Three Ways to Enhance Your Autumn Winter Wardrobe
Resident writer, Jenny Garcia shares three key pieces to help you transition into autumn/winter. Each piece has been hand picked to give your existing items a seasonal twist, kiss of colour and touch of texture.
Written by Jenny Garcia.
Photographs by Tayla Nebesky.
At the beginning of each new season, the temperature change is always a shock to the system, particularly when it comes to our wardrobes and the what-to-wear conundrum. For decades, we’ve been told that with each new season, we should invest in a new wardrobe and ignore everything you bought last autumn. Having worked in fashion for 25 years, I’m all too familiar with this cycle and the pressure it puts on us all to conform to these ever-evolving looks, fast-changing silhouettes, and rapidly mutating colour pallets. Not to mention, the environmental and wallet-damaging effects. I am, therefore, hugely relieved that the world of fashion has moved on, grown up and slowed down.
The fashionable phrases of the moment are 'capsule wardrobe,’ ‘investment pieces,’ ‘this old thing,’ 'dopamine dressing’ and 'conscious clothing'. Fashion is no longer about fast-paced trends (something Maze has never really adhered to), it’s about feeling relevant, good and happy. With this in mind, I’m sharing three key pieces to help you transition into winter and give your beautiful existing pieces a seasonal twist, a kiss of colour and a touch of texture.
For me, nothing says cosy autumn/winter evenings and seasonal tidings like a deep red knit. Maze is proud to introduce Howlin’ knits to the collection this year. The Howlin’ Forevernevermore Sweater in Flaming Red is crafted from 100% Scottish wool (making it fully biodegradable!) and can easily be layered over a dress, such as the Great Plains Winter Gingham Check Dress or teamed with an elegant denim style like Sessun's Seaky Jean in Fleur Del Sel. This soft lofty knit is also fully knitted and hand-finished in Scotland. For menswear, I love the transition into warmer handle shirting at this time of year. The YMC Curtis Shadow Check Shirt, with subtle pink undertones, ushers in cool and cosy vibes for the season ahead. As does the Folk Baby Cord Shirt in Copper if you prefer plains, either of which I pair with Ordinary Fits 5 Pocket Ankle Demin Jean in Indigo.
My second choice is a winter coat. A coat is a critical part of any winter outfit and Selected Femme has nailed it with the Element Check Coat. Made from 50% recycled wool, it’s reassuringly weighty, gorgeously soft and will subtly elevate any outfit you layer it over. My menswear equivalent is the YMC Beat Duffle Coat. With its ginger faux fur lining, you'll stay snug all winter long. It can be layered over tees and knits and works equally well with trousers or jeans. I particularly like it paired with the Universal Works Military Chino in Black Nebraska, YMC Suedehead Knit in rich Burgundy and Universal Works Double Sided Blue Scarf for an extra colour pop.
My final pick is a jumpsuit -- a wardrobe classic that can be worn all year round and styled for a variety of occasions. The YMC Lotus Cord Jumpsuit in rich chocolate brown is one such piece. Layer over a pretty shirt, like Sideline's Ella for a feminine take, or a colourful stripe like the Bellerose lilac and tobacco Niba T-Shirt for a more casual approach. Finish with an oversized parka like the fabulous Bellerose Loas Parka in Bright Blue for an easy way to tap into dopamine dressing. Corduroy is a classic autumnal fabric that takes colour well, is hard wearing and is so jolly comfortable. For men, try earthy colours, such as the Military Cord Chinos in Cumin from Universal Works. Style with Oliver Spencer's Brooke Shirt and the Folk Wadded Assembly Jacket in Olive.
Whilst I have selected additional pieces with each of my three items, these are merely styling suggestions for your reference. Each piece should slip seamlessly into your existing wardrobe, allowing you to create multiple new outfits. Should you need any further help, colour options, styling or sizing advice the team at Maze are always on hand to assist.
Oh and a final note on colour. I’ve added a couple of brown pieces that may be new to you; if you're unsure, please try it. Brown is much softer than black; it works on a variety of skin tones, adds richness and pairs beautifully with all the autumnal earthy colours and jewel tones.