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Your unique winter wardrobe

Black & white outfit
Black & white statement outfit
Tuesday, 6th October 2009
If you’re a Fresher you’ll either by now have packed (or made a mental note of) both comfy must-have everyday student attire and a couple of fancy dress items that are likely to come in handy. But what's in store for this season’s fashion?

As returning students will know all too well, winter in York requires a fair bit of protection from the elements. Though Autumn brings beautiful carpets of red and golden leaves along paths laden with Autumnal trees, it's sometimes a little tricky to balance between what is sensible to wear and what you really want to wear.

I know I’ve a few society hoodies sitting in my student house - I think everyone picks up merchandise of some sort or other if they’re heavily involved in a society, and with good reason. It’s good to not only keep warm but don an emblem or catchy one-liner that shows to the world you’re part of that society and proud. Of course, the merits of throwing on a hoodie and pair of jeans before traipsing off to an early morning lecture are all very well, but it’s just as important to exude individuality.

Flicking (or should I say ‘clicking’) through pictures from the catwalk I noticed a number of designers seem be creating ensembles that suggest black is back. Of course, you never would have ditched the nice neutral colour altogether, but it’s back in a big way. It should be used boldly and not just as a fail-safe “no” answer to “does my bum look big in this?”

It might be useful to invest in a couple of unique items to set against what you already have: hooded jumpers, plain jeans or trousers and water-proof ‘go-with-anything’ black boots (I made the mistake of starting my first year with little more than pumps and plimsolls, needless to say they all got ruined within the first week-it didn’t stop raining!).

Indeed York’s charity shops, as well as one-off boutiques are great for finding yourself a unique item to contribute towards your signature style. Although York has a Topshop, Zara, H&M and two New Look stores within walking distance of each other, there are concession designers in Topshop, for example, where items are more likely to have limited availability and be that little bit more unique.

As always I advocate shopping at a ‘safe’ distance: on the internet (maybe hide your purse first). You can have a nice browse and get a good idea of what is out there in both designer and high-street brand stores. Feeling more in control and less likely to blow your whole month’s food budget in one impulsive shopping trip, you’re better prepared for that unique new winter wardrobe of yours. I’ve shortlisted (below) a few designers with a brief description of unique items that I love, and that are the type of things you should look out for. This should help you stand out from the crowd: let’s face it, while it’s a great environment to be in, it is a great big crowd, too!

Designers:

  • Alexander Wang: The contrast of chunky furry or feathery scarves and hanging top garments is as strong as that of white set against black.
  • Christian Dior: Guys, take inspiration from more solid black suit combos than you can shake a stick at - and some white outfits too!
  • Julien MacDonald: If you’re yearning for something to go with dark tones try to pick a muted green, blue or purple and take note from the professionals on how to add a little or a lot of glitz and glam!
  • Nicole Farhi (Farhi by Nicole Farhi): Try York weather-friendly layering using a more diverse colour palette.
  • Stella McCartney: Everything from giant eyelets to black and white animal prints with bags to match! Perhaps buy this season's staple accessories to bring a black outfit to life?
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