by This moment of the year always feels like a key change in the song of life. The nights fall hard and fast now the clocks have changed. For a few days, the leaves underfoot are as thick as a shag carpet. The world is awash with deep autumn oranges and reds: pumpkins, then fireworks, then poppies. The mood music is changing, the energy is rising, as the year progresses.
What this means on a practical level is that it’s time to prepare the winter storage cupboards – not just with food, but with all the essentials needed to get through the colder months.
So here are a few things on my radar this month. Two options if you’re in the market for a new coat – one with a central hood that could be an alternative to the scarf coats I wrote about in my recent column. The only slippers you’ll ever need. And maybe a pair or two (I can’t resist a classy pair of earrings). I’m not for a moment suggesting you buy these things – you might not need anything. You can file an idea for next year. Or maybe something on my list will remind you of a treasure you could dig out of your own wardrobe. But here’s a starter for 10.
The perfect peaco
Double-breasted pea coat, £159
johnlewis.com
I can’t do justice to how amazing this coat is, and neither is the photo, but take my word for it when I say it looks and feels delicious. Well-thought-out pockets and expensive details (for example, a hidden button to keep the collar in place). It’s chunky, though, so not for you if you prefer a slim silhouette or tend to overheat.
Great party crop
Top of the Lady, £65
monsoon.co.uk
If I wasn’t a really nice person I’d keep it a secret, but I’m telling you because I love you: Monsoon makes great party clothes. The silver dancing shoes I bought there last year made me happy and no one else has them. This front button bandeau top is stunning by Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and is available on a high street near you. You owe me one woman.
Chic slim phone strap
Beaded phone cord, £14
notanotherbill.com
I hate to say it, but a well-dressed phone is an essential part of your look these days. Please don’t tell me you still carry yours in one of those leather wallets. Buy a simple slim silicone case with buffers to protect the screen and attach a wrist strap to keep it attached to you – or your handbag – so you don’t use your hand. These beads are nice. Mine is blue.
Knock the dinner
Jumper with shoulder buttons, £29.99
mango.com
I’ve included a shopping link here just to show you what I’m talking about, really, but this is a general style tip rather than an arrow towards any one item. A simple knit sweater that’s a little special enough to take out for dinner is one of the most useful pieces in your wardrobe. Buttons on the shoulder are a more chic and subtle detail than sparkles or fancy trim. With jeans and hoop earrings this Mango number will take you anywhere. Try searching “button shoulder sweater” on Vinted or Depop for other options.
Dance shoes
M&S X Sienna Miller chain detail satin sandals, £69
marksandspencer.com
Don’t mess around if you want these, because the second drop of Sienna Miller’s collaboration with M&S went on sale on October 31st and these – the only shoes in the collection – won’t last. The gold chain suspended from the ankle strap makes these shoes feel extra special. I’m really into the poison green color, with sheer black tights and an LBD, but they’re also black.
Competitors’ ears-even
Heart-shaped rings, £9.99
hm.com
Binging Jilly Cooper has whetted my appetite for gobstopper 80s costume jewellery. Also, I have a soft spot for heart-shaped earrings. These are divine, darlings.
The most elegant slippers in the world
Ballet shoes, £22
uk.blochworld.com
Big fluffy slippers make me feel like a cartoon bear, which I don’t even wear behind closed doors. Standards, people! Ballet shoes make the best house shoes. They last for years, protect your tights or socks from holes, flexible soles are comfortable enough to curl up on the couch in, and won’t embarrass you if the doorbell rings. These days they usually come with pre-sewn elastic across the top of the leg, but I just cut those out. Go for a black or pink ballet slipper.
Preppy vintage pleat skirts on eBay
The vortex of disappointment that hit me when I didn’t snag one of the short pleated skirts from the Bella Freud x M&S collection made me realize how much I want – need – the kind of pleated skirt above the knee that hasn’t been worn me since school uniform days. I went down the eBay rabbit hole, and can report that this is a great source of the new skirt shape you need. I’m still deciding between this classic Burberry check and this classy gray wool Ralph Lauren number (pictured above).
Two-in-one coat and hood
Coat/hoodie, £89.99
mango.com
Your coat has to handle two important jobs. It has to keep you cozy and dry, of course. But it also has to make you look smart, polished, professional. Often, these two roles feel as if they are in opposition – choose between an elegant coat and false hair, or staying dry but looking like a grown-up toddler. This coat-hoodie hybrid could be the answer.
Give your belt a starring role
Do you have a belt? Any belt? Then you wear a new suit. This is what you do. Wear your longest jumper – one that covers your bottom – over wide trousers, or a long skirt. Then cinch your waist with a belt. And add heels. So chic.
Claw hair to make you smile
Swiss cheese hair claw clip, £11
RUBS.com
Very silly, but anyone with medium or long hair needs to put it up every now and then – this will put a smile on your face when you’re taking your hair out. Unicorn Rainbow Birthday Surprise also makes a cheeseburger, if the Swiss cheese isn’t silly enough.
