Three Winter Outfit Dilemmas Resolved with Cotton Traders

 & WowOnWednesday

Dear friends. With costs spiraling for everything, one of the things I'm keen to do is economise when I buy clothes or cosmetics. But I don't want to buy clothes on the cheap, and perpetuate "fast fashion," with all the unethical and unsustainable methods that implies. 

I do rummage in charity shops, but I'm also mindful of the need to sustain the high street and all the jobs in retail and fashion, so you have to balance the two.

 I'm looking for pieces that will last, and from retailers with published sustainable policies.

When Cotton Traders got in touch for a potential collaboration, I was initially dubious. I'd always associated them with sweatshirts and raincoats that were a bit too practical.  

I was pleasantly surprised when I browsed their site. Lots of colourful designs, particularly in knitwear and coats.

When they offered four items of my choice, I decided to find gaps in my wardrobe and find garments that solved a particular clothing dilemma.

DILEMMA 1:  DO I REALLY NEED ANOTHER COAT?

When I did my winter clothes inventory recently, I realised I had too many coats and jackets for my needs, so I sent a few to charity shops. But what I didn't have was anything in faux fur. 

Now arguably, I don't need a faux fur coat, but I do love them.  So I chose this Sofia coat in Champagne. It's very warm and very soft.  While I've dressed it up here, with a skirt, rose gold boots and layered pearl necklaces, it would be just as good dressed down with jeans or leggings. 

DILEMMA 2:  IS THERE SUCH A THING AS A SUBTLE CHRISTMAS JUMPER?

Now this is a dilemma for many of you, because I know not everyone loves a Christmas jumper (sweater). I classify them in 3 tiers:

• Very naff.  Wording that says "Ho ho ho" or equivalent;  Father Christmas;  flashing lights. 
• Christmassy, but tasteful. No wording. A suitable colour and good quality. It might have sequins.
• Not really Christmassy but stylish and Nordic looking in Fair Isle or Arran.   This is a great alternative for those who have different celebrations. Or just want a great jumper! 

The jumper I chose is in the 3rd category.  It will get a lot more wear than a standard Christmas jumper because there's no shame in wearing it all winter.  The Rachel Fair Isle is jumper is very warm, comes in three colours (mine is dark red) and is very well priced at £36. 

I'm wearing it with jeans but it would also look dressier with a skirt in velvet or corduroy, both very on trend this winter.   I'm in my normal size, 10 (US 6) and it's true to size. 

DILEMMA 3: FLATTERING LOUNGE WEAR FOR SNUG WINTER EVENINGS AT HOME

After a huge Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, the last thing we want is to be wearing is a pair of tight jeans, a belted dress or unforgiving leggings. Comfortable velour separates are what's required, but lounge wear is often very unflattering. I had a cream wool two piece a couple of years ago that turned out to be itchy, plus it made me look two sizes bigger.

Not so with the Boheme velour blouse (£33, two colours available) and the Irresistible velour slim fit trousers (2 colours, £28).  

It's such a comfortable outfit: the trousers are a great fit, flattering and the right length.I'm 5'4 but my legs are long relative to my short torso.  Even Molly (age 18) approves.  My slippers (below) are from River Island. I like to crack open a new pair for Christmas so they will be going back in the cupboard! 

I'm very pleased with my choices and can see them getting a lot of wear as the weather gets colder. Do you have any other winter outfit dilemmas?  And what category is your Christmas jumper in? Do share in the comments. 

I was gifted with four items of clothes from Cotton Traders and invited to style them for a blog post.with no need to use affiliate links or have copy approval.  

Now it's time for the #WowOnWednesday link-up.  Bloggers, Instagrammers and YouTubers are invited to share new and evergreen content. 

Last Week's Favourites - Most Clicked

Australian blogger Deb's story of her Little Black Dress: "That One Little Black Dress (LBD) a story covering 12 years". Do you have an LBD that's been worn at key events in your life?

Ways to Wear Black Pants, Part 2 from Kellyann of This Blonde's Shopping Bag. Note to UK readers:  pants are the American term for trousers. No tittering at the back! 

A delicious candy striped shirt and lots of cool accessories are in the latest capsule wardrobe for Sally of Within a World of My Own with her post "OOTD x3: Wide Leg Trouser Jeans Outfits for Fall."

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Cotton Traders, Fair Isle jumper for Christmas, Fashion, fashion over 50, faux fur coat in cream or beige, three winter style dilemas, velour lounge suit