Lightweight layering, a must-buy £25 faux sheepskin gilet and ‘Kate Middleton approved’ knitted vests
THERE is one thing that dictates how we dress even more than catwalk trends, and that’s the weather!
In Britain we are blessed with ever changing weather that can go from a freezing-cold misty morning to a lunchtime heatwave then finish the day with a blustery storm. So what the heck do you wear when the weather is all over the place?
Tracey Lea Sayer, 52, Fashion Director
As a woman of a certain age, temperature control is essential to me!
I never want to overheat in too many clothes as my menopausal body has a habit of doing that all by itself anyway, but neither do I want to be freezing cold.
Tracey’s Look
- Knitted vest, £57, Arket- Buy Now
- Coat, £159, John Lewis- Buy Now
- Trousers, £34.99, Uniqlo- Buy Now
- Shirt, £25, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer- Buy Now
- Bag, £129, Arket- Buy Now
- Shoes, £115, COS- Buy Now
This look has three layers that can be taken on and off as the weather changes during the day.
A lightweight cotton shirt is a great base layer – it always looks smart and put-together for the office.
I love a knitted vest. They are so handy to throw on over a shirt or a dress to just keep the chill away on the commute. Let’s face it, with Kate Middleton ditching her go-to blazer for a knitted vest – its got to be a winner!
Then I added a belted coat, grey pants, white loafers and a snake-print bag to add some texture to the look.
So I’m not too hot and not too cold. Job done!
Clemmie Fieldsend, 33, Fashion Editor
I am always cold, so I like to layer up as the weather gets cooler.
I would prefer to be too hot and peel off a few layers than be left shivering!
I am not ready to go into full-on winter coat mode yet, so this belted blazer from Next is perfect for those in-between days as it can belt up if the temperature drops.
Clemmie’s Look
- Jacket, £78, Next- Buy Now
- Slip dress, £109, Mint Velvet- Buy Now
- Jumper, £77, Arket- Buy Now
- Boots, £125, Marks & Spencer- Buy Now
I love layering a big chunky knit over a slip dress for autumn, as it makes my summer wardrobe work harder.
I have added in silver accessories for a real statement look – these Marks & Spencer silver boots are sure to be a sell out.
Metallics are a neutral, so silver and gold go with any colours and will work with everything in your wardrobe.
Abby McHale, 29, Deputy Fashion Editor
I have just got back from Dallas and think I may have been a bit inspired by the laid-back Texan lifestyle!
It is still lovely and warm out there so I mainly wore lightweight comfy dresses.
Back in Blighty and there is a bit of a chill in the air, especially in the mornings and evenings, so I have layered this Borg waistcoat over the top of my frock.
Abby’s Look
- Dress, £37.99, H&M- Buy Now
- Fleece gilet, £26, Next- Buy Now
- Boots, £59.99, Pull & Bear- Buy Now
- Bag, £25, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer- Buy Now
- Belt, £65, Hush- Buy Now
I hate putting a full-on winter coat over a pretty dress this early in the season, so this waistcoat is perfect for giving me a bit of warmth without overshadowing my dress.
I have teamed the look with a cool suede cowboy boots for a lovely Western feel.
This look is great for lunch in a nice country pub.
Emily Regan, 24, Fashion Assistant
The weather is so unpredictable at the moment – and one thing I hate more than anything is being unprepared.
As well as always having an umbrella to hand, I have finally perfected a wardrobe of go-to pieces for this inconsistent weather.
Whatever the temperature outside, the Tube is always hot, so I tend to work with layers for my commute.
Emily’s Look
- Skirt, £30, River Island- Buy Now
- Vest, £10, Weekday- Buy Now
- Trainers, £84.99, Adidas at Office- Buy Now
- Bomber Jacket, £50, Michelle Keegan at Very- Buy Now
- Bag, £19.99, Zara- Buy Now
I’ve opted for a longer length skirt that gives me extra coverage on breezy days – I love the drawstring detail on this one.
Bomber jackets are super-trendy right now too and paired with these Adidas trainers, they add a cool touch of athleisure.
A basic ribbed vest is such an essential and a piece that sits in my everyday wardrobe, i’m loving channelling elevated classics.