WearsMyMoney

This week I bring you what I refer to as ‘outdoors outfits without looking too outdoorsy’. Basically, there are some better options out there that will save you from diving headfirst into the Cotswold Outdoor shop. Or worse: picking up a fluffy gilet in the garden centre because you got carried away along with the excessive Christmas lights, ornamental reindeer and a bird feeder that no birds will ever visit because of the cats who watch over it relentlessly.

Step away from Garden Centre Clothes. It’s a slippery slope. It won’t be long before you’re wearing those ‘just for the garden’ plastic look-a-like Crocs to the shops, then to the pub, and then – before you know it – that’s just who you are now. You wear plastic gardening shoes everywhere.

This week, we will focus on some all-weather jackets and coats that can be worn anywhere, some decent wellies and boots for dog walks, plus maybe even some fleeces that don’t make you look like Alan Titchmarsh. I’m hoping that these looks can take you from a dog walk to the pub, or on the school run if the heavens suddenly open, or even just for a nice weekend stroll.

BRING OUT THE BARBOUR

I know I mention this every time we have an outdoors-type post but they are the ultimate outdoors brand, are they not? A classic waxed Barbour jacket will literally last you a lifetime, as Barbour can repair and rewax it for you when it starts to wear out. Note – the jackets are so hardy that they take ages to wear out and the more you wear, the better they get. I wouldn’t be without mine. 

1. YMC Jet striped-intarsia wool jumper
2. Navy Grey The Border Cable Hat 
3. Ganni Striped Alpaca-Blend Scarf
4. COS Cropped Corduroy Trousers 
5. Barbour Reighton Spey Waxed Cotton Jacket
6. Air & Grace Camino Leather & Shearling Boots

YEAR ROUND WATERPROOF

If you don’t fancy a wax jacket but you need something for all seasons, an oversized waterproof is a good option. Buy a size larger than you usually would so you can layer it over your regular jacket in the winter months. I like Rains and Protected Species, and I’ve heard that Ilse Jacobsen jackets are also very good. As for wellies, I have a new favourite brand: Merry People. They’re really comfortable, have good arch support (sorry, but that’s important!) and seem to be extremely durable so far. I’ve had mine since September so it’s early days welly-wise, but I’m impressed thus far.

1. COS Chunky Pure Cashmere Turtleneck Jumper 
2. Toast Hand Knitted Beanie Hat 
3. Rains Matte-Shell Fishtail Parka
4. Sweaty Betty Therma Boost Walking Leggings
5. Rock and Ruby Hunter Green Edward Checked Cotton Socks
6. Merry People Bobbi Short Wellington Boot 

PACK A PUFFER

If it’s cold but not pouring with rain, you will need a puffer jacket or coat. I recently got a voucher from Mytheresa so I splashed out on this one and I LOVE it, but it’s very spendy. For more affordable but also stylish puffers, you can’t go wrong with Uniqlo. I had this one until it was commandeered by a teenager. For the eco-conscious, Arket make their puffers using recycled down, while Abercrombie make their seriously warm ultra puffers using recycled polyester fibres. Special mention here to the socks I designed with Ivy Ellis. They are called ‘The Griffin’ because that was Brentford FC’s old home ground and I based them on our colours (but with added yellow). You don’t need to be a Bees fan to wear them though. Their comfort and coolness work for anyone. Even Fulham fans. 

1. Black.co.uk Ladies Ruby Red Cashmere Mittens
2. AMI de Coeur Ribbed Wool Beanie
3. Wardrobe 44 Orla mohair-blend jumper
4. Arket Upcycled Down Puffer Jacket
5. Whistles High Waisted Barrel Leg Jeans
6. Ivy Ellis x Wears My Money
7. Esska Oscar Black Leather Lace Up Boots 

WATERPROOF WARM COAT

I think it’s hard to find these, which is why I tend to layer my large waterproof over a regular coat when a downpour is looming. BUT I have it on excellent authority that Seasalt do very good, properly waterproof warm coats. Another welly tip comes from my friend who recently moved to the countryside and consequently now has more outdoors pursuits than were available in East London. She swears by Tretorn. They do fleece-lined ones too. Oh, the decadence!

1. Acne Studios Vally checked alpaca-blend scarf
2. TbCo. Cashmere & Merino Beanie 
3. Free People Frankie Cotton Cable Jumper
4. Seasalt Chapel Rock Waterproof Coat
5. Rothys Lightweight Checker Blue Tote Bag
6. COS Arch Tapered Jeans 
7. Tretorn Faux Fur Lined Rain Boots

FEELING FLEECY

Talking of fleece, it’s having a bit of a moment this season. I often wear my fleecy numbers around the house as it’s cheaper than turning the heating up. I’ve also got on board the Ugg Tasman train. Slippers that are acceptable attire outside the house. Yes please, and thank you. 

1. Toast Fair Isle Yoke Mohair Blend Easy Sweater 
2. Arket Leather Detailed Pile Jacket
3. ME + EM Green Sweatshirting Extreme Tapered Jogger
4. Brora Cashmere Folk Wristwarmers
5. Genevieve Sweeney Merino Wool Alpaca Marl Socks
6. Ugg Tasman slipper shoes 

SUNNY SUNDAY STROLL

The forecast says cold and sunny. Do we believe it? Probably not, but we’re going to chance it without a waterproof. Just some good, comfortable boots for walking, a warm chunky-knit sweater and maybe even some kind of gilet. 

1. American Vintage Hoktown Cropped Gilet
2. Reiss Fuzzy Fairisle Pattern Crew Neck Jumper
3. Issy London Vegan Leather and Faux Fur Lined Tote Bag
4. Hush Cordelia Barrel Leg Jeans
5. Grenson Bridget Shearling lined boots 

I don’t wish to alarm you, but next week will be the last post before Christmas. I will take a short break but will be back right after the big day with our customary January sales round-up. 

K x