I'm Anti-Trend, But These New-Season Items Work With My Winter Capsule Wardrobe

As 2023 almost draws to a close, I've entered the reflection phase (albeit a bit more prematurely but I can't help myself when Christmas is on the horizon!) One thing is for certain this season, I'm inspired. Perhaps I owe this to my move to Paris but I'm seeing winter fashion through a fresh lens when it was previously a dreaded season for fashion. You may have deduced that winter isn't typically my favourite season, but this year I'm leaning into the opportunity to experiment.

This winter, eveningwear is a new realm I'm dipping my toe into. I'm also drawn to impactful accessories and outerwear. Choosing a winter coat is no mean feat and gone are the summer days when the bones of an outfit demand attention. Now we're bundled in coats, so when deciphering which coat to purchase, there's a lot to consider — from fabrication to style, wearability and colourway.

As someone who observes trends meticulously and ponders extensively (truly, sometimes for a year) about worthwhile pieces to invest in, I pay attention to the small details and this winters trends have not disappointed on that front. To my delight, subtly has been embraced by aspirational designers and followed on to the high street. Elements such as contrast stitching on accessories, tonal buttons and the weighty drop of a garment are all elements that make pieces feel more luxe. I've ascertained certain pieces that make me feel polished and smarter day-to-day and those are the pieces I'm most drawn to. Other trend-led pieces I've been toying with (whilst staying true to my personal style) are necklines. The Bardot, for example, is a domineering style this year but to me it's timeless. In fact, I'm witnessing similar styles to the pieces my mother wore in the '80s, which demonstrates its timelessness. The same is true for asymmetric necklines and while asymmetric bodycon feels a tad too noughties for my tastes, the slouched, Grecian-inspired drape is undeniably chic.

Continue reading for the pieces I've saved on my wish list this month. From what I consider the best scarf coat on the high street, to a debrief on Strathberry — one of my favourite accessory brands of 2023. These pieces may be anti-trend but I'll wear them forever.

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(Image credit: @writtenbyavalon)

Shop My Wish List for November:

Coming Up: This Timeless Boot Style Is Far From Boring - 22 Pairs That Prove It 

Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.