Alice Catherine

At this time of year, I find myself reaching for those simple outfits that feel like an oversized hug. High waist denim, slouchy t-shirts, and the biggest jacket I can find to throw on top. It’s the transitional phase that still has most of us figuring out what we want our wardrobe to look like for the season ahead. So far, lots of cord, snake print, and brown tones all seem to be the theme when I glance at mine. Having shorter hair definitely makes me more adventurous with my outfits, and I’m finding that I have way more fun playing with different shapes and colours…

However, this outfit isn’t about experimenting for me, it’s all about taking my style back to it’s roots – creating a look that feels like home. This particular outfit feels like a compilation of The Breakfast Club characters – it’s got that late Eighties/Nineties, oversized, almost ‘teenage moodiness’ feel to it that never gets old. It’s understated, and dare I say it, cool without really putting in the ground work…

Oversized cord, a good white t-shirt, vintage Levi’s, nineties style sandals, and check print – these are all things that I’ve been able to find in my wardrobe for as long as I can remember, and pieces that I will continue to wear and update for as long as I feel happy wearing them. It’s good to have pieces like this in your collection so that you have a last minute outfit on hand – the kind of outfit that doesn’t leave you feeling like you need to check in the mirror before running out the door…

I have to take a moment to praise this And Other Stories cord jacket too – they kindly sent it to me this month, and it’s the perfect black autumn/winter jacket. I can fit a jumper underneath it too (always a bonus), and it’s been keeping me nice and toasty on this increasingly chilly mornings. I think it would look really cool layered over a little dress with some ankle boots too – I’m picturing a floral print dress with some cowboy boots, and a cross body bag for good measure. Cowboy boots seem to be everywhere this year, Western style attire is back in full force, and I’m seeing some really interesting pieces coming through. I have my eyes on this Ganni pair as I missed out on the style they did last year, and they seem like the most wearable version of the cowboy style boot that I’ve seen so far.

When I decide to incorporate trends into my looks, I’m always looking for a subtle take on whatever that trend happens to be – that way, the pieces are likely to stand the test of time in my wardrobe. I don’t find joy in investing in pieces ‘just for fun’, I want them to be pieces I will wear and love until they basically fall apart…

I’ve been trying to spend as little as possible at the moment as next month I fly to New York for the first time ever (excited squeal). I plan on visiting lots of vintage shops, and then places that aren’t easily accessed in the UK like Reformation and The Frankie Shop. I know Reformation are launching soon in the UK, and already have concessions on both Browns and Farfetch, but it’s their American vintage section that I’m most excited about. Yes, I’m aware that it will be massively overpriced, but I’m saving so that I can treat myself to something special – after all, it’s my first time in NYC with my favourite human, and a girl always needs some sort of souvenir…

All photographs by Catherine Booty 

Jacket – And Other Stories

T-shirt – Nan Nin Vintage 

Jeans – Vintage Levi’s

Sandals – Joseph

Bag – Trademark

SHOP THE LOOK