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

LOOK ONE Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza
LOOK ONE Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza


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.

LOOK ONE Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza
LOOK ONE Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza

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

LOOK ONE Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza
LOOK ONE Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza
LOOK ONE Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza
LOOK ONE Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza

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

LOOK TWO Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza
LOOK TWO Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza

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.

LOOK TWO Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza
LOOK TWO Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza

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

LOOK THREE Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza
LOOK THREE Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza


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

LOOK FOUR Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza
LOOK FOUR Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza

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

LOOK FIVE Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza
LOOK FIVE Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza


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.

LOOK FIVE Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza
LOOK FIVE Grand Arcade AW23 Velvet Shoot, Credit Migle Markuza

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


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