when temperatures begin to drop!

At this time of year not every event we get invited to calls for sequins and tuxedos, more and more we find ourselves attending outdoor events or events in a colder setting, like carol concerts in a draughty church for example.

Dressing up for these type of occasions actually mean layering up.

But how do we stay chic, whilst trying to stay warm?

The key to dressing is to first and foremost, dress appropriately for the weather, invest in pieces that will not only keep you dry & warm, but will also look great.

How do we do that? Fabric is key. 

You want to focus your purchasing power as much as you can, on man made, sustainably sourced fabrics like wool, cashmere, feather/down, shearling & leather. These fabrics will trap the warm air closer to your body ensuring you stay dry & toasty no matter what the thermostat says.

Start with a coat 

In any hard working wardrobe, you will need at least 3 types of coat more if your budget allows:

1. Water repellent – A wax jacket, longline mac or rain coat work perfectly in this category. Just make sure that it comes with a padded liner for extra comfort. 
2. Padded Puffer – Aim to get a sustainably sourced padded coat with a high neck and a hood if at all possible.  
3. Smart wool – Belted or buttoned, aim for a midi to maxi length. Look for a coat that is at least 60% wool or cashmere for ultimate feel good factor

Boots

Again think of the rule of 3, you need at least the following in your wardrobe:

1. Wellington or walking boots – you need a pair of boots that you can get wet & muddy without caring and don’t forget to buy good quality thick socks to wear with them
2. A smart leather everyday boot – Knee or ankle, whatever you feel would work well in your wardrobe.
3. A dressy ankle boot for when you need a little bit of extra glam injecting into your cold weather look.

Secret Styling tricks?

1. A thermal long sleeve t-shirt from Marks & Spencer. I talk about these a lot. They’re thin, work brilliantly under knitwear or blazers and are long enough to tuck in. Purchase the grey and a black at a minimum. 
2. Cashmere socks. The ultimate stocking filler for friends & family, once you go cashmere you never go back. 
3. A great hat! Keeps your hair & head dry, protects from fly aways when it’s windy and generally just looks great. Think fedora, baseball hat or wool beanie.
4. Scarves, snoods or a hooded bib. I know the last one sounds weird but one of last years biggest accessories was the adult sized outerwear bib. COS sell the most brilliant padded hooded bib that looks amazing paired with a smart wool coat, it gives an urban utilitarian feel which works well in contrast to the classic shape of a double breasted wool coat. 
5. Last but not least, hand warmers in your pockets. Trust me, a good friend of mine introduced me to them last year & i’ll never look back.

Big thanks to Morgan Clare boutique in Harrogate for letting me try on some of their amazing winter pieces.
Love the look of one of the coats featured? Get £50 off when you spend £200 or more on full priced items in store or online. Offer available to new customers only. Quote: FASHPACK50 to redeem.
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Feel like your wardrobe needs professional help? Get in touch here or email  Louise@fashpackstyle.com