Forget Boring Black Coats—This Is What I Wear Instead

Hello WWW friends! It’s been a joy writing this Personal Shopping column for you every month since the start of the year, but this one is my last. We’ll soon have a new Editor in Chief picking up the baton as my role has transitioned to Managing Director of both Who What Wear and Marie Claire in the UK. I’ve loved sharing my honest recommendations and micro obsessions with you on a regular basis. We’ve covered everything from the comfiest knickers to the sassiest of evening dresses, and this month contains a couple of real goodies for your practical, everyday wardrobe. Firstly, I’ve never been one for blending into the sea of black coats that emerges each winter (yawn!), instead, read on for the statement coat that somehow manages to work with every outfit. Secondly, there’s no greater find than a piece of jewellery that people comment on for a lifetime and never looks outmoded—discover my top pick below. And then I answer one of your burning style questions.

As always, you can still find me at @hannahalmassi. Adieu and thank you for reading! x

Here’s What I’m Obsessed With This Month;

1: I WON’T SHUT UP ABOUT: CARTIER’S LOVE COLLECTION

I have a milestone birthday coming up at the end of the year, and I am very clear about what I’d like, even if I have to self-gift in order to receive it: Cartier’s Love collection. This is a classic range, first introduced in 1969 with its instantly recognisable signature screw motif and fixtures, is worn by literally every editor, stylist and insider—in fact, we wrote all about the history of the Love collection here. But what’s even more exciting about it right now is that there are totally new additions to the Love family. Introducing Unlimited: featuring a subtly chic ridged effect, the Unlimited bracelets are particularly ingenious as they snake and move unlike the original bangles. Not only that, they can also be fastened together to create longer, wrap-around bracelets. You can mix finishes like white gold with yellow, for example, or stay true to one metal. My preference? I like to combine all yellow-gold pieces with different textures to feel considered but not overly perfect—like a brushed metal alongside a shiny or ridged piece. Family members—pay attention!

Shop the Cartier Love Collection:

2: UNDER THE RADAR: LEOPARD PRINT COATS

I had a black coat once, and it bored the hell out of me. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been seeking out alternatives that bring a little joy to the darkest months. First, my interest manifested in thrift and vintage stores, hunting down interesting secondhand, faux-fur trimmed leather coats, mad shearling things or pink shangtung silk opera coats—nothing remotely understated. These days, I’ve managed to find an option that provides all of the entrance-making drama but actually works effortlessly with plenty of outfits from casual to dressed up: leopard print. The gateway coat was Rixo’s Milly, a style I’ve worn on repeat since the first autumn it was released. The shape works with plenty of silhouettes and formulas underneath (from silky slips through to jeans-and-jumpers) and the fabric ages nicely. I’ve recently seen new versions coming through from Prada and Queens of Archive, and frankly, if I get lots of wear out of something, I’m never averse to buying multiples that offer a little something different. Top tip: always look out for a leopard print that feels more random and less like a repeat, it’ll make it look more premium.

Shop Leopard Print Coats:

3: ASK HANNAH ANYTHING (about style)

“Bag ideas to buy secondhand?”

Hannah says, Okay, reader, I love you for asking this! So long as you’re using a reputable source with authentication, it’s always a fantastic idea to consider buying a designer handbag secondhand. For two reasons: because It styles often come around again (so if you hit that trend curve early or late, you’ll be very pleased with yourself for picking up a popular item at a lesser price—I managed to do this with a gold Fendi Baguette!) and it can also be a way to commit on a smaller scale to such a big purchase. If you’re looking for throwbacks that are current again, search for: Fendi’s original Spy styles, anything Prada (literally all of their handbag designs stand the test of time), ‘00s styles like Mulberry’s Roxanne or Chloé’s Paddington and the Balenciaga City. If you want a pre-loved version of a new style, then try using spelling mistakes as a way to uncover gems that other people might not have yet found. And check out Selfridges’ pre-loved edit called Reselfridges!

Shop My Edit of Secondhand Bags: