In the chic midwinter: 11 items on our fashion editor’s seasonal shopping list

Winter is here, and what a strange winter it’s set to be.  

Yet just because drinks parties and sparkly tops are firmly off the menu, doesn’t mean we’re not craving some happy-making fashion to spark joy when dressing on dark chilly mornings.

From the perfect hiking sneakers to multi-coloured sweater vests and joyful jewels, these are the 11 items on my shopping list this season:

OK so you’ve not worn a pair of ballet pumps since mid-2000s Sienna Miller and Kate Moss were rocking around Primrose Hill in their skinny jeans and Repettos, but this season the prim pumps are back with bite – and the best of the bunch are heavy on hardware. Simone Rocha did white chain-embellished pumps with chunky pearl anklets while Miu Miu and JW Anderson’s came with daintier diamante ankle bling. Perfect for prettying this winter’s sofa-side digi-drinks, and with none of the risk of damp toes.  

Forget studs or logos, this year’s ‘it’ bags are defined by their oval-with-a-hole silhouettes. Cult LA label Staud’s sell-out Moon bag kicked off the trend earlier this year, and now it’s Parisian label Coperni’s egg-shaped Swipe bag that’s got us scrambled. Slung on Dua Lipa’s shoulders this summer, the sculptural– and reasonably affordable – shoulder bag was the undisputed darling of Paris Fashion Week in September: spotted on everyone from Sabina Socol to Tina Kunakey and Maisie Williams. The verdict? One oeuf is never enough.  

With so much of our socialising set for park walks and parky pub drinks, the quilted duvet coat is a fresh and freeze-proof outer layer that’s shot to the top of our shopping list. Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley’s a fan of Swedish label Totême’s black spread collar coat, while Ganni’s quilted khaki green number, which has a fabulous matching detachable quilted collar, is selling faster than you can say cosy blanket. Sofa-like snugness ready for our occasional forays from said settee? Delicious.

This winter its goodbye to big nights and long-haul flights, and now it’s also time to bid adieu to your sleeves, for the granddad vest is firmly established as 2020’s it knit. Seen on the autumn runways of Prada, Gucci, Dior and Lacoste, these unisex bodywarmers take their cues from golfing pros, cricket whites and school uniforms, and look great thrown over loose-fit shirting, jeans and stomper boots or belted over ditsy print midi dresses.

That denim is environmentally disastrous is not news, but hearteningly reworked and recycled jeans are having a moment. Levi’s opened a new Soho store last week exclusively stocking reworked deadstock denim, and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Jeans Redesign project, which encourages brands to make sustainable, ethical jeans that can be easily recycled, has also gained traction, with H&M, Weekday and Outland denim all recently releasing reworked collections.

This time last year she introduced us to split-front hems, and with her latest collection Victoria Beckham – ever at the trouser trend vanguard – has delivered a slinky leg silhouette that’s set to become a staple. The puddle-hemmed trousers that stole the show in her SS21 collection are a fabulously flattering extension of last winter’s high-waisted flares that come with fabric pooling generously about the ankles. Great for leg-lengthening, not great for navigating actual puddles.  

For now, we’re allowed to put on a spangly top and heels and party (OK dine) ‘til 10 somewhere fabulous. The missing piece? A suitably sparkly party-til-10 mask to accompany the ensemble. This sequin-embellished number from totally OTT new luxury swimwear label Oceanus should do the trick nicely.  

I take last winter’s hiking boot and I raise you the infinitely more comfortable and practical hiking sneaker. The lovechild of bouncy trainers and weatherproof boots, this season’s sneaks are as perfect for park strolls and country walking weekends as they are for pub pints. Burberry’s ramble-ready unisex Arthur sneaker comes in technical nylon plaid capped with rainboot-inspired waterproof patent leather - as splashy as it is splash-proof. Because honestly, we’re all walkers now.  

Forget the Christmas lists; this, my friends, is the season for self-gifting. And what better ticket to chipper than some deliciously dazzling bling? London label Daphine has reworked its bestselling bulbous Oli ring in a sparkly pavé finish that’s a seriously affordable Tier 2 blues buster, while Cartier’s classic Maillon de Cartier watch revisited in yellow gold and diamonds with black lacquer bevelled links is the next level icing your wrist quite frankly deserves. Cue conspicuous time-checking on that Zoom drinks.  

Boardrooms might be a distant memory for most, but our love affair with masculine suiting endures, and this season the couple’s become a threesome. Preen has seventies-inspired grey check suiting with matching waistcoats (and ties, should you fancy a full look), while Zara has an excellent selection of mix-and-match corporate components. Wear the full look in oversized fits paired with trainers and the waistcoat solo with jeans and heels for a date night look that means business.  

Sick of trackkies but can’t face a return to those too-tight jeans? A midi leather skirt is a timeless investment that’s as Corona stone-friendly as it is chic. This equestrian-inspired GG horsebit plaque Gucci leather midi works beautifully with knee-high boots and a cosy cashmere jumper, and will also look great dressed up with a silk blouse and heels.