It wasn’t intentional that my outfit should have a strong 70s vibe.  There is something about putting on a tan suede jacket and boom, on go the flares and out comes the knitted tank top!  I spotted the jeans a while back when I popped into Me & Em at Battersea power station.  The dramatic flare caught my eye and I thought yes, something a bit different.  This particular cut of trouser is not known for its practicality but worn with a pair of heels and wow – it can be a very flattering shape. 

I cannot recommend enough the blouse that I am wearing.  Arket have done what they do best with this blouse, fusing what could be quite a ‘prissy’ style with an excellent modern cut to create something that looks cool and chic.  I have owned mine for a couple of months now and it has already become my go-to for evenings out and I will be wearing it on rotation over the festive season.   It looks particularly lovely with statement gold jewellery – and a red lip if you are so inclined!

Mum’s knitted dress also represents another go-to staple for slightly elevated dressing that is still very comfortable.  For the daytime or evening, a knitted dress is the prefect ‘throw on and go’.  BUT, in my opinion, not all jumper dresses are created equal.  For a cool, modern look you are searching for one that either skims (or is loose) across the body rather than hugs it and the hem hits somewhere between the calf and ankle.  I’m afraid that we haven’t made a big feature of the one that mum is wearing as it is about 2 years old. I have suggested a good alternative in the outfit credits but this one from Hobbs is also great as is this one from Jigsaw.. A white shirt underneath would look chic paired with a neck scarf tied and tucked into the collar.

The coat is amazing.  My sister in-law has it in forest green from last year and when I saw it, I couldn’t believe that it was a high street buy.  Needless to say, COS have brought out the same style again this year but in oatmeal and black.  Frustratingly they have sold out online but I was in COS this week and both colourways were available.  I wouldn’t be surprised if it is restocked in the new year…

P.S. For those of you that are looking for outfit inspiration for the coming festive season do not fear, it is coming! Ho ho ho.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX MOONEY

SUE WEARS…

Knitted dress, old Cos but similar here

Coat, £270, COS

Scarf, £79, COS

Boots, old but these are fab!

HANNAH WEARS…

Blouse, £77, Arket

Knitted vest, £57, Arket

Jeans, £195, Me & Em

Suede Jacket, £310, Boden

Coat, old

Loafers and heeled boot, old