Style by Claire Lopez

Weather proofing

How to look good while protecting yourself against the elements? That’s the million dollar question when it gets to this time of year. For me it starts with the right footwear and outerwear and your nice wool coat and suede boots probably aren’t going to cut it for the weekend or if you’re regularly pounding the pavements with a buggy/doing the school run.

Walking Boots

This season sturdy boots are definitely in and look strong not just with skinny jeans, but also paired with softer, more feminine dresses and skirts. Whether you go for a Chelsea boot or a lace up option, you can definitely keep the elements out with these:

I have very small feet and have bought these Pearl Bead Ankle Boots £25.99 from Zara Kids. Yes, I have had a couple of people say to me that their daughter also has these but quite frankly it’s no big deal – I’m hardly likely to bump into a 7 year old in the pub or at work!! And they do actually go up to a size 6/6.5 in most styles. What I like about the kids boots is that they don’t go quite so far up the leg and for someone who is on the shorter side, that is a good thing. Quite often these chunkier boots are taller and end up hiding your ankle, making your legs look a bit tree-trunk and finishing at an unflattering point on the calf. It obviously depends on the individual but is definitely something to keep in mind. I d

Another good option is this Adryssa Boot £90 from Aldo which isn’t too tall.

Or this Petunia Stud Detail Boot £63 from Dune is very nice.

Aldo’s Oniravia £110 is another good studded option but is on the taller side.

Meanwhile for under £50, Oasis has this Studded Chelsea Boot £40.

Or Topshop has these KASH Leather Sock Boots £49

Sticking with the studding theme (and possibly a bit less everyday) Hush has these Alford Boots £220.

If you want a bit more interest on your boot then try the Abbie £69 from Office.

For another smarter option, these Leather Chelsea Boots £85 from &Other Stories are a good bet. They also come in patent, suede and other colours.

Or for a less pointed toe try these £129.

On the buckle front these Avebury Boots £230 from Hush are lovely and work with a softer midi dress/skirt as well as jeans.

Topshop has these Alex Front Zip Ankle Boots £89 which are sold out in a number of sizes but they also come in a wide fit.

With a fur lined interior, these Leather Biker Ankle Boots £79.99 from Zara will guarantee snuggly feet this winter. But these do come quite high up the leg so will work best if you are long limbed.

Or go for these Cumbria Shearling Boots £160 from Boden.

For a full on mountain boot then there are plenty of lace up styles around. I can’t pretend that this is something I am totally in love with, but they definitely work for some people. These Irwell Boots £220 from Hush are about as masculine as I can get.

Slightly less clumpy and a bit more wearable are these Keeler Boots £110 from Aldo.

M&S actually has a number of lace up options including these Block Heel Faux Fur Hiker Boots £45

And these Block Heel Lace up Ankle Boots £45. Both come in other colours.

Cosy coats

Now you can wear all these boots with a smarter wool coat, but if it’s real warmth you’re after then have a look at these parkas:

Hush has a good selection: Short Parka £150 – this is already out of stock in size 6 and 8.

Britt Short Parka £160 – I love the leopard lining in this which you can only just see in this photo. It really makes it stand out from the crowd in a good way.

If you want to steer clear of black then their Britt Parka £175 is a longer length so better if you are taller and it comes in navy or khaki.

Zara too has a good spread: Quilted Water Resistant Parka with Hood £89.99 in black and khaki, which incidentally is a good colour to go for as it is still a versatile neutral but if black is too harsh for you then this is a great alternative. There is a very similar style with thermal filling also £89.99

Shorter duvet coats are also on trend – Topshop has these Faux Fur Lined Quilted Puffer Jackets £69 which come in lots of colours and in Petite and Tall.

Uniqlo is the king of this type of product and they too have a short version – Seamless Down Hooded Parka £109. Technically speaking this is a puffa but we’ll let them off as the colour is the perfect way to brighten up a dull winter’s day.

They also do all the more traditional longer puffa types in various colours.

It’s a lovely feeling being wrapped up and toasty but even better if you can do it in style.

 

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