How to brighten a grey day.

Throw more grey at it. 

And.. proving that I may finally have lost my tiny mind... let's think of Spring. 

I know, I know, shoot me now but yes, I am already thinking forward to next Season. 

Ok so not totally but if we're looking at items to invest in now, if we can also wear them through into the Spring, surely that's a win win and instant justification?  (she says as she's off to Bicester tomorrow and should really have one eye on next season... It's called being sensible... yeah right).

And grey is the perfect colour for now with black, navy and berry shades.  But it also works perfectly with white, camel and khaki into the Spring (to be fair I'd also wear those in the Winter as well - really is a super versatile colour). 

I had been on a mission for a black longline blazer but the obsession with pale grey was re-ignited last week when I went to meet the lovely team at Me+Em and realised how much more versatile it can be than black.  It's randomly much easier to team shades of grey together than it is shades of black - as in I think with black you need lots of different textures to create an interesting outfit but with grey, there are so many colour alternatives from light to dark that work so well together. 

The joy of a longer blazer, I also think, is that they can be preppy with trousers, loafers, chelsea boots and a jumper/shirt combo.  Or much more laid back and verging on city boho (I have just made that utterly rank phrase up... you can all virtually punch me) with a loose tee or jersey shirt, jeans and sneakers.  More on trend (I say that - to be fair, it's probably more mum on the run.  Running away from the kids that is, to lunch with the girls or drinks/dinner with The Husband or just down the road for a minute's peace with a hot cup of coffee that hasn't been microwaved five times) with a cashmere jumper, loose blouse, leather leggings and statement ankle boots.  TA DAH!!  They work on every level. 

I was very lucky to be asked to select a couple of items current season at Me+Em to keep and first off, the blazer was a no brainer.  Wore it literally the day after I got it and will definitely be wearing it again tomorrow to Bicester.

Flannel Longline Blazer £215

Another flannel version but a more tailored style. Grey Flannel Blazer £109 from Mint Velvet





Boxy flannel jacket with wool at M&S £59  Absolutely love this shape with wide leg trousers.  Would also be the perfect jacket for culottes.




A darker grey at Boden and again we're more fitted.

Chelsea Jacket £149



Longline at Joseph.  This is a blow the budget option but considering its versatility and what a classic item it is, if you're looking to invest in a jacket/coat, this could definitely be worthwhile.

Joseph Oversize Wool Melange Blazer in Grey £495  If you hadn't noticed, I am all over the looser style at the moment.



Lovely and slouchy but still with a tailored edge at Topshop.  Perfect starter for ten (well, fortysix....) if you're not looking to invest but want to try the look. 

Tall Jersey Boyfriend Jacket £46  Also available in regular.



A flannel like texture at Dorothy Perkins with their brushed Boyfriend Coat (which they do in other colours as well). 

Grey Brushed Boyfriend Coat - was £49 now £39.20








Again at YAS although this one is verging onto slightly more of a coat (as is the one above with hindsight but ideal if you do want it as more of a coat than a jacket.  She says stating more than the obvious.  Sorry...!)

YAS Monday Coat £140



Similar again at Topshop - this time with a zip fastening which does give it a slightly different feel. 

Slim Pocket Coat from Topshop £59



Similar shape but double breasted and more of a texture to the weave at Banana Republic.

Mixed Tweed Double Breasted Coat £180.  This is now definitely intocoat territory but I think the tweed gives it a lighter look than a heavy wool.




Double breasted again at New Look £39.99 (they do this in lots of other lovely colours by the way). 







More of a coatigan version now which would work just as well into the Spring as well, again at Mint Velvet.

Grey Textured Coat from MV £159  I think this would also be the perfect evening jacket/coat cover up.  Those that are more difficult to master than you think.




Collarless now but again with texture and Dorothy Perkins still have up to 30% off everything, finishing tonight, Tuesday.  So a great deal as well.  This is the sort of coat that actually works ridiculously well in the Winter with a scarf.  Or a polo neck.. or I like a collar over it as well.  Pretty much my favourite neckline in summary.

Grey Bonded Collarless Coat from DP was £65 now £45.50




This coatigan is very similar I think, to the 3.1 Phillip Lim military coatigan I have had for 8 years.  Darker grey now but with a camel edging which I think gives it that light touch.

Buttonsafe Wool Blend Overcoat with Cashmere £120 from M&S




Another take on a coatigan but a very different style (and one I may have mentioned I quite like...) and again, easily wearable into the Spring with a pair of jeans, white tee and sneakers.  Or ballet flats. 

Vila Waterfall Coat £80



Double colouring now, like the Me+Em one which I like.  I think it adds to the texture without adding bulk.
ASOS Coat in cocoon fit with panel detail £95





Weekday oversized cocoon coat £90  Simply adore this styling of a paler grey and white.  What further Spring inspiration do you need but this?  Ankle boots and a huge scarf for the Winter.  Am I selling the appeal of these?!




So there we have my homage to grey cover ups which aren't heavy coats and will definitely take you into the Spring as well.  And are perfect for this randomly mild weather we're having this week.  I can't wait to wear mine tomorrow.  Think with black... hmmm or maybe wine.... or even navy actually....

It was navy and black today.  Jumper from Boden from last year.  The now classic Off Duty Jumper.