We all know it’s easy to pull together a simple outfit in the Summer when it’s warm, but what about Winter when we need to think about staving off the inevitable chill? I don’t know about you, but I’m either boiling or freezing and I’m only ever the perfect temperature when I’m out of the UK. In Winter I favour a simple denim and sweater combo. This time I’ve gone for a pair of super skinny Abbott Kinney style jeans from John Lewis’ inhouse denim brand AND/OR – if you haven’t tried them yet, you really must. They’re designed by the same people as Levis and the fit is incredible, they’re on the more pricey side, but they’re better quality than any other high street offering out there and there are lots of different styles and cuts available (their relaxed fit Venice Beach jeans are also worth a punt). This look also works with a denim pinafore or long button through skirt.
When I’m layering up in Winter, I usually opt for a loose breton tee if I’m wearing boyfriend style jeans, or a short sleeved mens fit tee with skinnies. Under here I have my faithful Stranger Things tee from Topshop but the real showpiece is the sweater. I love wearing a ginormous sweater in Winter, particularly one with extra long sleeves and this oversized Jaded London jumper (available in Topshop) ticks both boxes. It’s indescribably cosy and always garners admiring glances from passers by, I love that it’s super bright and that it has a higher neck, without being scratchy. I often end up cutting holes in the cuffs of my sweaters so I can wear the sleeves low over my hands in lieu of gloves.
HOW TO WEAR IT
The trick to the sweater / denim combo is to a) get the proportions right, and b) make sure it’s not boring. First of all decide on your jean shape, if you opt for a skinny then you can max out on the size and colour of your sweater. Go for a ripped up looser style jean and your sweater needs to be more reserved and smaller in proportion. Think of it as the eyes vs lips rule applied to clothes.
When it comes to footwear if I’m running around during the day then I’m always in flats. You know I have a penchant for a cowboy boot but Marks and Spencer are coming up trumps with boots this season and these flat black rider boots are a dead ringer for a waaaaay more expensive Louboutin counterpart at a fraction of the price. On a budget? Primark do a tri-season shoe drop meaning that you’ll be able to pick up a pair of fast, fashion forward boots for just the right side of £20 that fit the brief.
Topped off with my trusty Marks and Spencer tifler I ‘d say this is one of my cosiest and probably favourite simple city outfits. Simples!
Pixie xo