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Now that November is over, the Christmas party season is in full swing. This means that our calendars will soon be full of daytime social events and evening soirées (if they aren’t already) — and we need a wardrobe that can account for that.
Sure, for the most part, you’ll be able to work with what you’ve already got, which is kinder to the environment (and your bank account!). However, you may want to consider investing in the odd key piece or two that will update your clothing collection not just now, but for seasons to come.
In this case, let me put forward my favourite AW21 fashion pieces.
Why do I love them so much? Well, they fall in line with the best Autumn/Winter 2021 trends, are still considered wardrobe staples and will help you stand out in style. That’s what I call a triple whammy.
1. M&S Black Faux Leather Leggings
Firstly, black faux leather leggings are incredibly comfy as well as being bang on trend for AW21.
Leggings are making a comeback, in general, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Being an avid traveller, I believe that nothing beats a pair of leggings to throw on with an oversized sweatshirt and chunky trainers for a bus, train or plane journey.
This trusty M&S pair (*) instantly adds some pizzazz to your everyday casualwear. You can also team them with a tunic-length, button-up shirt, heeled boots and your favourite blazer to dress them up for work or play.
2. M&S Grey Collared Jumper
Collared jumpers and long-sleeve tops are all over the high street right now and I’m utterly obsessed.
Although they can be dressed up or down, I’d wear this smart-casual one from M&S (*) with high-waisted jeans, brogues and my latest designer handbag for a modern yet minimalist look.
It comes in four different hues but — hurry! — there are only a few sizes left.
3. M&S Beige and White Check Shacket
Shackets have been a huge trend for several seasons and show no signs of going out of style. In terms of AW21 fashion pieces, I’m loving the chunkier coat versions and this M&S beauty (*) is no exception.
I got the blue and white colourway but it’s currently out of stock. Even so, the neutral alternative is incredibly versatile and will complement almost any outfit colour palette.
Pop it on over a comfy jumper and your favourite jeans, jeggings or thick leggings and team with heeled boots for a smart and sophisticated combo.
4. ASOS Design Farleigh High-Waisted Jeans in Stonewash
The Farleigh jeans by ASOS Design come in all colours, shapes and fits. However, I especially love this stonewash pair (*) with a sleek high-waisted style.
As well as being perfect for tucking a bodysuit into and teaming with heels for a night out, they look equally as elegant with a cropped jumper and boots for casual-wear.
(I have a pair and they’re super comfy so I’m always in them! See my Instagram grid if you don’t believe me.)
5. M&S Floral Waisted Midaxi Dress
The midaxi has been on the style-sphere for a fair few seasons now and I’m so glad that it’s stuck around. It’s just as flirty as it is feminine and you can toughen it up with combat boots or elevate it with heels for date night or drinks with the girls.
I’d let this M&S floral number (*) take centre stage by keeping accessories to a minimum and teaming it with my best black or red designer bag.
6. New Look Flat Chunky Chelsea Boots
Chelsea boots are a staple in every woman’s Autumn/Winter wardrobe and these ones (*) from New Look are unapologetically chunky yet super wearable.
Whether you team them with a midi skirt or slim-fit jeans, they have that thrown-on appeal that adds a touch of effortless finesse to your ensemble.
7. ISAWITFIRST Sleeveless Stone Puffer Jacket
A cushy puffer coat is a must-have every time that the Autumn/Winter season rolls around. That said, I’m currently obsessed with this neutral icon (*).
I have a very similar one from M&S (that’s no longer available online) and I live in it for popping to the shops, running errands and going for autumnal walks in the park. It’s a super simple yet stylish cover-up for all your cold-weather endeavours.
8. ISAWITFIRST Stone Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Chunky boots are having a bit of a moment right now in the fashion world (and as an alternative music fan, I’m 100% here for it).
These ISAWITFIRST cuties (*) coordinate perfectly with the aforementioned puffer and can be used to toughen up any casual look. I’d style them with other beige tones, white or black for a timeless yet playful aesthetic.
9. M&S Leopard Print Midaxi Skirt
I’ve always been a lover of a satin midi skirt, but this M&S version’s (*) quirky leopard pattern makes it just as bold as it is beautiful.
Midaxi in length and featuring teal green and orangey-red, it’s a great piece for swishing your way around festive soirées. I team mine with a coordinating orangey-red top, heeled boots and a toasty white teddy jacket for cosy, cold-weather style that truly makes a statement.
10. JJXX ASOS Balloon Sleeved Orange Jumper
I have a Monki balloon sleeve jumper just like this JJXX version (*) that I bought a few years ago — and it’s so comforting and snugly.
I love that you can throw it on with the aforementioned leopard print midaxi skirt with heeled boots or simply tuck it into high-waisted jeans with trainers for laid-back luxe.
11. UNIQLO Houndstooth Print Jeggings
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I adore these printed UNIQLO jeggings (*) available in two different checks. In fact, I buy a new variety of jeggings every time I visit a UNIQLO store (which isn’t very often given that the nearest one to me is Manchester).
Regardless, every pair that I have in my wardrobe lasts me for years! Not only are they super comfy, but they look like jeans and can be worn under oversized jackets and jumpers with boots for a refined yet fresh take on winter style.
12. Dorothy Perkins Leopard Print Funnel Neck Top
Lastly, a lot of high street fashion retailers have funnel tops in stock at the moment in a variety of fun prints and colours.
Because I’ve been donning a lot of neutrals lately, I feel like I could live in this Dorothy Perkins animal print version (*), which would look perfectly chic for every day with heeled boots or pointed flats. Just add a wool pea coat or classic trench to channel smart-casual cool until the temperatures start to warm up.
AW21 Fashion Pieces for Now and the Future
The best thing about these AW21 fashion pieces is that you can mix and match them with garments that you already own to revamp your wardrobe.
They’re also high-quality which makes them more sustainable, meaning that you can wear them now to stay on trend and then keep rewearing them. Yay for being an outfit repeater!
Which is your favourite on this list of AW21 fashion pieces?
Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. Since 2017, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.
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