- BRITISH STYLE -

Autumn / Winter

British style in fashion is that almost magical way the English have of looking simultaneously elegant, eccentric, and nonchalant, as if they'd thrown on the first thing they found, except that everything fits perfectly. In practice, it's based on a few well-established codes. There's a strong emphasis on tradition and quality, with perfectly tailored suits, checked blazers, and Burberry trench coats. There's often an unlikely mix, like pairing a hunter's tweed with a floral shirt or Doc Martens with a tartan skirt. Contrast is practically a religion. You can also add a touch of "chic nonchalance": tousled hair, slightly messy hems, and oversized sweaters. Nothing is too polished, otherwise it's no longer English.

The Turtleneck: The first turtlenecks date back to the Middle Ages, when knights wore a shirt with an elongated collar under their chainmail to protect their skin from the metal. But it wasn't until the late 19th century that the technique was applied to an outer garment, the sweater, when the navy made it an essential piece in its wardrobe, perfect for replacing scarves, which were prohibited on ships.

Explorers adopted it after the war. In the 1950s, members of the first Everest expeditions, such as Edmund Hillary's in 1953, all wore them, or nearly all. The turtleneck's explosion in popularity in the city came in the 1970s, among both women and men, who freed themselves from the tie and shirt. The French style, inspired by nautical clothing, uses chunky knits, while the English style uses finer knits (merino wool).

A little tip: With a turtleneck, make sure you're wearing something neat and tidy underneath, because you often end up getting too hot.

The Tweed Skirt (Short Box-Pleated Skirt): The box-pleated skirt is a variation of pleated skirt types. A box pleat is created by allowing the two pleats to meet and form the inverted part of the pleat. The same pleat pattern continues around the skirt. Box-pleated skirts are often made from heavier fabrics to give the skirt volume and shape.

The tweed skirt is quintessentially English. As the Industrial Revolution swept through Britain, it brought innovations in textile production such as mechanized looms and advanced dyeing techniques that allowed for the creation of fabrics that were both sturdy and refined, most notably the iconic tweed. This robust woolen fabric, with its distinctive patterns and earthy hues, became a cornerstone of the English country wardrobe, embodying both practicality and sophistication. The iconic Harris Tweed, handwoven in the Outer Hebrides, is the pinnacle of tweed craftsmanship.

Knee Socks: Wool knee-high socks (or over-the-knee socks) are the perfect piece to brave the cold while staying stylish. They're a versatile accessory that strikes the right balance between absolute comfort and a sophisticated look. Always wear your wool socks over a pair of sheer tights if you're going out. This avoids the "pajama" look and keeps you much warmer.

Bone Boots with a Square Heel: Ankle boots come up higher than boots (which just cover the ankle and are always flat-soled), generally reaching the lower part of the calf (anything higher is considered a boot). Ankle boots can be flat or heeled.

Accessories: To complete this outfit I used a sand-colored wool beret, a wide black belt to emphasize the waist (worn over the turtleneck) and a handmade necklace made of rope and small river stones in shades of pink, grey or brown, and purple, with very autumnal tones.

Depending on the temperature, the outfit can be perfectly complemented with a long coat for more comfortable warmth (This was the case here outside of the photo shoot - Mid-February evening in Venice, it is a little less than 10° and it is quite... humid).