I don’t know about you, but every so often an occasion crops up when I use what I’m wearing to boost my confidence. It’s almost like putting on a suit of armour to help face something bigger than an ordinary day. Usually for me, it’s a meeting with a tricky client but last week, as you know, I went to my middle son’s school for the preview of the BBC documentary that he has been taking part in. We were only given a few days’ notice so it was lucky that this new coat had just arrived from Winser London in preparation for my latest project with the Over 40 Collective.
Winser London merino wrap coat; Jigsaw Trousers; Whistles shoes; M&S Blouse (sold out); Mulberry clutch (past season)
As soon as the project was announced, I knew that the piece I would choose was this merino wrap coat in rich burgundy. When I saw it, it quite simply ‘sparked joy.’ Less heavy than a traditional coat, it is perfect for a formal occasion like this when you want to make an understated impression.
You see we were invited to the preview because it turns out that our son has one of the larger parts in the documentary which is all about why teenagers today read so few books and whether you can change that. We knew that he was part of the filming that took place last term but whenever we asked him about it, he played the whole thing down.
We hadn’t given it much more thought until we were invited to the preview along with the head, governors and other school VIPs. The head is very traditional and she has the instant ability to render you into a guilty 13 year old who has done something wrong – but that wasn’t what was worrying me.
I was more concerned about what our son, who at 15 has strong opinions about things like the value of spending time at school, was going to say on screen. Given a once in a lifetime opportunity to tell the world how he feels, I wondered just how carefully he would have chosen his words.
I needed sartorial confidence just in case there was a requirement to smooth ruffled feathers when the lights went up.
As you can see, from my ‘after’ face, there wasn’t. In fact my cameo appearance gave me more reason for concern than his. Why is it that the most modern of TV cameras still make you look five sizes larger?!
For those who have said they would like to watch the programme, it will be broadcast on BBC2 in two weeks’ time. As soon as the schedule has been confirmed I’ll let you know. It certainly gives a tender insight into the world of today’s teenager growing up in a more rural environment than the ones the BBC usually chooses which, in itself, makes it interesting.
You may remember that the Over 40 Collective’s first ever collaboration was with Winser London in Spring this year. Our aim in these projects is to showcase just how differently we can wear clothes from a single brand and we were really flattered when Winser invited us to do it again.
You don’t need me to tell you that clothes from Winser are not frivolous buys. As you can see from my friends below, they add gravitas whenever you wear them. Liz from What Lizzy Loves is the epitome of pared down elegance in her Miracle fitted dress with its gauzy sleeves.
Look at the sheen of the silk in Michelle from RetroChicMama’s blouse and the elegant drape of the trousers.
Lisa from The Sequinist is chanelling Rive Gauche chic in her black cashmere rollneck and capri trousers.
Like me, Annette from Lady of Style opted for a merino coat but in a single breasted style and she’s showing that you can wear it casually too.
Catherine from Not Dressed As Lamb is wearing the same single breasted merino coat as Annette but in her trademark pink.
And Michelle from Barefaced Chic opted for country casual with a Winser Parka coat.
If I could afford to dress head to toe in Winser every day, I probably would. They are clothes that whisper style rather than shrieking fashion. In the meantime I have my coat in reserve for days when I sharpen my battle cry.
I’ll be back on Friday, in the meantime, have a wonderful week.
International Delivery
Winser do deliver internationally, details here. You can also buy their clothes here from John Lewis which has extensive international delivery options here.
Disclosure: thank you to Winser London for the coat that I wore in this shoot. As always, my words, thoughts and sartorial challenges are all my own.
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