Most good wardrobes need a mix of casual, practical, smart and statement items. I’m a Magpie shopper so for me, spending money on practical items isn’t anywhere near as thrilling as buying a cool new dress. However, I know that my wardrobe needs to be balanced for it to be truly functional. When the weather turns colder as it is now, I need a warm coat to watch my son on the football pitch even if I do find buying such things quite boring.

Other people are the opposite to me, they have a wardrobe full of practical clothes and nothing very glam at all. They might see the way I like to shop and the clothes I buy as frivolous, or they might just have a different lifestyle to me. Point is, we are all different with different lives and it’s important to make sure your wardrobe is delivering for you.

The start of a new season is a great time to reflect on what you have in the wardrobe from last year and what is worth keeping. There might be some items that you didn’t love last autumn and doubt you’ll wear again, or maybe they look a bit dated now. If that’s the case then clear them out, get rid of that clutter.

Take a step back and work out what gaps you have. For me, this year it was a warm winter coat. I’ve had my last coat for 7 years so I feel like I got my money’s worth! It was beautiful when I got it but now it looks scruffy and shabby. Plus also it isn’t waterproof which is a bit troublesome on walks or watching my son on the football pitch. Also, my jeans are all dated. I currently don’t want to wear skinny jeans so I’ve packed them away for now and have found a couple of jeans that reflect how I feel now and how I want to dress in Autumn/winter 2022.

Anyone who listens to my podcast will know I am not a fan of a generic ‘one-size-fits-all’ capsule wardrobe BUT there are certain pieces I think will make sure your wardrobe is functional AND stylish this winter and that’s what this blog is all about.

My run down is this (photos and links below).

A winter day dress
2 pairs of GREAT jeans
A couple of jumpers in colours that really suit you. (I’d go one thin knit and one cashmere polo)
A couple of nice tops
Faux leather or real leather trousers (these always look luxe and elevated)
Knee high boots
Chunky boots

A winter day dress
Basically, a dress with sleeves. When it’s really cold you can opt for a lovely cosy knit dress which is very ‘on-trend’. I got this dress last week at White Feather Boutique but I got the ‘coastal fjord colour which is a pale blue. The blue is sold out at White Feather but you can find it online. I do love this joyful pink though. It’s cord and looks velvety so quite glam. I love the shape of it.

2. Two pairs of great jeans

It’s no secret that skinny jeans are currently out of fashion. If you still love them and they suit you, carry on wearing them! If you want to update your look to be more current, which jeans should you go for?

The super trendy are wearing low slung (Oh my GOD), really wide jeans like the 90’s BUT this time arund they are stying them with a structured blazer and lots of statement jewellry. If you are brave enough, AGoldie do good versions.

If you prefer high-waisted like me then opt for either a straight-cut jean ,flares or bootcut. FYI, you can’t got wrong with classic Levi 501’s if you prefer a looser straight fit.

Flares and bootcut can be really flattering, I got the Sessun pair below recently from Meet Bernard boutique in East Dulwich.

Baggy jeans with a fitted tweed jacket are all the rage right now. Image Harpers Bazaar.

3. A couple of knits/jumpers

I find thin knits are wearable and useful because the weather is so unpredictable. For years I have recommended the Whistle sparkle knit as a thin knit that is uplifting due to the sparkle. They come in loads of colours too. I also love Bella Freud knits.

For a cozier knit I’d go oversized cashmere polo neck so you look polished. These look great worn with leather trousers (see below).

Sparkle thin knit comes in lots of other colours

Cashmere gives you that luxe, elevated feel.

4. A couple of nice tops

Tops are surprisingly hard to find. At the moment the shops seem to be ignoring tops and offering up mostly knits but I’ve managed to find a couple of gems.

My current obsession is the brand Disko kids. I’ve just ordered this black and gold ‘Disco’ tee. Love the metallic skirt too. They have lots of music-inspired tee shirts and other clothing that add a bit of fun and sparkle to your wardrobe.

Add a bit of fun and sparkle to your wardrobe ✨

5. Faux leather or real leather trousers

These are a good investment. Leather trousers make you look luxe, expensive and pulled together. These are slightly cropped so make sure your ankle boot comes up high enough so there is no gap and the trousers fall over the boot. Can also wear with trainers or high heels in the evening if it’s not freezing. Like these styled with a cashmere knit, pretty blouse or even tee shirt and blazer.

6. Knee-high boots

These are very ‘on-trend’ right now as there’s still a bit of a 70’s revival going on. These are great under skirts or dresses.

7. Chunky boots

These are also everywhere this season and I wear my Chelsea boots to death this time of year. I like wearing mine with a maxi dress or a silk slip skirt and jumper. This look fits how I like to mix something really feminine like a satin slip skirt with something edgy like a pair of chunky boots. If chunky boots feel a bit too edgy to you and not quite your style then knee-high boots would also work well with a slip skirt.

I hope you enjoyed my autumn/winter selection. If you want to see my suggestions for workwear then check out this blog.

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