By Mariana De Freitas Souza

“Ugg boots for winter? Groundbreaking.” I hear my own internal Miranda Priestly say as November approaches, and the Glasgow weather goes from kind of upsetting to glacial temperatures. In my opinion, ‘tis the season of the most fashionable, and here’s my list of what’s in and what’s to come.

Shoes, Socks and Perfect Stockings

Square. Toed. Shoes! Boots, Mary janes and loafers, whatever the case may be, this style of shoe will evoke that feeling of yes, indeed I am very stylish. If you’re a fashion enthusiast, why not opt for a pointed silhouette? Lace-up boots can bring out that new romantics’ edge to your outfit; cowboy or Chelsea booties, it all adds interest to your outfit.

For all my people with Doc Martens who will not buy new shoes for the next four winters, that little looped label on the back of your docs is there for a reason, and so are the laces. Charm them up! If none of that is your game and you just want to dress well without sacrificing your comfort (or warmth), get a good pair of hiking shoes.

If you felt mildly offended by my Ugg boot comment at the start, here’s my suggestion to you: clogs! They’ve been my go-to shoe this winter because it’s basically like wearing slippers. A good pair of fluffy socks with it, can’t get any cosier. If you want to get funky with it, leg warmers and kneehigh socks are also all good options.

Bottoms up!

The ‘office siren’ trend, the return of business-casual and for those who skew more alternative, the faintest resurgence of grunge all point pinstripe trousers to me. I think going for bottoms that have that extra little detail in general is where the bingo card is. For a zero-spending alternative, jazz up your beat-up denim with Sashiko stitching! Nothing is ever more ‘in’ than making your own stuff. Why don’t we get those kilts from the back of the wardrobe? Layered, paired with knee high boots… what once was sixth-form chic can turn into Vivienne Westwood-adjacent if you see the vision. If you own slip dresses or long skirts you can play around with folding, pinning, and belting it up for a couple extra outfit options.

Bop to the tops

Layering is in! Always is, like fluffy socks, and you can always make it work for you. The first thing I want to see more this winter is vests and waistcoats. As an avid barras-goer, you can find the loveliest corduroy, suede and knit vests to wear over a long sleeve shirt and even a thin jumper. The cropped ones add funky proportions to play around with, and the texture variation is infinite also. Plus, tons of them have embroidery, and denim ones have a super cool western look. Coogi style jumpers, funky collars on button up shirts and your grandad’s cardigan are all things to keep an eye for.

Jacket of all trades

Outerwear: the protagonist of your outfit. Throw that puffer on a hanger for a while and go for something like vintage leather, suede, a good corduroy blazer or a trench coat if you’re feeling fancy. Stack your lapel with pins and badges or go for oversized-ness if you nail that cool-girl look — regardless of your gender, those are cool-girl things.

Rapid Fire!

Double denim, mohair, new romantics, Ushankas hats, bonnets and berets, stacked jewellery.

Hope you feel inspired to dress to impress.