Lifestyle

If there’s one thing I know from surveying the high street over the past few years, it’s that Arket knows its way around an autumn/winter wardrobe. From its inception in 2017 right up to the present day, the brand has delivered timeless, well-made staples that slip seamlessly into the contemporary fashion-lovers’ capsule. It’s a testament to their style consistency that designs haven’t changed much over the years—the first jumper I ever bought from there is still stocked in in-store today and remains a steadfast favourite of mine.  Autumn 2020 is just around the corner, and Arket has, of course, scored another touchdown with its latest drop. All the gang are here: Immaculately tailored trousers, crew neck knits, luxe layers and st...

I think I speak for everyone when I say I’m relieved that we’re a third through this year—2020 can do one, as far as I’m concerned. As if hearing our collective exhaustion at the year that keeps on taking, the weather has shifted to be enjoyably cold (by that I mean crisp, bright sunshine with the occasional freezing wind). This means one thing: it’s knitwear season. While the summer was for loose cotton dresses, shorts and padded shoulder vests, now it’s all about investing in the knitwear we’ll be wearing well into 2021. Personally, I’ll be stocking up on those jumpers and cardigans I’ll wear for many years to come—think cream cable knits, grey cashmere and striped nautical-style pullovers.  You Deserve to Make Money Eve...

Leggings seem to yo-yo in and out of favour within fashion circles, but in 2020, the chicest of dressers are revisiting black leggings. Tight-fitting trousers are rapidly regaining popularity, as many influencers and buyers are wearing skinny jeans and slim-fitting leggings—and not just with slippers for waist-up outfits for Zoom calls. The key to making them feel 2020 is to play with proportions, however, and contrast the tightness of the legs with oversize knitwear, huge boots and smart pieces you wouldn’t typically expect to wear with leggings.  Think of black leggings as your base layer. Then, add on either a pair of chunky tread-sole or hiking boots or elegant knee-high leather boots, and pile on the expensive-looking knitwear, from zip-front jumpers to camel crew-neck...

“More than five years ago, the home sewing market was still quite traditional, with only a handful of designers producing patterns, but since then we have seen the revival of different crafts, with sewing attracting many new followers,” says Rachel Walker, director of contemporary sewing website The Fold Line. “The sewing industry has responded to this surge in interest with an ever-growing number of new pattern designers and fabric ranges, also shows such as The Great British Sewing Bee have encouraged many more people to try sewing for the first time, particularly during lockdown.” In the midst of lockdown malaise, making my own clothes has brought me the same sense of daily achievement that it did all those years ago, a craving that can’t quite be sated by another Zoom fitness class or ...