15 British Style Essentials For Autumn and Winter - Sustainable Fashion Edit

British style seems to be somewhat overlooked, but I think it is one of the most iconic styles in the world especially during Autumn and Winter. We here in Britain have let go of our more traditional styles and most generally avoid clothing choices that involve tweed and wax. This, in my opinion has something to do with the rise of the era of fast fashion. British style is timeless and although I like to experiment with Sezane shirts and reformation dresses during summer, as soon as the cold months come I go back to my roots.

Not many people know but it was originally Wool that made this country rich and we have a long history of textile production here in the UK. Many cities like Hull were actually founded to transport British wool to the continent and traders would flock from places like Spain and Italy to buy British wool.

So here are my British style essentials. All are either from sustainable brands or so timeless they, to me, are investments to keep for a lifetime. I have tried to find sustainable versions of each item and most of these I own or are on my wish list for this year. 

1. Tweed Coat

A good tweed coat is an essential for Autumn and Winter - while also being a classic in any British wardrobe. Tweed can come in many different colours, textures and types (learn more here); In my opinion, for women there are three key styles of tweed coat, all suitable for different occasions.

Firstly you have the tweed blazer, which will look stunning with jeans and can be worn to work or for casual events. There is then the long tweed coat which I personally love. This is perfect for when it is freezing cold and there is snow on the ground. Tweed is made with thick woven wool and will keep you warm whatever the weather. A long tweed or wool coat will make sure you are protected when you are out in town, walking on country lanes, or, a personal favorite, as a winter work coat. The thing I love most about tweed coats, is that it is a hardy fabric while still helping you look well presented. The last type of tweed coat you may want to consider for A/W is a field coat. More popular with people who actually work outdoors, shoot, ride or generally spend more time in the elements - the field coat is the most practical of the three.

One of my favorite places to buy field coats is Joules. Although not a slow fashion brand, these coats will outlast most people if cared for. They are extremely hardy and will keep you warm through the winter. Schoffel also do nice ones if you can afford it.

Learn more about tweed here.

2. Shirt

A shirt is a British staple in winter, perfect for layering under a big jumper. There are a number of different styles and colors for every colored completion. My personal favorites are blue, white and green. If you would like something more jazzy why not try this stunning purple shirt handmade in Britain by The Finer Horse seen below? 

3. Boots 

A good pair of outdoor boots will last you years if you look after them properly; obviously everyone likes Dubarry and they are better quality, but there are also many other brands that make gorgeous outdoor boots. Dubarrys are great if you spend a lot of time outdoors but other brands like The Spanish Boot Company make equally beautiful boots that are more versatile. If you are set on a pair of outdoor boots but would like something more ethical why not try Stag Beetle who make beautiful leather and camo handmade boots.

5. A wide brim hat 

The perfect topper to any British look is a hat. I have been watching a lot of Anna Bey and she talks about how a hat elevates your look instantly - I agree. Hicks and Brown are my favorite brand for hats. A sneaky tip they have a dead-stock Depop account where you can pick up all their old styles at half the price!

6. Wellies

Now, if you follow me on Instagram you will know I am struggling to find some wellies at the moment. I am torn between Le Chameau which are the ones everyone has or Aigle. Wellies are an essential for any British outfit in Autumn as it rains so much here, however finding the right ones can be tricky. I have not heard good things about Hunter wellies and Barbour are nice but don't have much practicality. Aigle I fell in love with as they are handmade in France and seem to be very high-quality. Not all of their designs are hand made in France but I do love the ones that are. They also really, truly have their own style while keeping it classic which I love. 

7. Wax jacket

We all know the iconic wax jacket an essential for any winter excursions. Most would choose Barbour, which say they are still made in South Shields which I hope is still true! I am a fan of Barbour as a timeless brand, however there are other lovely brands like John Partridge who make beautiful wax jackets here in Britain. Personally, I love these in both green and navy blue - they go perfectly with jeans and are great for keeping dry while on a walk. Wax jackets can last a lifetime especially if you take care of them and re-wax them every few years. 

8. Tweed skirt 

Both cute and warm there are not many things I love more than a tweed skirt. Depending on how 'country' you want to go there are so many color options around these days. Even for mooching around town or after dinner drinks the tweed skirt is perfect for both. Both Dolsen and Holland and Cooper make lovely tweed skirts for every occasion.

Alternatively, Vantage Atelier do stunning skirts designed and made in York. choose a black and white hounds tooth or navy if you are a city girl or the traditional shooter if you want to go all in. These look perfect with a casual T-shirt and cardigan or a shirt for work. I often wear mine with a lace cami and high boots with a long cardigan for the perfect 'pub' combo in the winter. 

9. Warm wool Jumper (cable knit preferable!)

Warm wool jumpers are a staple of every British wardrobe. Like our food, British fashion is about practicality and keeping warm. With winters that can range in temperature from 7 to -15 degrees you have to be prepared for anything. One of my ultimate favorite brands for a lovely knit is Peregrine. They make their clothes here in England and the designs are clearly made with love. 

10. Big Leather Bag

We all need a one of these bags. The dumping bag, the winter bag, the bag you can carry a hat gloves scarf and flask in and it still wont be full. Not quite the size of a weekend bag, for me this is an essential in any British winter wardrobe. Choose a tan leather or a Harris tweed to complete the look. Alternatively if you are vegan but still want a similar style check out this by Matt and Nat. 

One of my favorite sustainable brands to find a leather bag is Gusti. They also make some stunning smaller bags and some horsey accessories that are super cute.

11. Check Scarf

Everyone always laughs at me, but if you want a really lovely winter scarf I do recommend Edinburgh  Woolen Mill. Yes, I know most people regard it as an old lady shop but they actually do some of the best accessories. Their cashmere tartan scarves come in every color and are very reasonable!I love a big scarf to keep me snug as the weather starts to get colder - very cozy!

12. Wool Blazer 

Yes it is different from the tweed jacket! A wool blazer is an essential to any British wardrobe but it does not have to be one made out of tweed! A wool blazer is a great way of adding a bit of warmth and cozyness to an everyday look and is a great way to support the British wool industry. A wool blazer can be worn to work to keep you warm in the office or look lovely over a cocktail dress on a night out. It can even be styled as a layering piece as seen below - which I love! Some of my favorites ones can be found here. 

13. Thickest socks ever

For the times when it is freeeeezing outside, or for when you are walking in the rain, warm socks are a winter must! Perfect for layering under boots and tucking your trousers into, warm socks are a must. One of my favorite new brands that I have found is these from Arbon socks.  They make their socks from the fleeces of sheep in Devon and then make the socks in Somerset - beautiful and very very snug. 

14. Leather belt

In either black or tan this is an essential! If like me you are a fan of practicality then why not have a look at this one by Holland and Cooper? It's reversible so you get two in one! A belt can instantly make you look more put together, breaking up an outfit or pulling you in to emphasis the waist in all the winter layers. If like me you have a leather goods shop in your town you can go and get a good quality belt and get the holes punched in it for you.

15. Brown Trousers 

Cord, moleskin or cotton if you want to stay worm this winter this is the way to go. I feel that a lot of more natural and earthy looking trousers are often forgotten about but they can look really lovely in the winter. They also go well with many of the items mentioned above and are a good alternative in the winter to jeans. a neutral trouser can also be paired with most autumnal colors and are one of my favorite items to dig out of a draw once the weather gets colder. 

(many of the images here came from my Pinterest inspiration board which can be found here)

Feel free to shop the widget below that does contain affiliate links. I have tried to find sustainable brands that make British clothes but it was really hard. All of the items I have included are high quality from brands I know make clothes that will last longer than typical 'fast fashion brands'. I do want to explain that sustainable fashion is not always just buying things from 'eco' brands. If you buy an item from Barbour and keep it for 20 years and wear it all the time, that is still slow fashion. This is one of the reasons that I love British style especially for Autumn, as it is so timeless