Back to Basics: Outerwear Options to Effortlessly Elevate Your F/W Look
More often than not, a sudden bite of cold winter air incites us to hastily grab the nearest and warmest piece of clothing, even if it’s just an old gray university sweatshirt from freshman year. There’s no doubt that this unexpected chill could dampen your cute and cozy, yet ill-prepared, outfit. Fortunately, sifting through Instagram’s most coveted streetwear feeds reveal an assortment of current outerwear trends that will take your look to new heights, even once the temperature drops. With fall/winter 2020 trends sporting a casual, back-to-basics ideal, upgrade your closet with these classic outerwear options that will serve your wardrobe well for years to come.
The Cardigan
Cardigans aren’t just on the likes of Taylor Swift fans this season. In a variety of textures, cardigans gracefully fall on shoulders and can be styled on the go. Lightweight, shrunken cardigans evoke the romantic Parisienne in every individual while a chunky knit is easily thrown over any plaid skirt or turtleneck for ultimate warmth. Although cardigans may be associated with cottagecore and the vintage fashion of our grandparents, this style of sweater can be worn unbuttoned and layered with jewelry to accentuate bare skin for a sexier feel.
Photos: @siobhan.olivia, @jeannedamas
The Boyfriend Blazer
The line between loungewear and business casual is blurring as we continue to work from home. Oversized and more relaxed than their traditionally structured counterpart, slouchy boyfriend blazers allow you to skip sacrificing style for comfort, making them a staple for a day filled with meetings or enjoying time with friends. Their masculine edge, along with slight professional quality, instantly pulls a look together. The addition of plaid prints, leather trousers, or loafers further polish the ensemble with ease, almost as if you put in more effort than you actually did. Another cold weather plus to this versatile and flattering piece: the more oversized the blazer is, the more layers you can fit in underneath.
Photos: @cocobeautea, @cocobassey
The Trench Coat
Particularly chic when cinched at the waist, trench coats are a timeless fall/winter piece that never lose practicality within its city sleek silhouette. With their promise of maximum style mileage, ankle-grazing trench coats perfectly accompany everything from suits to slip dresses to athleisure. Switch between belts or tie long, printed scarves in the belt loops to add your unique personality to this unrivaled classic. For a photoshoot worthy of any fashion blogger, leave the coat loosely open to unveil the rest of your outfit to the world. Faux leather trench coats tap into this season’s love affair with the 70s while well-tailored camel options create a luxurious contrast to jeans or sweatpants.
Photos: @petiteelliee, @lauraslittlelocket