If you’re already bored by the prospect of wearing a ton of monochrome this winter, the easiest way to up your game and add some interest is to slide a bit of texture into the mix. Take my short-sleeved, brushed-wool knit from & Other Stories. What could be quite a flat look – head-to-toe grey – is elevated. It’s such a simple addition to a simple outfit, but the final result reads as properly thought through, and you’re not left scratching your head wondering what’s missing.
Add some furry or knitted flat shoes and you’ve hit on a chic, slouching-elegantly-around-the-house vibe. Substitute the flats for mock-croc kitten heels (yet more texture) and you’ve got yourself a polished outfit that translates into evening – or would work for Jennifer Aniston’s improbably well-dressed television presenter on Apple TV’s The Morning Show. You’re keeping to a smart, tightly edited colour palette. But now there’s a richness. This is what we call “texture-tuning”.
Jen (or her Morning Show stylist) is a pro at texture-tuning. Not for her, the aqua or magenta bodycon dresses of her counterparts on US and British breakfast television. She’s all muted colours and tactile fabrics, and she looks a zillion understated dollars. She also shops at The Row, Dior and Celine.
You don’t need to shop with those labels to achieve the same depth and richness. There’s plenty of brushed knitwear right now, such as the alpaca, wool and synthetic M&S top featured here, which comes in a good, neat shape. Arket has brushed-wool cropped jackets in taupe shades, but those are selling fast. Collars will make knitwear smarter and more “finished”, almost like a jacket.
For deluxe brushed cashmere, with commensurate prices – although nothing like The Row, where you’re talking upwards of £800 – check out Soft Goat. This Scandi label uses the goat’s undercoat – the finest, softest hair – and turns it into into gorgeous pieces. Other texture-tuners include Aran and cable knits, tweed and velvet.
Mohair is another way to build in texture. Some call it itchy, or find that the short fibres migrate under their contact lenses. Others can’t get enough. If you’re in the latter camp, try the mohair socks from Pairs. They’re super downy with a subtle sheen. Here, I’ve chosen the fluffy alpaca ones – lovely with brogues or slingbacks.
On the subject of small texture touches, a shearling stole lifts the simplest knitwear or cotton tee. Me+Em’s comes in cream or chocolate. For a workhorse of a bag, Anya Hindmarch’s sheepskin Ringo adds playfulness and volume to any look.
If softness is your thing, the newest generation of faux fur provides pleasure, warmth and a flattering aureole of gauziness around your face. Want to know how the Milanese sciura (a northern Italian word for an elegant, affluent older woman – we need an English word for this) maintains her glam in winter?
Faux fur is part of the answer. Wear it with pearls, Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream, great hair and oodles of attitude.
For more inspo, follow Sciuraglam on Instagram. This is how to make winter dressing chic, and thoroughly enjoyable to boot.
Photography: Sarah Brick; hair and make-up: Amanda Clarke at Joy Goodman using Jones Road and Schwarzkopf; styling: Sophie Tobin; stylist’s assistant: Hansveni Dave
Lisa Wears
Recycled sterling-silver ring (right hand), £200, Carolina de Barros; Steel ring (left hand), £55, Edblad; Earrings, Lisa’s own; Velvet headband, from a selection, Etsy; Wool-blend polo, £77, & Other Stories; Lace-trim camisole, £150 (on sale for £105), Me+Em; Flannel trousers, £140, Reiss; Leather shoes, £175, Sézane; Suede bag, £325, Strathberry