Anna Harvey Timeless Style
The cover-ups to see you through until the need for a coat
Is the wrap – that transitional piece that’s something more than a cardigan but not as heavy as a coat – dead? From a fashion point of view, I mean. Do you know, I don’t care if it is. That is one of the wonderful things about being an “experienced” fashion groupie; you stop feeling you have to slavishly follow trends. What else fills that gap between cardigan and coat in this changeable season? The wrap is the answer, and so I unashamedly herald its continuity in my autumn wardrobe. There are, of course, alternatives such as a knitted jacket, smart cardigan, a lightweight coat (try Winser London, which has what it describes as a “coatigan”), the poncho, cape and the gilet, the quilted Indian jacket and, of course, if desperate and en route to the North, a goodlooking rug or throw from Johnstons of Elgin, Brora or Bombay Sprout!
Many a time en route to a fishing holiday in Scotland I’ve realised I haven’t packed anything warm enough to cope with the sharp drop in temperature and stopped at the House of Bruar and spent money on such things. The advantage of a wrap is that it can be picked up at the last moment and thrown over whatever you are wearing, be it a skimpy late-summer dress where your tan is still shown to advantage, or around an informal outfit. It is the perfect lastminute addition when a coat is too heavy and a structured jacket too formal. For well-priced cashmere wraps, visit frenchvelvet. co.uk and thetravelwrap company.com. Alternatively, a favourite midseason fabric of mine is double face (a double-woven wool, which need not be lined and
can be colour reversible). The seams are turned in on themselves and it is light as a feather and falls and moves beautifully. Milk Cashmere and Windsmoor are both worth a visit to find something you’ll love, and The White Company has a classic short coat in beige double face. There’s also a really pretty
double-face navy wrap coat in Gillian Anderson’s new range for Winser London. It is a very easy and flattering swing shape, with an optional tie belt. I like it a lot.
Good luck in your search for the perfect answer to falling temperatures, whatever it may be. For me, it’s a wrap.