Lets build style better together

A reminder that fashion need not be a fleeting affair. It could be a lifelong companion, a manifestation of individuality, and a celebration of timeless style.

As an editorial stylist, I’ve spent the last 10 years working with established brands and magazines; this newsletter is going to bring a bit of this knowledge to you. My aim is to help you build more sustainable shopping habits through the power of styling.

At COPPEN, we use three principles to help us shop less and more sustainably, without sacrificing style:

1. Build a capsule wardrobe

Create a capsule wardrobe with versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits. This reduces the need for a large and constantly changing wardrobe.

2. Buy quality, timeless pieces

Invest in high-quality, durable clothing that will last longer and withstand trends. Avoid fast fashion items that are designed to be worn a few times and then discarded.

3. Make the most of second hand and vintage shopping 

Explore thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms for second-hand and vintage clothing. This helps extend the life of garments and reduces the demand for new production, (I have some styling secrets up my sleeve here that I can’t wait to share with you soon).

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In this post my focus is helping you build a capsule wardrobe. If we purchase a few quality pieces that are versatile they become the staples to our wardrobes, and in this series I will provide you styling tips to create more looks out of the items we already own. Then we can freshen our outfits with vintage and resale, for guilt free newness. 

Starting by creating three looks from the current sales to curate a timeless, long lasting winter capsule wardrobe, which is interchangeable. 

From left to right: Heru boots, Frenckenberger deep-V knit, Maryam Nassir Zadeh polo top, Kijun windbreaker, Chloe twisted knit shoulder bag and Róhe wool straight leg tailored trousers

I’m known by my friends for my obsession with long boots. This practical flat pair can be worn with a mini ‘anything’ and tights, or under your trousers for extra warmth. Here I have paired them with a tailored trouser and layered tops for even more warmth. 

A few months into Britain's arctic, whether I find jumpers a little sad, they start to become a blockade to seeing our more interesting tops underneath. So this year I invested in a deep V - this can be paired with a shirt underneath, or with a plain t-shirt and necklaces, (the v neck becomes a frame for the jewelry you are wearing). And then to finish, layer with your winter coat and bag. 

*Styling tip - purchase some ski socks to be worn under your long boots - no one will know, but your feet will thank you. 

An example of how to style the deep V knit with a shirt - these two are good here and here.

This second look is still warm and comfortable, using the same shoes and bag as before but we’re introducing a mini skirt and tights. This knitted Eftychia cardigan is my perfect quality winter top that is warm, but also formal. And finally as we’re in a mini skirt, I’m suggesting a proper woollen winter coat. This Jacquemus one is great as it’s practical and the structural curved raglan sleeves develop an interesting formality to the look. 

From left to right: Heru boots, Jacquemus coat, Eftychia cardigan, Jacquemus Skirt, Chloe twisted knit shoulder bag, The thirty-five by Heist

Next we are using the same coat and tailored trousers to create a casual daytime look. I’ve simply added a basic tank top and accessories. The famous Margiela Tabi ballet flats are currently on sale and I would suggest pairing them with a chunky knit sock. (If the Tabi’s are too expensive, Mango have great quality leather pumps).

From left to right: Flore Flore organic tank top, Jacquemus coat, Maison Margiela Tabi pumps, Dragon Diffusiin woven bag, Róhe tailored trousers

Last but not least, as were realistically destined to spend lots of December snuggled up on the sofa I’m recommending a home edit made for comfort. All of these suggestions can be worn in public during the summer months giving you bang for your buck, but if you’re sneaky you can wear them as loungewear during the winter. 

Starting with this Raey navy knitted cardigan and a SKIMS T-shirt underneath, (SKIMS is affordable, fantastically comfy and washes very well making it last forever- I’m a big fan). Matched with our COPPEN silk boxing shorts, I would pair a long sock and these fantastic slippers from Mou. 

From left to right: Raey knit wrap cardigan, COPPEN studio silk boxing shorts, MOU black stitch slippers, Raey over-the-knee socks, SKIMS

I hope this newsletter will be a quiet moment in your week, delivered directly into your inbox and tucked away from the chaotic rhythm of the fashion industry.

I’m here to share all that I know with you, so please feel free to comment or message with any styling questions you might have. Who know’s it could be the inspiration for one of my next posts.

Keep warm out there, Lauren x