WHERE — London
PHOTOGRAPHY — shot on film by Sam Flaherty
IN COLLABORATION WITH — Uniqlo U

As they say, winter is coming. The wardrobe staples you need – and how to to style them – as the temperature drops.

As the days start to cool but our minds are still mentally back on that epic summer vacation, we enter that inevitable moment when we all wonder; what on earth do we actually wear now?

Teddy coats, chunky turtlenecks and wide leg trousers may be de-riguour come autumn. These are the staples that make you feel chic, even when you’re secretly wearing a thermal or two pairs of socks. But the trick is to keep these classic layers feeling fresh by layering up in a way that feels very now (even if you bought the turtleneck back in ’09).

So after three months of treating a dress as an entire outfit, I took the new Uniqlo U collection – which has just dropped in-store and online – to the streets of London to re-wire my sartorial mindset. Consider this a quick five point guide on what to wear now.

PLAY WITH PROPORTIONS

Sometimes big is indeed better. Planning on wearing your favourite wide leg trousers? Style it with a boxy jacket, buttoned all the way up. Forget about body hugging pieces that ‘flatter’ your shape, the best kind of silhouette is one which is comfy and cool.

Wearing: Uniqlo U Work Jacket and Ponte Wide Trousers

DRESS LIKE A TEDDY

The cosier, the better. I promise you, nothing will make you feel cooler (and rather conveniently, warmer) than a teddy jacket. Size up if you plan to wear chunky knits underneath come winter.

Wearing: Uniqlo U Long Sleeve Fleece, Merino Crew Neck Sweater and High Rise Ankle Jeans

COLOUR BLOCK LIKE A PRO

Pick a hue, any hue. Then colour block. Whether it’s head to toe cream, red or navy, there is nothing that screams I’m-so-chic-and-have-my-life-totally-together than a sleek colour block look.

The trick is to pair cool separates like tailored trousers, a knit and a button down jacket, rather than a floor-length gown with a embellished statement coat. This look is about making a statement with everyday pieces, not pulling on your loudest finery all at once.

Wearing: Uniqlo U Work Jacket, Ponte Wide Trousers and Boucle Crew Neck Sweater

WHITE PANTS WILL ALWAYS FEEL FRESH

Just as versatile as denim, but a touch more classy. Yes than can feel a little ladies-who-lunch, but just opt for a slouchy wide-leg style and you’ll be less lunching ladies and more of a cool kid.

Wearing: Uniqlo U Work Jacket and Ponte Wide Trousers

WEAR YOUR MAC (OR TRENCH) AS A DRESS

No, not like a flasher. Button it all the way down and treat it like a long-sleeve boxy dress. You’ll have plenty of time to wear it as it was actually intended, and and it’s a great way to add even more versatility to such a trusty wardrobe staple.

Just remember to add a little height with heels or boots; this look isn’t about feeling like you’re headed off to the farm.

Wearing: Uniqlo U Blocktech Coat

TUCK YOUR HAIR INTO YOUR JUMPER/JACKET/COAT

Did she just get a sleek new bob? Or a chic blow wave? Nope, she just tucked her hair into her jumper and called it a good hair day. It’s the cheats ‘do, plus it’s the perfect way to show off your statement earring collection.

Wearing: Uniqlo U Work Jacket, Ponte Wide Trousers and Boucle Crew Neck Sweater

REVIVE YOUR MUM’S LOOK FROM THE ’80s

And by that I mean high-waisted jeans (yeah that make your bum look long, but they also make your legs look even longer), turtlenecks (or as your mum says, a skivvy), and plenty of chunky gold chained jewellery.

Wearing: Uniqlo U Melange Turtle Neck Sweater and High Rise Straight Ankle Jeans