WHERE — London
PHOTOGRAPHY —  Sam Flaherty
IN COLLABORATION WITH — Amanda Wakeley

What to invest in for the cooler months ahead? Consider this your AW cheat sheet; breaking down the new sartorial staples, and how to wear them.

If I’ve learned one thing about my winter wardrobe it’s that it pays to plan ahead. My dream coat, the one I plan to wrap myself in all winter, will be sold out before the leaves have even turned brown. And the best of the chunky knits will have flown off the racks before it’s even cold enough to wear them. So this season I’m playing the long game, and organising what I’ll be wearing this winter before autumn has barely hit.

So, although my summer tan has yet to fade away completely, I’ve pulled together an edit of the new Amanda Wakeley collection. Pieces like a show-stopping suede trench (dressed down with denim, obv) and silky trousers that’ll make you feel as glam as your fanciest dress.

The Bold Suit

Every woman should have a beautiful suit in her wardrobe arsenal, and this season the business staple gets a playful update. Still perfectly formed and tailored to perfection, but packing extra punch in a hi-vis hue.

Wearing: Amanda Wakeley Clementine Fitted jacket and Slim Leg Trousers, Sandro trainers

Something Green

Don’t just eat your greens, wear them. Rich, emerald greens are to winter what millennial pink is to spring (without the over-saturation factor). Whether it’s a chunky knit, silky trousers or a two-piece combo, emerald green seems to – quite miraculously – suit almost everyone.

It adds a hit of colour without being too in-your-face, and pairs back with most neutrals you have sitting in the depths of your closet.

Wearing: Amanda Wakeley Emerald Herringbone jacket, Re/Done tee and Amanda Wakeley Emerald Wide Leg trousers

Wearing: Jasmin Sparrow earrings, Amanda Wakeley High Neck Emerald Oversized knit and Levi’s jeans

Wearing: Amanda Wakeley Herringbone Boyfriend jacket, Re/Done tee, Levi’s jeans and Manolo Blahnik heels

The Sexy-Yet-Serious Blazer

The Boyfriend blazer has long been a staple for women all over; it’s classic, looks sharp and pretty much goes with everything. Now it’s time to up the ante and wear it with nothing visible underneath. Treat the blazer like a form-fitting blouse rather than just a piece of outerwear. Obviously it’s important to make sure you opt for a blazer that buttons up securely and reveals only as much decolletage as you’re comfortable with. The aim here is to feel a little sexier, not be a flasher.

Wearing: Amanda Wakeley Ecru Wool Crepe jacket and Levi’s jeans

The Statement Trousers

With summer firmly in the rear view mirror, our floral dresses and slinky slips (the ones we pull on when we want to feel amazing) need a wintery replacement. Enter; the statement trouser. Luxe, silky and a hero piece in it’s own right, you can wear it by day with a simple white tee and trainers, then dress it with high heels and a red lip by night.

Wearing: Re/Done tee and Amanda Wakeley Emerald Pleated Wide Leg trousers

The Luxe Trench

There’s something about a trench that always makes a woman look like a boss. And while classic cotton trench coats will always have their place, swapping out your usual tan trench for a luxe fabric like suede is an easy way to look polished without running the risk of feeling over dressed.

I’m a casual dresser at heart – I’ll reach for classic staples over pieces that make a statement every time. So if you want to look like you made an effort slash feel put together, invest in those go-to classics in beautiful fabrics. Plus, as long as you look after them well, they should last a lifetime, not just a season.

Wearing: Amanda Wakeley Berry Suede Long Trench coat, Re/Done tee, Levi’s jeans and Manolo Blahniq heels