Fashion: Wardrobe heroes to invest in this winter

Covering everything from chic-yet-cosy layers to party-ready sequins, winter calls for a hardworking wardrobe. The brands at Cambridge’s Grand Arcade - modelled here at historic city hotel University Arms - tick every occasion box

Gender Play

Womenswear continues to take cues from classic menswear cuts, shapes, prints and pieces for autumn/winter: think outsize overcoats, boyfriend cords, tweedy checks and brogue-style boots. For him, a shot of trending damson red provides an instant update.

Shameem wears:
John Lewis relaxed Heritage Check coat, £129
Oliver Bonas diamond orange roll neck knitted jumper, £59.50
Levi’s Baggy Dad jeans in Mole Brown cord, £110
Russell & Bromley Kilty snaffle trim brogue ankle boot in Brown, £325
Russell & Bromley Clean Saddle bag in Tan, £295

James wears:
GANT regular fit soft twill jeans in Mustard Beige, £125
GANT regular fit button-down corduroy shirt in Red Shadow, £100
GANT quilted windcheater in Evening Blue, £190
Barbour at John Lewis merino cashmere blend tartan scarf in Classic Green/Blue, £39.95
Dr Martens Vintage 1460 Quilon leather ankle boot in Oxblood, £219

Check Mate

From checkerboard to houndstooth, checked prints are big this season - literally. An effortless cable knit dress in cream, one of this winter’s coolest colours, lends itself to layering, another 2023 trend.

John Lewis ANYDAY double breasted check coat in Green, £89
John Lewis ANYDAY plain ribbed tunic jumper dress in Cream, £42
John Lewis cable knit scarf in Cream, £40
John Lewis cable knit beanie in Cream, £28
Dune at John Lewis Prominent ruched suede calf boots in Tan, £160
HUSH at John Lewis Isla leather tote bag in Tan, £159
John Lewis Sarah Smart daytime leather belt in Leopard, £22

Separate Ways

A capsule of mix-and-match separates - velvety wide-legged cords, a soft knit with a hint of sparkle, a pair of statement boots - will dress both up and down, seeing you right through the season.

Oliver Bonas wide leg navy blue scalloped pocket corduroy trousers in Navy, £65
Oliver Bonas sparkle navy blue knitted cardigan, £65
Oliver Bonas Kali faux pearl drop chunky pendant necklace, £28
Russell & Bromley silver Honeyhoney platform boot, £395

Sparkle & Shine

Shameem wears:
Ted Baker Zarell sequin shift dress with puff sleeves, £265
Ted Baker Silina faux fur capelet, £185
Russell & Bromley black Mary high block platform Mary Jane, £325
Russell & Bromley black Strictly jewel buckle chain bag, £275
Phase Eight silver layered stone necklace, £35

James wears:
Charles Tyrwhitt Italian velvet jacket, £249.95
Charles Tyrwhitt dinner suit trousers, £130
Charles Tyrwhitt Marcella bib evening shirt, £74.95
Charles Tyrwhitt silk Barathea self-tie bow tie, £34.95
Charles Tyrwhitt Patent Oxford shoes, £129.95

Metal Work

If you add a single statement piece to your special occasion wardrobe this winter, make it a maxi dress in a metallic fabric. There’s a shade to suit every skin tone, from cool silver to warm bronze. Texture, from swishy, playful pleats to figure-cinching ruching, is also big.

Shameem wears:
Phase Eight Petite Brielle bronze shimmer maxi dress, £149
Phase Eight gold star Lariat necklace, £25
Phase Eight Wendie suede envelope clutch bag, £69
Earrings and heels, model’s own

James wears:
Charles Tyrwhitt outfit, as before

Meet the team:
Photographer: Migle Markuza @markuzaphotography
Female model: Shameem Algieri @all_about_meemee
Male model: James Young @jamesyoung23
HMUA: Ieva Genovesi @ievagenovesimakeovers
Stylist: Kath Goodwin @kath_goodwin1
Shoot assistant: Jess Fitzpatrick @jess_fitzpatrick_
Clothing and accessories: Grand Arcade @grand_arcade
Coordinator: Alice Ryan @velvetmag