So many magazines cover this topic but how many people actually take their advice and buy the things they are told will be ''the 'it' things to wear this Winter''? So this is my edited, much cheaper and more efficient list of things to buy and wear this Autumn/Winter. Many of them you probably already have in your wardrobe.

1. A pair of great fitting, dark wash jeans. These are a staple for any wardrobe. They are not only comfortable and look great but are so easy to just throw on and wear with a tshirt (see number 7) and cardigan (see number) if you don't know what else to wear, or are in a rush.

2. A plain, black, long blazor. This isn't a totaly must, but it can be a timeless addition to your basic wardrobe. Another thing that looks great with jeans (see number 1) and leggings (see number 6). And can be dressed for the office and/or for going out. Just one rule - make sure it's one block colour because if it has a print, it can be hard to match with other prints ie. like on tshirt.

3. A leather or suede pair of knee high boots. These won't go out of fashion after one season, which is a good thing if you're going to spend £100 on them. Alternatively, because they've been around for decades, you probably already have a pair and it's even better if they look slightly worn in. In a black or brown colour will be the most ideal.

4. Ugg boots. Now these can be a bit of a luxury. I've been hankering after these for a couple of years now but can't seem to bring myself to spend £150 on boots that probably won't last 2 seasons. This Winter I may actually do it though and I've heard from everyone who has a pair that they are a god-send and I will live in them. I'l let you know if/when I bring myself to get some this year...

5. Black or skin colour, leather ballerina flats. Either colour and they are bound to match with most, if not all your outfits. Comfy, practical and if in leather, won't stink after wearing them for the whole day.

6. Black, cotton stretch leggings. These are the best thing to wear on a lazy day or on the weekend. They are simple to wear and go with absolutely everything - just add a tshirt, cardigan and ballerina flats (see number 5) for ultimate casual wear.

7. Simply cut tshirts in a variety of colours and patterns. These can be picked up very cheaply and can be worn all the time. Because I wear them so much, they don't really last more than a couple of seasons but because they are so cheap, it doesn't matter. For this reason, use these to update your look year by year and experiment with different cuts, patterns and colours to suit your shape and personality.

8. A classic pair of black heels. Most women have these in their wardrobe already, but if you don't it's worth investing in a great quality pair that will last years. They are an easy way to go from day to night with most outfits, I recommend the blazer (see number 2)/jean (see number 1)/shirt (see number)/heels combo.

9. A couple of long-line cardigans in muted colours. I wear these all the time. They go with jeans and leggings and are a really easy way of keeping warm and comfortable but still looking chic and smart. They are ideal for work and play and if they are good quality, will last years.

10. Military-style coat. Ideally in a black, dark grey or navy blue colour. So many women cover up a perfectly nice outfit with an old, saggy coat which can end up looking sloppy. Military-style clothes have been around for a few seasons now I in my oppinion, they aren't going anywhere. Make sure it's beautifully cut and made in a great fabric. If you get this right, you will be investing in something that is timeless and should last you a good few years taking you through several fashion changes with small updaters such as changing buttons and adding a bright scarf or brooch.

11. Crisp, white, cotton shirt. Great for work or a smart lunch that goes with most styles of trousers and jeans. If it's good quality cotton, tailored, and fits your body well it should last a couple of years.

12. Vintage fur. Very much a luxury but a fox scarf from the early 1900s can be picked up on Ebay for £20 to £40. I love the look of fur (although not a full coat of it) but alot of people would disagree with wearing it. A fox scarf will definitely be on my Xmas list this year though.

13. Yellow, gold accessories. A great way to update your look that will carry you into Spring/Summer next year. A simple necklace or bracelet will brighten up any outfit but still look classy and elegant. This is another area you can really express your personality in a subtle way and if you have a strict work uniform, they are a nice way to add a bit of variety.

So that's it, above are all my Winter staples for the coming season. I hope it's a refreshing change from the highly expensive, mainly luxury items (that anyone other than Victoria Beckham wouldn't be able to afford!) that appear in only glossy magazines. And I hope that my guide is alot simpler and easier to follow.



So go forth and discover the items at the back of your wardrobe that you never thought you'd wear again, dig out that tarnished piece of gold jewellery that you thought was out of fashion, the leather boots that are battered and scuffed and please, please, please, I beg you, bin that saggy coat!!

Happy styling this Autumn/Winter everyone!

Loveness,
Maria
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