OFF-DUTY HEROES
What to wear during your downtime can be tricky without a dress code to follow, but the solution is elevated staples: basics that offer luxury and comfort. Your out-of-hours look just got more elegant
Elegant basics for a chic downtime look
THE LONG STORY
Warm tones of tan and navy are the perfect colour combination for cosy knits and wool coats. Keeping to a simple palette of one or two hues gives you the freedom to clash checks with stripes for a polished yet comfy weekend look.
Coat, £195, 8-24, Long Tall Sally. Dress, £95, 6-16, French Connection. Scarf, £155, Margaret Howell. Bag, £26, Next. Belt, £12.99, xs-l, H&M. Boots, £249, 3-8, Air & Grace
LAYER UP
Get the most out of a pretty dress during the winter by mastering the art of layering. Wear this season’s must-have skinny rollneck jersey underneath a dress, and add a chunky cardigan over the top for extra warmth. Hiking boots are more refined and ladylike now, so snap up a pair for weekend strolls.
Cardigan, £49.99, s-l, Mango. Dress, £169, 6-16, Baukjen. Rollneck, £109, xs-xl, Hanro. Socks, £42, 4-7, Tom Lane. Boots, £75, 3-8, Next
HIGHLAND FLING
The kilt has had a modern rebirth this winter, while keeping hints of its heritage. A smart below-the-knee style in charcoal grey works perfectly when paired with an essential Nordic knit and weatherproof boots.
Jumper, £90, xs-xl, Boden. Kilt, £120, 8-18, Celtic & Co. Hat, £30, French Connection. Boots, £120, 3-8, White Stuff
LAZY MORNINGS
When you’re not leaving the house, go for a snuggly look with some key loungewear pieces. A chunky jumper is a go-to, of course, and this winter, why not up the comfort factor with a super-soft blanket wrap?
Blanket wrap, £85, one size, French Connection. Jumper, £34, xs-xl; shorts, £12, 6-18, both Next
ALL WHITE
We love an all-in-one, and this season’s low-key version is a denim boilersuit. White is a surprisingly wearable option, and layered over a rollneck, with a hero chunky knit around your shoulders, it’ll keep you feeling warm and looking good. Boilersuit, £50, 8-18, V by Very. Rollneck, £90, xs-l, Jigsaw. Cardigan (around shoulders), £135, 6-18, Baukjen. Socks, £9.99, one size, Sock Shop.
Boots, £180, 2-9, Uterqüe
SCANDI DRAMA
The Nordic knit is firmly in our wardrobes, and it’s here to stay. Spot on for a low-key, casual vibe, it can be layered up with a crisp cotton shirt and cropped cord trousers to up the style stakes.
Jumper, £185, s-l, Toast. Shirt, £110, 6-18, L.k.bennett. Trousers, £165, 6-18, Brora. Wristwarmers, £49, Celtic & Co. Backpack, £55, Ilse Jacobsen. Socks, £11.99, Sixton London. Boots, £230, 3-8, Hush
CRAFTY CHIC
For a smarter daytime look that’s relaxed yet polished, look no further than a midi A-line skirt. Team with a tonal graphic knit and an extra cardigan to keep things cosy. This winter, we love pairing mid-length skirts with knee-high boots to bridge the gap between comfort and chic.
Cardigan, £495, 8-18, Brora. Jumper, £110, xs-xl, Hobbs. Skirt, £355, 4-18, Vince. Boots, £225, 3-8, Jigsaw
CHECK MATE
One-piece dressing comes no easier than a knitted rollneck maxi dress! Elegant yet figure-hugging, this is simple fashion – just add checks and chunky ankle boots, and you’re all set.
Coat, £250, xs-l, Uterqüe. Dress, £69, 6-18, Warehouse. Earrings, £35, Jaeger. Bag, £270, Coccinelle. Boots, £119.95, 3-7, Moda in Pelle
THE BIG EASY
This winter, it’s all about layering knits. Think jumper dresses under comfy longline cardigans. Should you decide you must leave the house, chunky lace-up ankle boots will make sure you’re good to go. Cardigan, £159, xs-l, Whistles. Dress, £35, s-l, Micha Lounge. Earrings, £35, Jaeger. Scarf, £22, Next. Boots, £160, 3-9, Boden
COOL CULOTTES
Refresh your jeans look for the weekend with a trendy pair of off-white wide-leg crops. Team with a sporty sweater combo by layering a hoodie underneath your graphic knit or sweatshirt – super styling!
Jumper, £46, 6-18, Warehouse. Hoodie (underneath jumper), £30, 6-22, Next. Jeans, £65, 8-18, Crew Clothing. Earrings, £150, Monica Vinader. Belt, £10, xs-xl, Next. Boots, £155, 3-7, Vagabond
FEMININE TOUCHES
Contrast a chunky knit with pretty details, such as broderie anglaise and frilled cuffs, to keep the look ladylike. In an oversized Prince of Wales check with wide pleats, this kilt would also work well for a more formal occasion worn with a silk blouse and heels.
Jumper, £145, xs-xl; hat, £40, both Gant. Blouse (underneath jumper), £28, 6-24, Next. Skirt, £110, 6-22, Boden. Tights, £12, s-l, Pretty Polly. Boots, £95, 3-9, Hunter