Monday 28 October 2013

'Autumn into Winter' Fashion Essentials (& My Favourite Autumn 2013 Lookbooks)


So, winter's on it's way and where I live it starts to feel like winter mid September and I thought I'd just put together a little list of the things I basically live in, in the cold months. Enjoy!


1. Black Leggings
Black leggings are pretty much a staple for me all year round, but especially in winter I always have a few pairs at the ready to throw on with a baggy jumper and a pair of Converse, or to dress up with a good pair of heels. They're also great as a transitional piece because they're still wearable on those slightly warmer days.

2. Baggy Jumpers
Pretty self-explanatory, but I like to chuck on a baggy jumper if it gets a bit chilly around the house, or with aforementioned pair of leggings to pop down the shops. (I'm also a fan of a blouse and crew-neck sweater combination in autumn/winter)

3. A Classic LBD

A must-have to have in the wardrobe whatever season you're in, but a 'little black dress' is particularly great for winter as it's easy to throw on with a pair of tights and also great for layering.

4. A Warm Winter Jacket
As it's moved into autumn I've got a lot more use out of my black leather jacket, but my personal choice for a winter coat is a plain old Parka jacket with a faux fur hood. I think it's great to be prepared for the winter weather and as long as you have a big snuggly coat to throw on you'll be good to go.

5. Ankle/Military Boots
As great as they are when the weather's nice, (which isn't often in the UK) when it's cold and wet outside your favourite pair of Vans, or you brand new Nikes, aren't always the best choice and when you're in that situation, I think a little pair of military boots come in very useful and are also very easy to wear with many different outfits.

6. Chunky Knit Cardigan
Whether you're lounging on the sofa watching TV or you're out shopping with you're mates, a chunky knit cardi will always come in handy. It's comfy, casual but can also help you look  put together if you layer it right, and I think layering is pretty much the key in winter.

7. Something with a Pop of Colour
Although autumn and winter are largely about the darker colours, it never hurts to throw a little bit of brightness in the mix. If you're already getting a bit bored of all the blacks, browns and burgandys then just add a little splash of pink or yellow in here or there. Personally I like to go for an all black outfit and then throw on a bright blazer over the top, with a few matching bangles.

8. Winter Whites
Going along with the brights, I think you always need a few white pieces in your wardrobe in winter. You need to be prepared in case you get invited to that winter wonderland themed party, or maybe you just want to blend in with the snow.

9. A Onesie
I know onesies were big last year, and understandably went out of fashion over the summer, but for me, now I've been introduced I think I'll always be a onesie wearer whether it's cool or not. Whether it's an animal onesie or just a cute print, I think a onesie is something everybody (boy or girl) should own.

10. Christmas Jumpers!
Ok, you knew it was coming; once it gets to December I am officially giving you permission to whip out that Rudolph jumper with the flashing nose that your aunt got for you a few Christmas' ago. (I'm also giving you permission to go shopping and buy the first brightly coloured, Christmas print jumper you see) You have a little while to wait until Christmas, but there's no set date you're allowed to start getting excited about it is there?



Favourite Autumn/Winter 2013 Lookbooks:

pollyanne b-

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWTE-nnzweo



backsyncfan-

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWjnt-43ork&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PL5EC84715057C62EC



Lois Lillian-

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObAPjMi-YCw



Sprinkleofglitter-

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvKVJgo94bw



Zoella-

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKpcAbMu3Ig&feature=c4-overview&list=UUWRV5AVOlKJR1Flvgt310Cw


This video isn't actually a lookbook, but I really enjoyed it (as I do all of Zoe's videos) and it is an 'autumn/winter essentials' video so I thought it would be appropriate.



I hope this gave you at least a little bit of inspiration for your winter wardrobe. Happy winter clothes shopping!



-Lilly x