Coat – Wilfred, The Only Coat
Hat – Tommy Hilfiger
Scarf – Mango
Knit Vest – Zara
Pants – Buffalo
Bag – Chylak
Shoes – Louis Vuitton
When it comes to my style, I’d say I’ve been around the block and back again in terms of experimenting with different styles and clothes. After many years of this, I feel that I have now found my “uniform” and know what works, what I love, and what to stay away from. I think too, that this all comes with age and experience though – there’s something about the fact some clothes just look better on a younger age group; and vice versa.
When it comes to my current “uniform”, especially for the cooler months, there are a few things that I obsess over and wear repeatedly. This is to the extent that I even purchase the same items but in different colours or patterns.
A Well-Tailored Wool Coat
A well-tailored wool coat is a must-have for warmth and fashion at this point in my life. A wool coat is such a versatile piece that it can be worn both business and casual – with heels, boots, and even running shoes. At a recent Holt Renfrew Fall Preview event I attended, I was presented with a few outerwear brands; Sentaler, Mackage, Akris Punto, and Canada Goose to name a few. Each of these offered a mesmerizing selection of colours and styles, but after trying each of them on, I just couldn’t shake the idea that many of these coats were in the CAD 1000 price point. I’m all about purchasing a good winter coat, but that price point is a bit overarching if I know for a fact that I can find a fantastic coat within a much smaller budget. So, back to Aritzia I went and picked up another one of their classic tailored coats. The coat in these photos is the Wilfred The Only Coat in Saville, which I purchased about 2 years ago, and it’s my go-to.
Over the Ankle Leather Boots
A good pair of boots is KEY during this season – as with pretty much any season, I recall wearing these boots in the middle of summer for a date night, with a little black mini dress and blazer. My favourite type of book is just above the ankle – weather permitting of course; as the colder it gets, the higher the boot goes. Preferably, a solid leather boot is the best option, but of course, it’s all personal preference. These LV boots are a big splurge item, and I know I have been called crazy for spending so much on a pair of shoes “that you walk on the dirty ground with”, but honestly, let’s not judge – these are the most comfortable boots I own, and they were worth the investment.
Some other pairs of boots that I like that could recommend are from brands like LK Bennett, (4, 5, 6 above) Mango (1, 2, 3 above) and of course Zara. I have to say that any shoes that I have purchased from Zara have been well worth it.
Bandana and Scarf
As a child, I remember my mother always tying a bandana around my neck during the Fall and then pulling a scarf on during the colder months. As I grew older and started dressing myself, I only used my coat as neck protection. Now, in my 30’s, I am back to bandanas and scarves – I have been for a few years now, and it’s become essential. Opting for the bandana accessory can be so exciting, as there are so many different ways to style it – including wearing it on your head.
Stores like H&M and Zara have great selections with fun patterns, but if you’re looking to invest in a bandana with a story behind it, I highly recommend Lebrand (pictured in the below collage), one of my favourite Polish Brands, which is recognized for and has brought back the bandana style.
Knitwear; A Love Story
I will never have enough Knitwear; a cozy knit sweater is a must-have in my closet and I’d wear them all year round if I could. The only thing that I have started doing differently with my knitwear lately is that I am purchasing/keeping only those that fall in line with my closet colour story. Anything cream, beige, brown and white works, and can be complimented well with other items I wear as staples.
Most of my favourite knit sweaters are from brands like Gap, Tommy Hilfiger and Zara. Gap and Tommy Hilfiger knits are essential items that you can pick up at the outlets for amazing prices with promotions. I recently purchased a $120 knit sweater from Gap for only $35 – that’s the kind of shopping I like.
There’s a few Polish brands who create impeccable knitwear; Wool So Cool and MLE Collection. These brands design and sew in Poland with materials like soft merino wool, for example, which is certified OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
High-Waisted and Mid-Waisted Pants
Based on body type and comfort, everyone has that specific style of pant they prefer to wear – mine is high and mid-waisted, straight or skinny. I sometimes feel that it will be time to change up my style, but if this works well, I’m not in a rush. Although I wear this style all year, I find that during the colder months, they especially appeal to me – not only do they cover my backside from the unwanted cool breeze (which I can’t stand), but they look flattering with longer knits or shirts.
Having a few pieces that you can wear over and over any given season is so important – it makes picking an outfit out in the morning so much easier, as well as your shopping trips less confusing. Not to mention, mostly everything works with each other, so layering and replacing items is a breeze.
As always, thank you for reading, I hope to have inspired you.
