Transitioning out of one season and into the next is synonymous with more changes than just the weather. We start to adapt our lives to the darker nights, perhaps looking inward a little more, trading in rooftop drinks for lethargic evenings curled up in cashmere pyjamas and weekends of primrose-clad picnics for crackling fires at country inns. And, of course, one of the biggest adjustments as we transition from summer to winter, is the move from a fair-weathered wardrobe to one much more apt for this season of crunchy leaves and thoughtful layering.
There will undoubtedly be a clutch of gems that you can rewear from last year’s winter wardrobe but, this year, we are really focusing on building up our collections of winter investment pieces. From jackets to boots, we’re eyeing up stylish iterations of seasonal essentials, versatile and sturdy enough to see us through until February, and many winters to come.
Investment pieces need to be considered, and while with some proper planning, events like Black Friday - where you can buy a more expensive piece at an unmissable price - can help bring the expenditure down, there is still value in buying a higher quality garment at its full price.
So, with that in mind, Karen Millen has considered the key investment pieces for this season that will keep you feeling equipped for many winters to come.
Puffer jackets
A comfortable, cold-weather staple, the classic puffer never goes out of style - and brings a cool, textured feel to any winter look. Though not as traditional as the classic double-breasted trench, the puffer jacket has fast entrenched itself into the hearts - and wardrobes - of the British public, and is unlikely to dislodge itself any time soon. This year’s iterations are available in every tone and tint, from matte hues to glossy neutrals, as well as an upgraded take on the style, in the form of premium leather pieces. Soft and buttery, leather puffers offer an elevated, elegant feel, that find a stylish balance between laidback and luxe.
Cashmere jumpers
Both inside and outside of your home, there is one material that reigns supreme across the winter months, one that needs minimal introduction thanks to its longstanding and widespread appeal: cashmere. The not-so-humble cashmere jumper is about as decadent as essentials can get, but for anyone with the budget, it really is a winter essential. Oversized versions are ideal for throwing over pyjamas at weekends or adding to a low-key outfit when you need to jump on a Zoom, while outside, their soft-to-the-touch styling is one of the chicest ways to create a warm, layering effect. Good quality cashmere will hold its shape and structure and will stay as one of the hardest working pieces in your winter wardrobe for years to come.
Knee-high boots
Knee-high boots have moved into the sartorial sweet spot for 2023, sitting loftily in the middle of being perfectly of the moment but effortlessly timeless. One of the biggest trends for autumn/winter this year, anyone and everyone on the sartorial shortlist - from celebrities to top-tier influencers - is donning their leather knee-highs with pride. Paired with everything from printed midi-dresses to micro miniskirts to tucked-in jeans, knee-high boots seem to have an endless mileage that can be tapped into. The best iterations are those that are those that look as good as they feel, from classic colourways, chic silhouettes and, as far as our curation is concerned, maximum comfort.
Jumper dresses
Jumper dresses have become somewhat of a uniform among the sartorially-savvy this winter. Comfortable, cosy and on-trend, this knitted essential seems to hit that modern sweet spot of allowing you to ‘get dressed’ without turning back to old, dare we say rigid, dress codes when working from home. Our fixation with comfort has had quite the impact on trends in recent years and so jumper dresses being in such high demand will likely come as little surprise to the fashionably-informed. It’s not often that we are able to embrace a style that feels elegant, yet could be easily described as stretchy and forgiving by nature. We talk about ‘day to night’ pieces a lot, but the jumper dress is perhaps the truest example of this, easily paired with trainers and a puffer or lashings of statement jewellery and slick knee-high boots for an elevated evening look in seconds.
Faux fur coats
The classic faux fur coat invokes the glamour and nostalgia of yesteryear while still maintaining its position as an up-to-date seasonal stalwart. Quintessential styles might be somewhat reminiscent of a dressing gown, but bought wisely and worn well, can give a textured, playful look to a classic winter ensemble. While belted versions help elevate the classic shape to something dressier, ideal for the festive season and beyond, or over a flattering tailored work look. Whether you go for classic hues; beige, black, brown and cream or bright prints and colours, the sustainable credentials of faux fur make it a piece that will go the distance.
Leather trousers
The cool girl staple have undergone a revolution this year, shrugging off their rockstar credentials and offering themselves up as a more accessible piece for perfect winter pairing. Whether you prefer them cropped and crisp or long and laidback, they offer a straight-forward polished look, ready to be dressed up or down with as many colours, textures or prints as your heart desires. It’s important to note here, that though leather is protective, and leather trousers certainly have a rigid reputation, in fact, the material needn’t be stiff, but rather soft and buttery, when you buy well. And though it can feel tempting to size up to allow some ‘give’, in fact, you want them to fit snugly to ensure there’s no unsightly bunching of material.
