October and November are quite possibly two of my favourite months of the year. Hibernation season is quickly approaching, with its cozy candles and necessary layers. I will admit to getting overly excited every year to bring my knitwear out of storage and binging a whole lot of TV (Drag Race UK, Gilmore Girls, and The Crown if you’re anything like me).
It’s also the time of year I get most excited about fashion, but with that comes a strong temptation to buy new, new, new. Over time (and with many seasonal Pinterest boards under my belt), I’ve honed in on a process for building a seasonal wardrobe and adding new pieces in.
It always starts with a Pinterest board (and an Instagram folder or two), which I mull over for a while and try to shop my own closet for, and then slowly transitions into a very specific list of items that I feel fill genuine gaps in my closet. At this point in the season, I’ve added a few key pieces and will have a dwindling wishlist, either due to items I’ve deemed no longer necessary, or have thoughtfully added. I thought I would share a few of the key categories I’ve been on the lookout for this season, some items that I’ve purchased, and what’s still on the wishlist.
Outerwear
Outerwear is a category that I’ve come to realize could use some love in my wardrobe. In Toronto, a jacket or coat of some kind is required for at least two-thirds of the year, and it gets really boring wearing the same two or three pieces over and over again (especially in cases where the coat is, in effect, the entire outfit). Last year I got a great winter coat from Aritzia (the Slouch if you’re interested), but this year I’m really leaning into practicality.
My Barbour Acorn jacket is one of the better purchases I’ve made in a while, and I know it will see me through for many years to come. I’m also loving the new-to-me brand Lavenham, because if there’s one thing about me it’s that I love a British heritage brand this time of year. I’d love to invest in one of their quilted coats on my upcoming trip across the pond, ideally this one or this one, as I think a good puffer (or two) is such a versatile piece to have. I’ve also been loving this puffer that I picked up last year from Arket; it reminds me of the Totême shell but without the price tag (and it comes in a great green shade this year). Another piece that’s high on the wishlist (but unfortunately low on likelihood this year) is British brand Cawley Studios’ shearling vests & coats. The brand focuses heavily on craftsmanship and I love that many of their pieces are reversible. I’d love to invest in one of their pieces someday.
Perhaps less practical, but I’ve been loving getting to re-wear this white corduroy Ganni jacket from a few years ago. It was a big purchase for me at the time, and sometimes I forget I have it, but recently I was reminded just how much I love it. Lastly, this coat from Nothing Written is ranking very highly on my Boxing Day purchase plans. The inverted pleat gives it the best volume that I absolutely cannot resist.
Trousers
Trousers were the big category that I went into the season wanting to build on, and thus far I’m having some good success. Up until this year, I had one pair of black trousers and one pair of plaid ones, but it just wasn’t cutting it. Basically anything that looked like something someone’s grandfather would wear, I was lusting after. I scored these Nothing Written wool trousers in the SSENSE end-of-summer sale and can’t rate them highly enough. They have the best drape to them and I love the detailing at the waistband. I also got lucky with a pair of wool-blend Aritzia trousers in a local secondhand shop. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve been hunting for brown wool trousers with some structure for over a year, so I’m very pleased with this purchase.
Quality Knitwear
It goes without saying that I love my knitwear (I’ve probably become a little bit snobby about it at this point). I’ve been thoughtfully adding to my collection both this year and last, being conscious of sticking to natural fibres as much as possible and investing in timeless cuts. I love &Daughter for their ethical and sustainable approach, plus their pieces are just downright cool. I picked up one of their 100% wool cardigans in the Net-a-Porter sale a few months ago and it’s just such a special piece that I know I’ll cherish for many years to come. They have so many good pieces right now, including this cable knit and this wool cashmere blend crewneck.
I also love Spanish brand Babaà’s classic but slightly quirky take on knitwear, especially this one, which has been sitting in my wishlist since last year (I do love a dramatic sleeve). If you’re also Canadian, Neighbour in Vancouver do a great knitwear collection every year in collaboration with a Scottish knitwear manufacturer. I got one last year in a similar colour to this one and it’s a go-to piece for me. I’ve long loved Arket & Sézane knits, although keep an eye on fabrications as many of their pieces contain polyamides and acrylics (if that’s important to you). Lastly, I’m so impressed by this Uniqlo 100% lambswool crewneck I picked up. Genuinely so soft, and for the price you really can’t beat it.
Footwear
Autumn & winter footwear is another category that was in need of some love in my wardrobe. I gave in to the trend and picked up some New Balances as my new running-around-town beater pair that I can wear to death and not feel guilty about. I didn’t think I would like them stylistically as much as I do, but they give a cool, effortless vibe to any outfit (and they live up to the comfort hype). I also added yet another pair of loafers to my collection, but my justification for these is just how timeless they are. They remind me of the Celine ones with how pared-back they are, and I’ve been wearing them with just about everything. I was so excited to break out my black Vagabond Chelsea boots again this year. They’re coming up on their third winter and look as good as new. Plus they could not be more comfortable with their thick rubber soles. Lastly, I’ve come to the realization that I only have one pair of everyday heeled boots, and all of my other boots are black. So I’ve been scouring the usual suspects for a pair of brown, walkable heeled boots. So far these ones from Aeyde are coming up tops.
Socks
This is perhaps a sign that I’m officially old, but I’ve given up on cheap socks that stretch out and rip after a handful of wears. I love Le Bon Shoppe for their socks, particularly the snow socks, boyfriend socks, and cashmere socks. I’ve also recently discovered that Aritzia makes a damn good pair of crew socks. I’ve picked these up in three different colours now (white, heather oatmeal, and black) and they’re the perfect thickness to wear with boots and loafers alike.
That’s the roundup! I get so much joy out of workshopping my wardrobe each season and finding the perfect pieces to add to my closet. I hope this helps with any shopping decisions you might be trying to make and encourages you to be more intentional in doing so!
