Jacket Weather

We made it! Jacket weather is here, Puffa coats can be saved for early morning / late night dog walk and inclement weather days, Day to day its time to de-robe, and while I am a huge fan of being enveloped in a giant coat, jacket weather is a styling opportunity not to be missed, your look is complete (unlike in summer when the lack of layers is jarring to me) and visible (versus winter when everything is concealed by a coat) and in outfit building terms there is nothing better. 

This is the time of year when accessories shine (metaphorically, no need to bust out the metallics or sequins) shoes, bags, scarves, sunglasses and even jewellery are how you will punctuate your outfits and keep even the simplest looks interesting. Look up a belt brand called Dehanche, at £300 a pop they aren't cheap so take note of the details, multiple belt loops, metal tips and stud work and be inspired when shopping for your belt. Check out Mint Velvet & Hush. 

Jacket wise the world is your oyster, are you a blazer girl, structured or oversized? Is a sporty funnel neck / bomber style your go to? Are you excited to wear your suede or is April when you make the most of your leather jackets being the main character? Whatever your preference, it's time to dust her off and build looks. 

The simple most effective jacket weather outfits start with the same base, a white t-shirt. I prefer a boxy fit that's long enough to tuck, a crew neck and short sleeve. Things I avoid when shopping for white t-shirts include cap sleeves and thin fabrics, Crew necks are a more versatile shape to layer under any jacket and I prefer my white t-shirts to have a little weight to them, it gives a more 90s vibe which somehow feels more modern than thinner fabrics. 

While it's very much a skirt season, day to day who wants the faff of finding shoes that work with a skirt? So for the purpose of jacket season I am sticking to trousers and jeans. Most of us own a blue denim jean, white and cream have been coming back for the last few seasons while right now brown denim is pushing to be noticed, its entirely up to you but do i think brown is a keeper? I wouldn't bet on it. 

Shape wise, Barrel is still around, If the winged leg is not your thing but you want the loose fit with a tapered shape go for a carrot, for a classic look a wide leg high waisted never fails. A straight leg is still very fashionable but it requires you to have very little shape in the bum, hip and thigh department. 

After what feels like a lifetime of wearing trainers with everything I can understand the want for a smarter shoe, a loafer, a brogue or a smart narrow boot, but the truth of the matter is that a trainer still works just as well. My only caveat is you keep your gym/running trainers for just that. 

Jacket weather isn't about reinvention, it's about revelling in how simple it is and that's what makes it so-damn-good.