New In: H&M & Uniqlo Autumn 2016
It has been a while since my last outfit ideas entry, so I decided to explore different options on how to combine the recent Uniqlo U collection with the latest releases from H&M, that I had not featured on this section yet.
I believe I have said it before, but I am not a huge fan of H&M. You can always find something if you are "just browsing". Their sportswear range is quite good and they usually have nice outerwear. But the praises stop there. I feel like most of their lines are safe and unimaginative, and their tailored pieces rarely fit good. But this is probably just me and my odd proportions...
With that in mind, I have come up with another three ideas for this first leg of Autumn. Uniqlo U's modern take on tailoring and technological aspect gets balanced out by the least generic of H&M's new pieces.
The first outfit is an ode to layers, queens of the not-too-cold-except-for-in-the morning weather, duchesses of the but-if-it-is-sunny-during-lunch-break-you-are-going-to-have-to-strip-down-to-your-tee-or-you-will-probably-have-a-heat-stroke. And now I have crowned myself as the king of compound adjectives.
UNIQLO U Long Sleeve Crew Neck T-Shirt, £14.90 (uniqlo.com)
Cashmere hat, £24.99 (hm.com)
UNIQLO U light down shirt jacket, £79.90 (uniqlo.com)
UNIQLO U chino trousers, £29.90 (uniqlo.com)
The Uniqlo U shirt jacket is the perfect length for cycling, and it offers good insulation for those cold mornings by the Thames. Because it is all about looking smart and being comfortable.
UNIQLO U BLOCKTECH Coat, £89.90 (uniqlo.com)
UNIQLO U wool pleated trousers, £49.90 (uniqlo.com)
A bit more of an evening out look, I love the easy and modern cut of the double breasted Uniqlo U coat. The technical fabrics of both H&M tops will add a counter point to the more traditional trousers and Chelsea boots.
This outfit again will benefit from all the hyphenated weather above, and stripping all the way down to a rolled-up sleeve if the weather or the occasion permit is never a bad option. Autumn is about versatility.
UNIQLO U extra fine cotton broadcloth shirt, £29.90 (uniqlo.com)
Derby shoes with chunky soles, £39.99 (hm.com)
UNIQLO U Milano ribbed v-neck sweater, £39.90 (uniqlo.com)
Backpack, £24.99 (hm.com)
Derby shoes are my favourites. I will soon write in more detail about this topic, but I love how they can smart-up any outfit while still having an informal edge.
I rarely wear blazers and it is always a necessity to come up with less traditional pairings, like the pair of suit trousers and this wool-blend coach jacket. Utility pieces based upon blue-collar uniforms have been ubiquitous for the last few seasons, and this one if the most inspired pieces by H&M.