Oxford in the Autumn

Going to the U.K. in autumn lived up to my expectations in ways I could not imagine. The landscape was an Artist’s palette that was not the familiar evergreen in a tropical country, the people were friendly(er) and would say hi to you, the weather was exceptionally kind to us ((the skies were clear and sharp like looking through a mineral water bottle)) … except I don’t really miss the food there.

On top of all that, I got to experiment with Autumnal style of layering, mixing and matching clothes, the way the cool weather there permits. Here is a collection of photos from my trip to Oxford, one of my highlights (because I highly revere the English Universities), and a pool together of all my favorite autumn pieces in this outfit.

THAT BERET: let’s talk about that. In Singapore one rarely gets the chance to wear hats so I was beyond excited to put this one on. I must confess though, hats are really just accessories, they do nothing to keep your head warm. This beret is made of the most beautiful bright orange wool that just lights up on the street, especially on a dreary day. This is exactly the kind of pieces that make you feel excited wearing it, and in turn make you look happy and confident in yourself. (I got many compliments on this beret from strangers along the roads of Oxford and it is a wonderful feel good piece)

Side digression, won’t you just look at these beautiful buildings of the campus in Oxford!

There’s even a library where the first copy of every published book in UK is sent to: the Bodlein Library. It is also said that when the students here graduate, they will move into the building shown on the lower right corner, and when they return to the graduation ceremony, changed into their gowns, the sound of applause of their parents would reverberate throughout the town. Just imagine how wonderful that moment would be!

 

(Me worshipping the place, sorta)

THE JUMPER + TURTLENECK: If I could, I would like to live in sweater weather all through the year. I feel that autumn is the season where cream, brown and rust toned colours ARE the basics in place of black and whites. Also turtlenecks are the winter version of button-downs, aka my soft spot in layering. It looks so refined and proper, perhaps because the famous Victorian style of clothes made use of high collars, and it is something tropical country dwellers would never dare wear unless they’re in true autumn.

ZE COAT: Compared to puffy down jackets, wool coats are truly grown-up and in my opinion the best outerwear there ever is. It’s perfect to wear in the autumn when it’s not as cold, and since it is something one would like to get the most wear out of, I absolutely love the classic military style coat like mine, with the rows of embellished buttons and sleek tailoring. ((It is crazy heavy, mind you, it would add almost a kilogram to your weight)) This navy blue beauty, being my first ever coat, is literally my baby because whatever you’re wearing beneath it, you will look like a put together person who woke up in the morning knowing what to do with her life.

AND THE SCARF, WHY ARE YOU WEARING IT LIKE THAT. If that was the thing that bugged you the most, mostly it was for convenience sake so that I have a scarf backed up in case I need it without actually having to occupy my bag space. Though I must admit, it makes for a brilliant belt replacement because belts are a hassle when going through airport security, and tying a scarf actually makes for a fashion statement.

On a side, I have to mention that ankle boots are cold weather essentials because it is stylish and functional. This pair that I gushed over about in my Granddad outfit still stuck with me and it has to be the best classic shoe to get. Bonus points if it is black as it makes your leg look longer.

If you can see it, the emblem on the gate says: Manners Makyth Man. This will become one of my personal mantras as well (in case you were guessing). Essentially, the whole trip to Oxford was worthwhile and really, really inspiring. Here’s to working harder, aiming higher, and bettering myself!