If you haven’t noticed that the weather has got super chilly and that a coat is necessary on the trek to uni each morning, then I think you’re living in a dream world. Winter has well and truly arrived. It’s time to stop thinking about that hot beach holiday you went on over the summer and start planning your winter wardrobe if you haven’t already.
Winter wardrobes are full of lovely clothes that will keep you nice and toasty in your cold student house and on those days when you venture out to do a spot of Christmas shopping or even force yourself to go to the library. One of the most important items this season is a coat / jacket. You cannot survive without one! This season there are so many to choose from, you really are spoilt for choice. Choose from faux fur if you want to add a little bit of luxury to your life, a boxy leather biker jacket if you want to embrace the 90’s rebel trend or an oversized mannish coat if you’re feeling inspired by Céline.
Once you’ve picked your coat, it’s time to stock up on jumpers. Again, there are a lot to choose from on the high street and a lot of inspiration can be taken from the catwalk; from Givenchy’s Bambi sweater to Christopher Kane’s appliqué jumpers there is something for everyone to be inspired by. Personally, I have my eye on a cute grey jumper with a jewelled collar from Topshop for adding to my collection. You cannot live without a jumper as they are so easy to style. Layer them over shirts with skinny jeans for a grunge look or over dresses and pinafores for a more preppy look. Just pick up a few choices and get experimenting!
Next is footwear. I can talk about shoes for hours and this season I am coveting a pair of thigh high black suede boots from Russell and Bromley, but sadly the price tag is keeping us apart. Luckily there are cheaper alternatives out there. From the cool Chelsea boot to the chunky cut out boots that can be spotted left, right and centre on campus, you can’t go wrong with the numerous options available. It’s also worthpicking up a good pair of heels because winter means parties and you’re going to need some beautiful shoes to dance all night in!
A girl cannot live without accessories. Believe me, I think I would go crazy if I couldn’t accessorise my outfits. For the past year or so I have relied on a vintage scarf my Mum passed down to me but now I’ve found an amazing soft-to-the-touch tartan scarf in Zara I’m quite literally dreaming about. It’s the pattern to be seen in and I urge you to head out and pick one up asap! Don’t stop there either. Pick up gloves and a hat too. All these are important winter wardrobe essentials – take inspiration from Cara Delevingne and try out a beanie or bobble hat to pick up extra style points.
Winter also requires a new dress for all of those Christmas parties you’ll be invited to. I always buy a new outfit for the Christmas season so I don’t find myself stressing when a last-minute plan to go for drinks with the girls pops up. As it’s almost Christmas I would suggest a dress that is sparkly, sequined or something velvet for that luxe effect. It’s a time for dressing your best and having fun so don’t hold back. If you’re stuck for ideas or don’t want to dress too fancily then try a simple black dress that you can accessorise with a chunky necklace or sequined clutch.
Most importantly, remember that whatever you choose to add to your wardrobe make sure it will keep you warm! These are just a few of my essentials that I think you should consider when you head out shopping this winter but of course, you should also check out what’s online and in magazines for further inspiration and ideas. Happy shopping!
By Helen Kelly
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