When it comes to filling a wardrobe, I’m an absolute advocate for high/low dressing. The high street is perfect for some occasions, whilst I prefer something a tad more luxe for others.
It goes without saying that it’s not an even split. The majority of my wardrobe is undoubtedly from the lower-end of the pricing spectrum, but with the undeniable allure of certain designer pieces - along with the ever-growing transparency of certain malpractices amongst more affordable fashion particularly - I find myself gravitating towards a few pricier pieces every now and then.
What with it being pay-day weekend, I thought I’d share some of those with you to take the leg-work out of what can already be a daunting shopping experience (slinging anything in your basket with more than two figures can be a frightening prospect).
Here's what I'm buying, wearing and wanting this month...
1. The metallic tapered jeans
Silver trousers have been big news for a couple of seasons now, but while I can admire and appreciate them on others there was always something about them that felt a little ‘done’ before the trend had even really begun. This take on the look, however, I’m fully on board with. Similarly metallic but a little less ‘look at me!’, the high-waisted, tapered blue jean iteration is much more up my street. I’d wear these with a boxy white t-shirt and slim flat sneaker in the day, before switching to a super strappy heeled sandal and adding some layered gold necklaces for a quick eveningwear update.
2. The double-breasted maxi trench
To many this might look like any ordinary trench coat, but to those of us who have tried thousands, bought hundreds (ish) and loved, maybe, a couple of those, this is so much more than that. For something so staple it’s surprisingly easy to go wrong with a trench. Some are too short, some are too pale, some are too thin, many are too thick… But not this one. This one ticks every box; it’s the perfect rich biscuit hue, it’s flatteringly double-breasted, it’s soft yet structured, and it’s super long - which is key for me this season. Ever elegant, a maxi trench is the perfect transitional layer over everything from dresses and heels to jeans and even joggers.
3. The XL sludge green tote
I feel as though you’re all on this journey with me, as I try desperately to step away from my beloved mini bags to something wholly more practical. But while I’ve sung the praises of several oversized totes on here, I’m yet to fully commit. I might need to up my saving game (or, you know, win the lottery) but something’s telling me that it’s going to take a Loewe Flamenco to tip the balance. And with this sludgy olive green forever one of my favourite - and the most versatile - colours in my wardrobe, I feel like this might be ‘the one’. There is quite literally nothing chicer to throw your laptop into at the end of a long office day.
4. The two-tone sweater jacket
While some of you are likely lamenting the loss of summer (can you ever really lose something you never had? Dissuss…) I’m one of the few annoying people who genuinely cannot wait for autumn. I may hate Halloween but I love layers, and the countdown is officially on for sweater weather. Sitting pretty at the top of my knit wish list right now is this zip-up sweater-jacket (swacket?) hybrid. Being blonde navy is already one of my go-to shades, but the two-tone element lightens things and renders it a more versatile transitional piece. Combine that with unusual design accents via the pleating and zipper and it’s hard to resist.
5. The lilac satin coat
This collection was one of my favourites of the season, and while runway looks often fail to hit the same spot when the drama of the catwalk has been swapped for pavements and the cold light of day, this lilac satin coat was not one of them. Just as spectacular IRL, it’s one of those super special pieces that you’ll get more wear out of than you might imagine. Sure, it‘d look great over a slip dress and heels, but it’d also be perfect with a day dress and Birkenstocks, with jeans and trainers, or even fastened and worn alone as a dress with heels.
6. The bow-tied pearl earrings
Anyone who’s seen my bridal look (and apologies to my Instagram followers who’ve seen it more than once - I can’t stop…) will know of my love for a little pearl embellishment, but the obsession is particularly out of control when it comes to earrings. Had I spotted this bow-tied pair pre-nuptials they would’ve been impossible to resist, but since it’s too late for me I’m making a case for all you brides-to-be to now consider them. The gentle tapering as they get to the end, the oversized ribbon bows, the varying sizes of pearl… they’re particularly perfect for an open neckline to let the embellishment drape gently against the skin of your collarbone.
7. The draped silk-chiffon dress
It takes a lot for me to fall for a dress that’s shorter than a midi, and even more to fall for one that ends at the least flattering point right on the knee, but you can always trust Bottega to serve up something that challenges your wardrobe habits. I love the contrast of silk and chiffon here, and the draping tie-sides which beautifully frame the plunging neckline serve to soften the otherwise severe silhouette. I’d wear this with super strappy black sandals and a choker necklace with a heavy pendant dropping down to the middle of my back for a particularly sexy date night.
For more from Glamour UK's Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather
