7 outfits I would like to wear in November

Proving once again that this blog is mainly for my own benefit, I’ve been thinking about what I want to wear in November and having a look through my own wardrobe to come up with some styling ideas for the month ahead. Way before I even started doing this blog back in 2016 (I know! I can’t actually believe I’ve been writing it for eight years) I was always thinking about outfit combinations and how I could make the most of my wardrobe and what gaps I needed to fill. Sometimes I filled too many gaps, I have to admit, but I’ve got much better at thinning out pieces that aren’t working for me and not buying cheap tat just because I want that shopping fix. I’ve based this post on things (or similar) that I already own. I thought it might help you with your outfit choices too.

I’m not going to apologise for the extensive use of my new collection of slightly sweary fingerless mittens for Black & Beech here. I love the new colours we have done this year. I hope you do too. We’ve done two designs in the original cashmere, that’s the black and camel and the green and baby blue. We’ve also done two further colour-ways in lambswool: pink and grey, and navy and baby blue. Still exceedingly soft and warm, just a slightly lower price point. You can shop them all here. If you are a newsletter subscriber, you can use your special discount code until Monday night.

Let’s dive straight in.

EVERYDAY OUTFIT

A good quality sweater, jeans and boots are my easy, everyday go-to. I bought these boots from John Lewis last year and I’ve lost count of how often I’ve worn them. I did cave and get the brown version that they added this year too (sadly, they sold out very quickly but the black ones are still available) because I am a Capricorn and we can’t help but get the same thing in different colours, apparently. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking with it. These Albaray jeans are perfect for wearing with chunky boots. I’d say size up one size for a more relaxed look.

MY FAVOURITE TRENCH COAT

I debated long and hard about buying this Sézane trench coat. For over a year, in fact. It helped that it kept going out of stock so I didn’t have to think about it too much, but I finally caved at the end of August and I love it. It’s unfussy, slightly oversized and works with most of the things I wear. Perfect for wearing over chunky knits before it gets too cold.

I STILL LOVE A BIT OF RED

I still don’t like calling it a ‘pop of red’ but, unfortunately, that does actually describe it best. If I want something to brighten me up in the autumn months I will automatically reach for something red. It works a treat with dark denim and navy – two things I also love. These Arket Cloud jeans are a great loose-fitting style; slightly lower waist than I’ve been wearing recently, so I’d say size down if you’re thinking about them.

A MINI AND CHUNKY SHOES

When I fancy being a little bit smarter in the colder months, I do tend towards a mini skirt and some chunky shoes. I think it’s still a throwback from school circa 1988. Most people might be trying to forget the fashion from their school days, but I always loved a mini and some DM shoes. Grolsch bottle tops optional. I went to the same school as Bros, so we felt we OWNED that look down at the Capital Radio Junior Best Disco in Town. Here’s a more grown-up version.

PIMP YOUR BAG

I was out with my friend Sarah (who also writes an excellent blog here) last week and she had pimped up her old Louis Vuitton Speedy bag with all manner of charms and keyrings. It looked so cool so I have blatantly stolen her look. I don’t have any LV, but I do have a vintage Gucci Boston bag that I think I bought on eBay in 2002. It has been lingering in the storage loft for about 15 years, but I’ve brought her out again and embellished her with all manner of trinkets ready for a debut outing very soon. By the way, if you’re looking for decently priced pre-loved and vintage items, Vestiaire is – in my opinion – the best place to look. There’s now an option to barter, which I don’t think they had last time I shopped there. I have my eye on a few things right now. Might even get that LV bag for a steal after all.

IF IN DOUBT, WEAR BLACK

A simple black midi dress is a solution to almost any evening out. This dress from River Island is very similar to one I got from H&M last year which has seen a fair few dinners out. Luckily, it’s nice and loose at the waist: a modern day buffet dress, if you will. Sparkle it up with layered necklaces plus brooches on your blazer. This blazer from Sister Jane comes ready-made for you, but you can just add your own sparkles.

Not too many band badges, though, or you might end up looking like Rik from ‘The Young Ones’. I was trying to explain to my teenagers how seminal ‘The Young Ones’ was when we were kids and how I would pretend I was allowed to stay up to watch it, but in reality, I taped it and got up earlier to watch it as I had to be in bed by 10pm. We watched some on BBC iPlayer the other day. The humour doesn’t really translate very well to modern teenagers now, I’m afraid. They lost interest after about 5 minutes.

THE LEOPARD TROUSERS

It’s the modern – dare I say it – less ageing way to wear a little bit of leopard. Don’t go overboard, just wear a pair of printed trousers. So many available now in all shapes, sizes and price points. Keep the rest of the look simple and let your trousers do the talking.

I’ve had a few requests for going out outfits for when you’re not going anywhere too fancy but you want to make a bit of an effort, so I think we’ll do that next week.

K x

WearsMyMoney

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