As the nights draw early and the frosty mornings set in, we can all tell the winter’s creeping closer. Its becoming increasingly harder to not settle for cocooning myself in countless cosy layers of woollen knits. However, since starting my time as an student at Edinburgh, the city’s fashion has
been a constant source of inspiration - a trip to the library is like scrolling through my Pinterest board. So, I’ve tried to capture the city’s winter style...hope you enjoy!
It’s faux furr-eezing!
Fur, for winter? Groundbreaking...but it’s not up for debate - whether in the form of a cropped jacket, a classic maxi, or just adorning the sleeves, the faux fur coat is a street-style hallmark of elegance. I don’t ski, and I never have, but endless social media posts emphasising so-called ‘chalet-chic’ outfits prompted me to dig out the fur headband that I (urged by my grandma on a birthday shopping trip) purchased at the age of 13. All iterations of fur accessories, hats, headbands, even hand mufflers instantaneously provide a certain classiness to an outfit.
Get out your skinny scarves - the cold never bothered Kate anyway!
It’s about 5 centimetres thin, and looks more like a tie than a scarf, but there’s nothing that looks more effortless. Even in Edinburgh’s arctic conditions, I still see them everywhere; a glitzy and charming addition to any winter outfit. Personally, I think it looks most stylish with a dark-wash denim jacket and pinstripe trousers, functioning as a versatile day-to-night look. Kate Moss’s rendition is the archetype of simplicity, though I couldn’t see her braving the walk to Kings’ Buildings without a winter coat... It’s a daily battle to decide whether to embrace the useless and sport a skinny scarf, or admit defeat and reach for a more practical, chunkier option.
Take a bow - they’re the perfect accessory
Whenever I put a bow in my hair, I’m transported back to my childhood, when my mum would do my hair every day and tie in a little red ribbon as the finishing touch. In my opinion, they are probably the most timeless hair accessory; always making me feel dainty and feminine. The ribbons are making their way into the jewellery scene too, ribbon bow earrings and pendants are all over Etsy.
The big brown jacket: A vintage statement
These jackets are the single item that every winter wardrobe needs. Paired with jeans? Simple and put-together. Wear it over a mini-dress? You’re a rockstar’s girlfriend. For me, they’re the piece of clothing that got away, and so I’ll be forever gazing in admiration every time I see someone with one strolling, Bob-Dylan style, through George Square.
It’s the colour of the season, we’ve red all about it...
Adding ‘a pop of red’ has been the phrase on all fashion influencers’ lips this season. I finally caved
the other day, finding the most gorgeous red leather bag on Vinted. I kind of justified it though,
because it fits my iPad...I hope. Nevertheless, I couldn’t write this blog post without hyperfixating on
my undying love for red leather jackets. They are jaw-droppingly stunning, and propel any outfit to
fashion it-girl status, forget what I said earlier about the brown jackets... The one thing restraining
me from splurging is the ‘pop of red’ statement itself: a ‘pop’ is a ‘pop’ and no more than that. I can’t wear red leather jacket with the red leather bag? Can I?
An ode to summer... Edinburgh’s days aren’t long, but people’s skirts certainly are.
Maxi skirts have always been a staple item in my wardrobe, and I think they should be a staple item all-year-round. I might be creating some controversy here, but denim maxi skirts are here to stay. Love them or hate them, they represent the quintessence of practicality - too cold? Wear a pair of thick, fleece-lined thermal tights underneath. Just because it’s winter, it doesn’t mean you have to banish the floaty floral midi skirts - instead, consider retaining them as the outfit’s statement piece; winter in Scotland is bleak, but your outfits don’t have to be!
Give flats the boot - thigh-high leather is in!
My last observation of the recent trends in winter fashion is nothing revolutionary, but everyone needs some (p)leather boots in their life. Take it from everyone’s favourite fashion it-girls pictured above; there’s something so femme-fatale about these looks - I can practically hear the click-clacking
of Jennifer Aniston’s thigh-highs.
It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that an outfit that includes a miniskirt must be in need of a pair of leather boots, just picture Margot Robbie’s Sharon Tate in Once upon a time in Hollywood. A couple of weeks ago, a good friend of mine sent me a photo of the Dior boots pictured above, and they genuinely haven’t left my thoughts since. If I had a spare £1000, I’d style them with a white midi skirt, black corset top and matching lipstick.
Who needs a coat, anyway?
I hope the colder months are filled with joy, laughter, and of course, great style choices!
Lots of love,
Katie Bean
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