October saw the clocks go back and now, all of a sudden seemingly, November is here. The nights continue to draw in and the first winter frosts make the ground sparkle and bring a nip to the air.
It’s time to wrap up and get cosy...
It’s time to wrap up and get cosy...
Tactile knits are ideal for layering and wearing both indoors and out. Jumpers and cardigans in cashmere and Merino wool add warmth and a touch of luxury without bulk. Thicker wools and knitted cottons offer a chunkier option. A coatigan is a good option for dry, milder winter days. A long knitted cardigan in the style of a coat it is a good trans-seasonal choice that looks as good with dresses as with jeans.
Mine is new this season and I wore it every day when in Lisbon and several times since then. I absolutely love it especially because it is "wool-free" and the neutral grey works with so many other colours.
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When the temperature dips further, it’s time to add a coat. One of the biggest wardrobe investments of the year, it must earn its keep and work as hard as it can, so consider fabric, colour, style, shape and climate.
Mine is new this season and I wore it every day when in Lisbon and several times since then. I absolutely love it especially because it is "wool-free" and the neutral grey works with so many other colours.
Neutral colours such as grey, black, navy, beige or cream work with every outfit combination. Such colours transcend the years and fashion trends. If a statement coat appeals though, brighten up bleak grey days and choose a coat with a strong pattern or colour. Vibrant checks or plaid will chase the winter blues away.
Animal prints range from the subtle, barely there to the unmissable. They can behave almost like a neutral as they compliment every colour. Leopard print is a perennial favourite so is a good investment.
Coats made of wool or tweed are durable so can be worn year after year. Compared to other fabrics, wool works as an insulator, so is warm at all times, but the downside it takes a long time to dry if it gets wet.
For wetter days, a waxed jacket, insulated puffer or waterproof coat is a warm and practical choice.
For wetter days, a waxed jacket, insulated puffer or waterproof coat is a warm and practical choice.
Faux fur adds elegance, softness and warmth and is always popular. Whether all over on a glamourous jacket or just edging a hood, it never goes out of fashion and gives a feeling of opulence and luxury.
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| Snowflakes and faux fur for the Dickensian Market, December 2014 |
Top Tips for choosing the right coat
A coat that will be worn frequently should perhaps be minimal on detail to maintain its versatility.
A coat that will be worn frequently should perhaps be minimal on detail to maintain its versatility.
Knee to thigh length coats look good on all body shapes but if the hem hits the calves, it will give the illusion of shorter legs.
Apple shapes suit A-lines and anything that flares out from the hemline.
Pear shapes suit coats that have more detail on top, think wide collars and shoulder epaulettes.
Body shapes with little or no waist definition look best in designs that flare out at the bottom and have detail at the top.
Hourglass figures can show off a small waist with a belted coat.
I love nothing more than wrapping up warm and going for a bracing autumn walk. Let's hope this beautiful autumn weather continues and that we can all get our daily dose of fresh air whilst looking fabulous and keeping warm!
Love Liz x
I'd love you to take a look at my Instagram. There are a lot of photographs there that are different to those on my blog. Thank you!
(My coatigan is by Gray & Willow at House of Fraser, £89. It's brilliant because the bottom zips off to transform the coatigan into a cardigan and if like me, you can't wear wool, this is perfect. It runs large though. I initially ordered the medium, (I'm a UK size 10-12), but it was huge, so I exchanged for the small!)
I love nothing more than wrapping up warm and going for a bracing autumn walk. Let's hope this beautiful autumn weather continues and that we can all get our daily dose of fresh air whilst looking fabulous and keeping warm!
Love Liz x
I'd love you to take a look at my Instagram. There are a lot of photographs there that are different to those on my blog. Thank you!
(My coatigan is by Gray & Willow at House of Fraser, £89. It's brilliant because the bottom zips off to transform the coatigan into a cardigan and if like me, you can't wear wool, this is perfect. It runs large though. I initially ordered the medium, (I'm a UK size 10-12), but it was huge, so I exchanged for the small!)