This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
1. WHEN IT’S TOO MILD TO WEAR A COAT BUT A BIT NIPSVILLE
A chunky knit like this 100% Merino wool Guernsey jumper from Me+Em will keep you perfectly warm as well as chic. It is available in six colourways and is gloriously oversized and features contrast button detailing at the collar. If you button up the collar, you create a high polo neck; if you unbutton it you’ll have a relaxed open collar that you could team with a lightweight polo underneath – for example, the Silky Roll Neck which is one of Kettlewell’s best sellers and Annabel swears by it. I’m wearing the Guernsey in the longer length (there is also a shorter version) with an on trend khaki scarf and matching leather zipped gloves.
2: FOR THAT ELEGANT FRENCH LOOK
Pop your favourite shirt or blouse underneath a chunky knit, like this super soft Lotte roll neck jumper that Annabel’s wearing from Baukjen. Also available in Grey Marl.
3. UNDER A DRESS
Zara polo neck sweater with pearl buttons on the cuffs – a steal at £19.99 and so soft and easy to wear. Available in five different colours. I’ve washed mine (inside out) at 30 degrees and the pearl buttons stayed put, as did the shape. Worn here with a previous season wool dress from Winser London. They have lots of similar dresses on their website that are definitely worth a look.
4: AN ABSOLUTE CLASSIC
Update the perennial sophistication of a crisp white shirt, blazer and jeans by replacing the shirt with a polo t shirt. Mine came from Uniqlo and was the princely price of £9.90.
5. UNDER A BLOUSE/CARDIGAN
Layers, layers, layers – that’s how to cope with our mercurial British climate, where it can be chilly one minute and mild the next. In this pic, Annabel has combined a fine stripe rib roll neck top from Me+Em with a shirt she purchased ages ago and her new merino wool Guernsey cardigan which is also Me+Em and available in either black or cream.
6. WITH A WRAP OR PONCHO
A really practical option that seems to exude effortless style when you sling it on – I adore ponchos and wraps. This Alpaca shawl comes in 9 colours and is luxuriously warm. Worn here with the orange polo featured above and a fabulously easy to wear lightweight necklace from Toolally.
7. COMBINED WITH A SLEEVELESS CARDIGAN or GILET
For milder days when the sunshine makes an appearance, a gilet style top will usually do the trick of keeping you warm enough. You can wear these sleeveless cardigans with a polo neck, but it will also look stunning with a shirt, blouse or long sleeved t shirt. It is a really handy thing to have in your wardrobe.
Photos of Grace and Annabel courtesy of Annabel Vere Photography