Winter gets a bad rap. It’s cold, it’s dark, and come party season it’s filled with social obligations that threaten to bankrupt you both financially and physically. But it’s all made worth it by the super-stylish wardrobe opportunities. Supremely cosy coats, outfit-making boots and escapist party dresses all promise to bring a blast of sartorial sunshine to even the dreariest of days.
To nail your winter wardrobe, you need to be meticulously organised, and seek out pieces that deliver on both fashion and functionality. Winter clothes are an investment, get it right and you’ll find yourself wishing it will last forever. Here’s my edit of the six game-changers you need to know now, all available from Canary Wharf, the luxury shopping destination that you'll want to know about.
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1 of 6The Wear Everywhere Boots
Move over ankle boots, this winter it's time to raise your boot game – to the knee. Seen all over the AW19 catwalks, from Fendi to Christian Dior, Marni to Saint Laurent, knee-high boots were styled with everything from culottes to mini dresses. I love this L.K.Bennett croc-effect style, which I plan on teaming with mid-length skirts. The chunky heel offers all-day comfort, while that unexpected green shade is an easy way to pep up a neutral palette.Sirena Green Croc Effect Knee Boots, £450, L.K.Bennett at Canary Wharf
2 of 6The Cool Coat
If you invest in one thing this winter, make it a great coat. It's hard to play favourites (I've got my eye on everything from super-sized puffers to tailored masculine styles and chic robe coats) but you can't go wrong with a faux fur design, like this one from The Kooples. With its hint of rock-chick swagger, this is a double-winner which delivers big on the cosy and cool fronts. Take your cue from Versace and team with acid-pop slips for an out-there party look, or wear with loose fit pants and knee high boots for the day a la Stella McCartney. Warning: you might not want to take it off.Long Brown Faux Fur Coat, £428, The Kooples at Canary Wharf
3 of 6The Day Dress
The party dress might hog the spotlight at this time of year, but a great day dress will work overtime for you. Here's what I'm looking for in mine: midi, long sleeves, a bit boho and versatile enough to last through to spring. Monsoon's daisy print design ticks every box. I'll be wearing it now with my knee high boots and a chunky cardigan, or layering it over a fine roll neck. The added bonus? It's from Monsoon's eco-conscious S.E.W line, which champions sustainable fabrics.Eden Lenzing™ Ecovero™ Daisy print Tiered Dress, £65, Monsoon at Canary Wharf
4 of 6The Trophy Knit
Winter without knitwear is like summer without sandals – unthinkable. This season's sweaters and cardigans have graduated to statement status. We'll take them chunky or fine, oversized or cropped, pared-back or embellished. It's hard to narrow down the excellent offerings out there, but I'm sure I can make space in my bulging knitwear drawer for this hairy sweater from Sandro. In less-predictable-than-leopard tiger stripes (seen on the AW19 catwalks at Coach, Paco Rabanne and Max Mara) this is the fiercest way to beat the freeze. Hairy Striped Jacquard Sweater, £260, Sandro At Canary Wharf
5 of 6The Party Piece
Move over minimalism, what I want from my after-dark festive look is full-throttle glamour. Shimmer! Sparkle! More dazzle than the tree! But going all-out doesn't mean having a complete style bypass, so this season I'll be thinking sleek and chic rather than frou-frou and Frozen in this Maje playsuit, an amped up take on an LBD. I love the pared-back '60s-inspired silhouette; it feels opulent but not OTT.Sequin Playsuit, £269 from Maje at Canary Wharf
6 of 6The Not-Going-Out-Onesie
If you really wanted, you could be out every night now until January. But, in my opinion, one of the great joys of this time of year is staying in. Dark evenings offer up the perfect excuse to hit hibernation mode. That haute way to do it is in cashmere, of course. The definition of lazy luxury, this ridiculously sumptuous onesie from The White Company means I am in danger of cancelling all plans for the foreseeable. If you want me I'll be snuggled up on the sofa in this, bingeing The Crown with an unfeasibly large bowl of popcorn. Bliss!Cotton-Cashmere Star Onesie, £149, The White Company at Canary Wharf
For more information on the incredible Canary Wharf shopping destination, visit their website here and Instagram @canarywharflondon #CanaryWharf