Alice Catherine

When it comes to fashion, this time of year is all about layers – and lots of them! Layering can be tricky to get right sometimes – often an outfit can feel destroyed as soon as you add a winter coat, and other times it can really complete the look. Most winters, I’ve been guilty of steering away from outfits that I really like, just because I’ve convinced myself that they make me look massively bulky. Think Joey from Friends when he puts on everything Chandler owns – sometimes you just end up feeling frumpy, and pining for the summer months to hurry up… 

This year, I’ve tried to be a little more creative that usual with my layering – mainly to try and combat my serious ‘jeans and a nice jumper’ uniform. It’s not that I’m trying to change a habit of a lifetime, but I really do feel like sometimes my wardrobe is guilty of being a little wasted on me. I’m definitely a creature of habit – it doesn’t matter how many beautiful blouses I own, I’ll without a doubt wear the same two on rotation. This is my usual routine until they are developing holes, and pretty much ready for the bin…

I quickly realised that having a few statement blazers firmly in your wardrobe can open up a whole new way of dressing for the cooler months – dresses, midi skirts, high waist trousers, they all look great with a masculine blazer thrown over the top. In fact, I don’t think there’s anything I can think of that doesn’t look instantly stylish with a blazer added into the mix…

One trend that I’ve been really on board with lately is the whole ‘blazers worn underneath coats’ look. It may sound like a recipe for disaster, but if you can find the right pieces that compliment each-other – I promise you won’t look back. I love how this vintage cream check one looks against the black wool coat – it just adds that subtle hint of character to passers by. Almost as if you’re letting people know that there’s a really great outfit hidden underneath… 

It’s these kind of details that really make a winter outfit interesting – the type of outfit that just keeps getting better as you deconstruct it. For instance, I could spend all day wandering about the city in this outfit and not get cold, but as soon as I’m indoors – the coat comes off, and the blazer can do all the talking. If you’re heading out for after work drinks – the blazer can be removed, or even slouched over the shoulders for that added chic look (something that always looks cool in magazines, but I haven’t quite mastered yet). A simple little wrap dress makes for the ideal undergarment too – the beauty of a layered look is that you’re pretty much prepared for any change in temperature. I guess you could say it’s adulting at it’s finest… 

Pack a change of shoes (if you feel like it) and your favourite red lipstick, and this look could easily take you from desk to mid week drinks – I’m all about the ease and comfort these days, and this outfit ticks all the right boxes…

A beret and a statement bag help to complete any casual look and really add something a little extra – I think my cost per wear of this Simon Miller bag is slowly coming down too. It makes me feel less guilty about splurging that money on a single item – I don’t know people casually drop a few grand on a handbag. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to own a Chanel bag, but I think I’d just be too scared to carry it around with me – I’m the clumsiest person ever. I have to invest in things that won’t look too awful if I spill my drink on them, as there’s a ninety percent chance that it will become a reality!

I definitely find it difficult to feel good about myself at this time of year – Christmas often leaves us feeling bloated, the central heating plays havoc with our skin, and we generally just feel like hibernating until Spring. I find it hard to keep coming up with new outfits that make me feel good, but also act as weather appropriate armour for when I leave the flat each day. I think it’s a funk that everyone goes through at this time of year, and my god has January felt like the longest month ever! I know it’s not healthy to wish the months away, but I really will be happy to see the start of a brand new February – hopefully one with a few blue skies scattered throughout… 

If I could give you any advice for getting dressed right now – it would be to just gravitate towards whatever makes you feel good. Pick up that piece that excites you (even if it scares you a little), we all need something like that in our wardrobes from time to time… 

Don’t be afraid to play around with layers – layer up pieces that you already have and create something that feels different than before. Invest in a few statement blazer and try it out underneath your winter coat for a bit of a stylish upgrade – borrow pieces from friends if you want to try out something new without investing first. Mixing up your everyday uniform can really have a great affect on the way you view the day ahead…

Alice x

Photographs taken in Paris, by Adriana

Coat | 12 Storeez (sold out/similar here & here)

Blazer | vintage via Beyond Retro

Dress | Topshop (similar here)

Boots | Joseph (sold out) 

Bag | Simon Miller

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