Jess Cartner-Morley’s October style essentials: glam jeans, an irresistible coat and my shoes of the year
Ready to fall back in love with getting dressed? Our fashion expert’s favourites bring layers, colour and just the right amount of drama
October is when getting dressed starts to get interesting again. It is not yet cold enough for the full swaddling, but there is bandwidth for layers, texture, colour, a little drama. This month’s edit has all of the above. There is an irresistible coat, a tomato-red jumper to wake up everything you already own, and the bag I think may be the answer if you want something roomy that still feels neat. Also, stirrup leggings!
Elsewhere, I’ve finally located the right sheer shirt for anyone ready to dip a toe into transparency, some extremely glamorous Marks & Spencer jeans and a lovely ring that looks much more special than its price. And because October is also the month when staying in starts to sound as appealing as going out, there are candles for the kitchen table. A sensible autumn shopping list, but with a little soul.
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A pop of red
Boden Camilla cotton crew sweater in crimson red
£65 at Boden £65 at NextA classic tomato-red sweater will give your wardrobe a lift. Layer it over a stripe with the collar and cuffs showing, or tie it over the shoulders of your blazer for a flash of colour and a potential extra layer if it gets chilly later. This is a cotton blend, so it won’t swelter you, and it has slightly full sleeves so you can layer it over a shirt without the sleeves bunching.
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Another M&S winner
M&S high-waisted embellished barrel jeans
£75 at M&SI was in M&S stalking a brilliant skirt I saw at the press day that doesn’t seem to be in store yet (will let you know when I find it!) and found these jeans, which look so fancy, all embellished with black beads and gems, and would make a knockout but easy-to-wear party outfit with a camisole and a tuxedo jacket.
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My first new-season crush
Rixo Micah embroidered jacket
£395 at RixoI am not going to pretend this is the most practical coat in the world, and you’ll have to wait for it because it’s on preorder for delivery in December. But look at it! Absolutely delicious. You probably already know Rixo for its brilliant dresses – it has a capsule collaboration coming to John Lewis later this month; I have seen it, and I think you will love it – and the coats are great too. With vintage-style embroidery, kimono-width sleeves and deep faux fur trim, you can wear this over a party dress to make a dramatic entrance, but it will also look brilliant over a T-shirt and jeans.
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I may have found your perfect bag
Kurt Geiger Chelsea flap bag
£289 at Kurt GeigerKurt Geiger has been London-based since the 1960s, when it opened a store on Bond Street. Lots of rainbow stripes, which I fully endorse as a brand-values symbol of kindness and inclusivity but don’t necessarily want to wear on a handbag. But the quality is great – details like adjustable shoulder straps, which really matter – and there are always classic colours as well as the rainbow. This shape is perfect if you want a large bag that still feels neat.
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My shoe of the year
L’Agence Arleen kitten heel mules
£345 at L’AgenceWhen I got these shoes I thought they were a classic I would wear occasionally, but I’ve worn them more than any other non-flat shoe for months now. I hate shoes that slow me down, so I generally ignore mules, but these are comfortable and secure, so you can walk at a normal speed. They are the perfect travel shoe because they take up so little room, weigh almost nothing, and make every outfit look better. They also come in leather, which would arguably be more practical, but the suede is so soft, and you can’t be sensible all the time.
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Stirrup leggings: discuss
Vuori stirrup leggings
£120 at VuoriI saw another fashion editor at Heathrow during the recent month of catwalk shows, wearing stirrup leggings and ballet pumps and a crew-neck sweater, and I believe I have finally found my version of what the youngsters call an Airport Fit. Yes, stirrup leggings are kind of silly, but that’s sort of the point – they turn leggings (boring) into a look. And they tie the leggings to your shoe, visually, I mean, so the silhouette is more elegant. This won’t be for everyone, but, you know, putting it out there. These are mine: I am a big fan of Vuori; the fabrics are so comfortable yet hold their shape.
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A great sheer shirt and it’s on sale!
Arket silk organza shirt
£81 at ArketSheer clothes aren’t just for red-carpet exhibitionists any more. Sheer layers are happening in real life. I think they work right now because they stop oversized, untucked outfits from drowning you. A sheer shirt is a good place to start: you can wear it over a tank top during the day, but it will also look dead chic and modern for evening over a lace bra if you are feeling slightly racy. Found this organza one in Arket, and I love the deep grey shade.
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Put a ring on it
Carrie Elizabeth vintage crest ring
£59.50 at Carrie ElizabethCarrie Elizabeth jewellery has been around for a decade and is gaining traction – it is in Liberty for the first time this season – because in a market that often feels divided into cheap trend-led baubles and eye-wateringly expensive fine jewellery, it offers affordable pieces that feel personal and special. This 14-carat gold vermeil ring is beautifully detailed – it makes you want to look closer, which I love – with an elegant, slim band.
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Ideal autumnal skirt situation
Nobody’s Child herringbone pleated skirt
£79 at Nobody’s Child £79 at AsosThis perfect, kicky little skirt has a matching herringbone blazer. The suit has a cute Cher-in-Clueless energy to it, but I’d wear this with a rugby shirt, black tights and biker boots.
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It is candle season
Søstrene Grene bi-colour candles, set of two
£4.12 at Søstrene GreneScented candles get all the love these days, but I love an old-fashioned taper candle as a cheap and cheering way to brighten up the kitchen table. The shell pink and electric blue colour combination is giving Roksanda energy.
For more, read the best women’s autumn wardrobe updates (some are even free)