A new brand edit for you today – I’m bringing you a selection of winter warmers with an edit of coats, knits and boots from JD Williams. As always this season, they have a selection that spans a wide range of price points and, of course, sizing as they continue to champion midlife women across the board.
For AW18 they’ve asked me to focus on coats, knitwear and boots which, let’s face it, is probably the most relevant field for the next few months. When I worked with them in summer, a few of you commented that you find the sheer size of the selection online to be a bit daunting so I’ve done the hard work for you and narrowed down some key pieces from this year’s collection. You may be surprised by some of the brands that are stocked by JD Williams alongside their own stable of basics that cater for women of all shapes and sizes.
Coat edit – JD Williams AW18
From the classic to the fashionable, coats for different occasions
Top to bottom, L-R
Checked coat: you don’t need me to tell you (again) that the checked coat is the biggest winter trend this year. The yellow stripe in this one adds warmth to winter days.
Teddy coat: declared this year’s shearling by Grazia magazine, the teddy (or Borg) coat is another key trend, especially in rust. If it’s not your colour, this one’s also available in black.
Purple party coat: this doesn’t appear to be heavy enough to be an everyday coat but with its detail at the back, it would make a great statement for a winter night out
Raincoat: fresh nautical style that can be layered when the weather gets colder
Military style coat: military styling is always a classic, French look. This one also has lovely red tipping and a red lining
Quilted jacket: use this warm quilt as an inner layer or wear it on its own. It’s washable and it picks up on the metallic trend that’s coming through later in the season
Knitwear edit – JD Williams AW18
Many of these are made from easy care modern fibres, an alternative for people who like the look of knits but find wool irritates their skin
Top to bottom, L-R
Plain ivory knit: one for people who can’t tolerate natural wool, this is a soft synthetic blend in a skin flattering shade of soft ivory. Also available in black and bright pink.
Rainbow striped jumper: the trend for rainbows continues – lovely soft shades in this one, great for brightening up jeans at the weekend.
Long cardigan: a wardrobe essential for days when you need an extra layer. Long cardigans have a slimming effect because they break up the horizontal line that divides your body at the middle.
Nep jumper: vintage style nep knits are part of the nostalgia trend this year. This one has flecks of different colours to add to the homespun look
Scarlet bell sleeved knit: on trend red with a flattering flared sleeve that adds shape and structure
Cashmere and merino relaxed jumper: a merino and cashmere blend with luxurious deep ribbing at the neck and a relaxed shape that can be dressed up or down
Boots edit – JD Williams AW18
I allow myself to start wearing boots on 1st October and let’s face it, we’ll be in them until May so a few alternatives ensure your winter wardrobe works harder
Top to bottom, L-R
Chestnut Chelsea Boots: an easy way to add the sudden return of brown to your look. A classic glossy leather boot that will age beautifully. Also available in black.
Hunter gloss wellies: a winter classic and so much smarter than your average welly. Layer them with matching fleece liners when the weather gets cold. Available in navy and black.
Burgundy suede ankle boots: burgundy is a winter neutral and can be a softer alternative to black. These boots have cushion plus technology in the sole for extra comfort. Also available in black leather.
Tan leather ankle boots with ankle detail: these come up slightly higher at the ankle making them a good option for wearing with cropped jeans. The metallic detail adds interest and they come in a range of width fittings. Also available in black leather.
Heeled brown ankle boots: with a leg elongating higher heel and stitch detailing, these boots also have cushion plus technology for comfort.
Paprika knee high boots: a real pop of colour although if the paprika is too bright for you, there’s also a black option. The great thing about these is that they come in a range of calf fittings to ensure a really good fit.
Black mock croc boots: mock croc is a trend that will still be strong next year. With their chiselled toe, these boots gently reference the trend for cowboy boots that we’re seeing on the high street.
So the JD Williams team asked me to choose something from each category and bring it to life. I was full of cold last week when we took these photos so warm, cosy clothing was what I needed. I’ve tried a few different coats recently but I haven’t had a chance to experiment with a teddy coat and as it was in a complexion warming rust (and I looked like death warmed up), that’s the one I went for.
In terms of knitwear, I was instinctively drawn to the rainbow stripe jumper but I already have too many of those so I decided to try the simple ivory turtle neck to see if my skin would tolerate the modern fibres better than something like lambswool. It’s a lovely knit, warm without being too thick, a great shape and not remotely itchy.
I’m wearing cropped jeans most often at the moment so I added the boots that come up higher at the ankle with the statement ring trim.
Tan leather ankle boots with ankle detail
And this was the final result – an easy outfit for winter weekends around here.
Teddy coat; Plain ivory knit; Tan leather ankle boots with ankle detail
It’s Mr MC’s birthday today and we have the pleasure of celebrating it with the middle son in Liverpool. We’re going to look around our first Performing Arts School, LIPA, to see how it compares with a classic university. The boy’s excited, Mr MC less so… although we may be able to balance that out by popping into The Tate. Have a good week and I’ll be back on Friday.
Disclosure: “Coats, knits and boots from JD Williams” is a sponsored post but all edits are my own. Thank you for supporting the retailers that support this blog.
Other Autumn/Winter 18 posts you may have missed
Embracing autumn and bringing it in
Midlifechic edit – Marks & Spencer AW18
What I’ve been wearing and a midlife lately catch-up
John Lewis & Partners new women’s clothing review
Colour trends AW18 and how to work them
How to wear Hush when you don’t do slouchy
Inès de La Fressange at Uniqlo AW18 review
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