Wardrobe classics restyled for autumn
Pack away your swimwear and put down your piña coladas: our best summer is nearly over. But with a new season comes new styles. So, to help you update your wardrobe for autumn, we’ve picked out three key wardrobe classics that you can buy now and wear forever: the trench coat, the checked suit and the white shirt. Read our guide to discover how to wear them in the office and on the weekend. Plus, we tell you where to pick up these classics at Victoria Leeds.
The trench coat
The sophisticated yet durable trench coat, made famous by Burberry, is a firm favourite season after season. It’s the perfect investment piece and incredibly versatile too, working for both smart and dress-down days – a great winter coat for men and women. Keep it classic by picking a camel trench. Style it in your 9-5 wardrobe by pairing it with chic office tailoring – cigarette trousers for girls and sleek suit trousers for guys. On the weekend, refresh the look by contrasting the trench coat with some sporty edge. We’re talking go-faster side stripes, oversized hoodies and jogger-style trousers. Ayaana wears: trench coat, £275, Karen Millen; Alvar hoodie, £70, French Connection; Bega stripe shirt, £55, French Connection; Whisper Ruth tailored joggers, £80, French Connection; knitted ankle boots, £135, Cos; Alexia FC monogram bag, £65, French Connection Chris wears: Splash trench coat, £359, Ted Baker; half-zip sweater, £125, Gant; elastic-waist cotton trousers, £55, Cos; crossbody bag, £35, Cos; Nike SB Dunk Low, £75, Size?; Robotnik Monokel sunglasses, £95, Reiss
The checked suit
Fashionable check patterns may be huge this season, but these timeless prints have also stood the test of time. Get ready to see your suit – that wardrobe classic – reinvented in heritage tweed, rich red tartans and Prince of Wales wools. Show you mean business in the office and on the street by investing in a statement two-piece suit that’ll serve you into spring 2019. During the week, style it with a crisp white shirt, some sturdy brogues (just as good on the girls as the guys) and a luxe leather tote. When it comes to the weekend, go casual by teaming your checked suit with your favourite sneakers , slouchy layering and a sporty carryall. Ayaana wears: wool blend plaid blazer, £129, and trousers, £69, & Other Stories; crew-neck jumper, £75, French Connection; sheer nylon parka, £89, Cos; Nike Air Force 1 ’07 LV8, £75, Size?; quilted tote bag, £85, Karen Millen Chris wears: Bodium double-breasted blazer, £325, and trousers, £145, Reiss; fine merino turtle neck jumper, £125, Gant; Raven hoodie, £80, All Saints; Nike Air Max 90 (other colours available), from £100, Size?; Cashed wool backpack, £179, Ted Baker
The classic white shirt
If there’s one wardrobe classic which transcends all styles, it’s the essential white shirt. It may feel all-too safe and familiar, but this enduring item gets reinvented each year with new cuts, collars, shapes and trims. It’s bursting with sartorial potential. For an off-duty weekend look, swap out your usual Monday-to-Friday tailored trousers or pencil skirt. Instead, team with unexpected separates like a pair of rebellious, punk-inspired trousers. Finish the outfit with some statement embellished boots or tasselled loafers. Ayaana wears: Rhodes relaxed fit shirt, £50, French Connection; Hollis high-neck top, £50, French Connection; Cupro jersey hoodie, £70, French Connection; tartan trousers, £265, Vivienne Westwood; kitten heel boots, £245, Karen Millen; quilted leather pouch, £85, Karen Millen; Neko Monokel sunglasses, £110, Reiss Chris wears: tailored cotton shirt, £55, Cos; Wick leather biker jacket, £345, All Saints; tartan trousers, £215, Hackett; Grafit tasselled leather loafers, £130, Ted Baker All subject to availability
