I’m a Fashion Editor—These Elevated Pieces Work for Every Event This Winter

Winter is a demanding time for our wardrobes. There’s a sense of juxtaposition that comes from the combination of functionality required to beat the changing weather, and the excuse to celebrate and get dressed up as we move closer to the festive season. And French Connection’s new collection smartly bridges the gap between the two.

To start, there’s cosy knitwear to ease us into the cooler days, one layer at a time. With a finger on the fashion pulse, French Connection has identified the key colours of the season and noted them in its knitwear collection, as you’ll see from the bursts of red. Cosy layers are about to become the cornerstones of our everyday wardrobes, so French Connection has honed in on these versatile layers, from pared-back neutrals to easy-dressing co-ords and a particularly fun striped style.

After the sudden temperature drop, it’s time for outerwear to come into its own, with French Connection’s collection ensuring that both style and function work in harmony. To ease us into the new season, classic autumnal shades of dark green and brown come to the fore, and alongside great design is an intuitive aspect to each creation. For example, the Aris Quilted Coat has detachable sleeves to allow for various ways to wear, and the faux fur gilet is equipped with pockets set into its trims for a streamlined silhouette. 

It isn’t just the elevated everyday that French Connection has honed in on—with the adornments and twinkling lights of the festive season ahead, you may find there are gaps in your wardrobe for dressier styles to suit upcoming celebrations. As ever, French Connection has all bases covered. For the minimalists, Juliette showcases a sleek strapless dress in faux leather with a bold zip running through the centre to add intrigue to the style, or look to the classics, like the simple shift that has playful faux fur trims and an elegant keyhole cutout. And if you’re a maximalist looking to up the ante, there are sequins and colour mixes galore, though these feature classic silhouettes to ensure longevity in your wardrobe.

And with that, keep scrolling to discover the best pieces (in my humble opinion) from these three wardrobe categories.