GRAHAM ST.

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keeping it casual

Sometimes, all an outfit needs is something small to elevate it into something special. For mum’s outfit it is this little triangular knitted scarf in bright green. Sometimes, the introduction of the smallest piece can completely transform the way that you look at your outfit, even your wardrobe. A fabulous pair of earrings or a brightly coloured necklace or a statement pair of glasses can all do wonders for a simple ensemble. Alex’s mum, Philippa, has bright red glasses in the Matilda style from Cubitts and they look fantastic. My mother-in-law used to wear red glasses with a string of red beads close around her neck and it looked so chic. Sometimes, the simplest of additions to an outfit make the biggest impact. In the same way that a bright lipstick can too.

The other addition that we have made to mum’s outfit is the yellow socks poking out above her boots. I saw a lady on the train yesterday (she was probably in her late 50’s/early 60s) wearing little transparent socks with tiny orange and pink polka dots (similar to these but different colours) with (coincidently) the barrel leg jeans that I am wearing here, a fine knit roll neck jumper and a beige heavy wool blazer. She was wearing an orange leather cross body bag (which picked up the tiny dots of orange in her socks) and contrasted (but complimented) her neutral outfit perfectly. She was wearing these cream mary-jane shoes, statement glasses (a little bit like these) and an orange lip (but more subtle than the orange of her bag). Perfection! And of course I told her so.

These boots are fantastic. Blundstone boots are an Australian brand, built for the outback, so they are super practical and very comfortable. Mum and I both have a pair and we wear them all the time. I actually first noticed Blundstone boots in Sweden as they are a very popular style amongst the Scandi’s - style nod to Blundstone eh.

Just quickly, before I move onto my outfit, the dark navy blue chinos that mum is wearing are extremely good. I sometimes find that the cotton chinos on the high street can be disappointingly light and thin but these have a good weight to them. Mum is nearly 5.8” and so you can see how long they are on her, I am nearly 5.6” and would roll the hem once (but I like my trousers quite cropped). They would hit just below my ankle un-rolled.

So my outfit. The jeans that I am wearing are the ones that mum was wearing here. We are a dress size apart so on her they are more fitted and more high waisted and on me a little looser and lower - wear them how you feel comfortable.

All I really want to talk to you about though is this jacket. I love it. Being from Mango, I was a little concerned that the streets would be awash with women in this aviator gem but so far, this has not been the case (as far as I have seen anyway). It is at the higher end of the price point for Mango but the quality is great and it’s warm. The denim goes with everything and would add something to jeans, right through to a floaty floral dress. It is quite bulky so if you don’t like a lot of volume up top then it won’t be for you, but otherwise it is the gift that I think, will keep on giving!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX MOONEY

SUE WEARS…

Jumper, £77, Arket

Chinos, £85, COS

Coat, £119, Zara

Organic cotton over-sized t-shirt, £44, Ivy

Neckscarf, from Beyond Nine but sold out. Similar here

Boots, £180, Blundstone at Seasalt

Socks, Arket (in-store)

HANNAH WEARS…

Shirt old Zara but similar here

Jeans, £69, COS

Denim coat, £99.99, Mango

High top trainers, £85, Converse

Socks, Arket (in-store)

-STYLE EDIT-