winter wardrobe Archives - Kate Waterhouse

The winter essentials I’m wearing non-stop

30th July, 2023

During summer I like nothing more than being able to experiment with different styles and tend to embrace plenty of prints and colour and can go from dresses one minute to shorts and skirts the next. In winter however, I tend to favour a few key pieces, particularly strong basics, utilising them largely for layering and forming the foundation for a lot of my looks. This winter, here’s what I’m wearing with great frequency.

A statement coat

Coats are always a key feature of my winter looks and I always tend to go for one statement coat to take me through the season. One coat I love is the above checked Viktoria and Woods coat. It’s a few seasons old but the striking pattern elevates even the most simplest of looks, and with the grey shades, it’s extremely versatile too.

White shirt

It’s considered a fashion staple for a very good reason—white shirts are high on the versatility scale and always look classic and polished. Plus it’s a great layering piece under blazers, jackets, coats, sweaters and cardigans so it’s always something I come back to time and time again.

Relaxed denim

I’m favouring relaxed denim styles this season, particularly straight leg and boyfriend styles. The silhouette is modern and fresh and works brilliantly with everything from a white tee to a tank and button down shirts. Plus it’s the kind of style that can be worn year round and is all kinds of comfortable.

Cosy knits

I wear knits all throughout winter so I have managed to build up a collection in key colours that can be mixed and matched with a variety of different looks. I often go for staple colours including neutrals such as white, cream, camel and tan, along with navy, khaki and black.

Loungewear sets

Largely inspired by living in lockdown for months, I’ve really been getting into matching loungewear sets. I’m really loving that tracksuits in particular have become a thing as I can wear them to stay comfy and on trend. The great thing about sets is that the pieces can be worn separately or worn together with a great coat for a smart casual look.

Tailored pants

While I am in jeans quite a bit I have been loving tailored pants such as this and this which are as comfortable as being in denim but have more polish. Additionally they’re also as easy to work back with a variety of different pieces and are easily dressed up or down.

What are some of your favourite winter pieces right now?

Fashion

Style update: 10 things to add to your winter 2022 wardrobe

23rd June, 2022

Winter has well and truly made itself at home. The days and nights are often freezing so I’ve taken to honing my winter wardrobe to get me through the chill! My primary goal through winter is to remain cosy as much as possible, and comfy too. While it doesn’t quite have the fun and frivolity of preparing a summer wardrobe, I do love the layering aspect of winter dressing—there’s much to be said about the powers of a great coat or the most perfect knit. This season, I’m rounding up a few of the key things on my winter updates list. They’re practical, versatile and will see you through the season beautifully.

Straight leg jeans

A great pair of jeans is a must, particularly in winter. My go-to most days is a straight leg as I think it’s comfortable, and has plenty of versatility. I can easily dress it down with a tee and jumper, or dress it up with a blazer and shirt and it works for school drop offs to meetings.

Chunky knit

I’m all about a chunky knit throughout winter. There’s something about an oversized knit that just epitomises winter dressing. This season, you can’t go past classic hues such as cream, white, navy, black and grey. But there’s also plenty of colour around so if you want to inject a little extra energy into your winter look, definitely consider a colourful knit.

Cropped cardigan

Banish the thought of your nana’s cardi — this season the cardigan has had a glow up and is ultra sleek and sexy. Wear yours tucked into a polished trouser or your favourite denim for the ultimate in understated cool.

Trench coat

This comes back season after season because it just works. A polished trench is often a go-to as far as outerwear goes throughout winter, and it’s so easy to throw on over almost any look. I wear it over jeans and a shirt, but can easily transition it to wear over a dress once the weather starts getting a little warmer.

Puffer jacket

You’ll find me living in a puffer jacket most mornings as I head out to grab coffee or do some exercise. I’m loving the cropped styles that I’ve been seeing around (Aje do a really good one) as they tick both the form and function box.

Chunky boots

Long live the chunky boot! I invested in a pair of these last winter and I’m definitely on the look out for another pair this season. A great shoe to wear with everything from a knit dress or jeans, it’s one style update you won’t regret making.

Knit dress

Speaking of knit dresses! I cannot get enough of them. They’re the ideal no-brainer look to throw on when I just can’t be bothered thinking of what to wear as they’re guaranteed to always look polished. They’re easily dressed up or down and can be styled into myriad looks (try the Anna Quan styles for the perfect cut).

Shacket

The hybrid between a shirt and jacket is the on trend update you need in your winter wardrobe. A great one to throw on over jeans and a tee or a wide leg trouser.

Polished trouser

I am loving the resurgence of the polished trouser as an everyday staple. Wear yours with a blazer, a sweater, a shacket, a coat… the options are endless. One thing is for sure though, you’re always guaranteed to look put together when you embrace this trouser style.

Knit vest

Channel your inner tennis diva because the knit vest is most definitely one trend that’s cemented itself this winter. Wear yours over a button down, over a tee or on its own. Either way, it’ll have you looking your preppy best this season.

Fashion

21 style buys that will update your winter wardrobe

5th June, 2020

It’s always fun at the start of a new season to add some fresh new pieces into your wardrobe to help reinvigorate existing looks. I always tend to gravitate towards cosy knits, statement coats and chic jackets as I’ve always found them to be the ideal pieces for working back with what’s in my closet. They’re essentially the building blocks of a great winter look.

I’ve always loved shopping for winter, simply because the offering just tends to tick the boxes as far as being versatile and practical, but also incorporates some fun design touches such as a great print or luxe textures that can help to transform any outfit. It’s also the best time to get into layering, which can instantly make anything you currently own feel different and also new.

So, if you’re in the mood for a few new cool weather pieces here are a few places to start. I’ve got everything from colourful jumpers to warm up in, to classic coats and ultra stylish blazers that will help pull a look together.

Fashion

Style update: 10 things to add to your winter wardrobe

12th June, 2019

Now that we’re officially in winter it’s time to take stock of your wardrobe and see what seasonal updates you might need to take you through the next few months. What I like about this time of year is that it’s the ideal opportunity to experiment with layering, getting cosy in beautiful knits and rocking a gorgeous statement coat. If you’re looking to add some on trend touches to your look, here are a few buys worth adding to your shopping list.

A suit

Suiting has firmly planted itself as a style must-have and it’s definitely a fashion investment worth making. A good quality suit will take you through many an occasion, from work to an event, and will guarantee you always look polished. Don’t be afraid to have fun with bold colours—a suit these days is anything but boring.

Textured pieces

Fashion is getting tactile with texture being a major player this season. Think corduroy and luxe velvet. Expect to see it in everything from jackets to pants and skirts.

When it comes to coats you can afford to go a little bit extra

Supersized statement coat

Coats are a staple of any winter wardrobe, especially of the statement variety. Think outerwear that’s bold and impactful. This season a coat isn’t just a last minute addition but a key component of a look.

Animal print

It’s time to get wild with animal print. Think leopard, cheetah and ocelot prints for adding a punchy element to any look. If you’re only going to add one piece to your wardrobe this season, definitely consider a leopard print midi skirt. It’s versatile and so on trend.

Utilitarian boots are a comfy update for your shoe wardrobe

Utilitarian style ankle boot

Boots that have a strong silhouette, think sturdy looking with buckles and straps are the way to go this season. They’re great for adding a grounding element to dainty, feminine pieces.

Polished trousers

In keeping with the trend towards suits, look for polished tailored trousers to give your winter outfits a chic touch. Dress it up or down with a tee or a blouse and change up the vibe of any look.

Puffy sleeves

Volume is a key trend to look out for. I saw plenty of shirts with puffy sleeves at Fashion Week and they’re a fun, wearable way to dress up your favourite pair of jeans.

Roomy tote bag

We’ve been embracing teeny tiny bags of late but that doesn’t mean there’s not a place in our lives for a good ol’ fashioned roomy tote. A welcome accessory for those whose list of essentials each day is numerous.

Belted blazer

I’ve always said blazers are a wardrobe necessity but this season they’re getting a fun update by being cinched in with a belt.

Oversized cashmere sweater

Anyone who has ever felt just how ridiculously comfy and luxe a cashmere sweater is will agree this is definitely a style update worth making. Invest in a few staple colours and you’ll have them for seasons to come.

Fashion, Shop

5 ways to update your winter wardrobe

18th July, 2016

Cold dreary winter days can often mean feeling like you’re in a winter wardrobe rut. It’s hard to feel enthused about styling an outfit when it feels like you’re just putting the same layers on every single day. So, it’s time to mix it up! Here are some easy ways to update your wardrobe so you can get excited about getting dressed in the morning again.

Invest in a statement coat or jacket

It’s great to have the standby options of black, grey and navy in your coat arsenal but sometimes it can get a bit boring when you see a sea of coats in the same colours when you’re out and about. So why not opt for something a little different? A coat or jacket in a bold colour or a striking print can often cheer you up on the dreariest of days and give your look a point of difference.

Find staples with an interesting finishing touch

There are certain staples that we all generally need to get us through winter such as a great pair of ankle boots or a pair of jeans. So if you’re going to be spending a lot of time wearing them, then make them interesting. Try a pair of ankle boots with statement hardware or textures or update your usual skinny denim silhouette for something different such as a pair of flares or boyfriend jeans.

Add some leather

Leather has become quite the wardrobe staple and it’s the ideal way to modernise your look. A pair of leather leggings will get repeated use throughout the cooler months while a sleek leather pencil skirt or dress can look office appropriate when worn with classic pieces such as a white silk blouse or dressed up statement accessories. You also don’t always have to go with black. I have leather jackets in different colours (such as the above in pink) and I love that they can easily brighten up an outfit.

Re-circulate summer pieces

Whilst cool temperatures may mean bare legs and arms out of the question you can still put your summer wardrobe to use during winter. Summer dresses can easily be worn when worked back with a pair of trusty stockings and topped with a blazer or mixing knits with a skirt.

Find new silhouettes

Yes, it’s a given we all have to live in our jackets but why not try some new winter silhouettes? A bomber jacket is a great winter topper and is very on trend. Or why not opt for a cape as a great alternative to a standard winter coat. Adopting new silhouettes is one of the simplest ways to inject some new energy into your wardrobe.