Jess Cartner-Morley’s November style essentials: from chic raincoats to the perfect party trousers

There’s great design on the high street right now if you know where to look. Designers Jonathan Anderson and Zac Posen are just two of the fashion week names you can buy into at real-world prices, at Uniqlo and Gap respectively. I’ve pulled out a couple of gems from those collections to show you. Plus, I’m sharing the non-dweeby rainy-day coat that I am absolutely thrilled with, and circling back to my column about the rise of the long coat with a Topshop find.

And, look, I know it’s too early to be Christmassy, so I’ve tried to hold it down, but there might be a couple of festive finds tucked into the mix, just because I didn’t want you to miss out, OK?

A raincoat that doesn’t look like a raincoat

Utility jacket

It’s hard to find rainy-day clothes that look chic. I don’t do hats, so I need a hood, but hoods tend to make coats look sort of … dweeby? Also, it’s impossible to look elegant in that horrible shiny fabric that most raincoats come in. Lululemon is known for activewear, but – I guess because it approaches fashion from a functional point of view – it makes great non-gym pieces too. (I’ve written before about the brand’s travel trousers.)

This jacket is waterproof but not shiny, with a classy matt finish, and has a hood that detaches (you can fold it into one of the big patch pockets) so you can keep your hair dry en route and then enter a room not looking like you’re in an anorak.

Introducing the scardigan

Scarf-neck cardigan

The twinset is back, but not as you know it. After last year’s scarf coat frenzy, say hello to the scardigan: a cardigan with a matching scarf. If you like the vibe of a sweater draped around the shoulders but find it never quite sits right, this is an oven-ready modern take on the twinset. (The scarf buttons on to the back, so you don’t lose it.) In charcoal (always a good shout), but also a very elegant olive green.

The gloves on my Christmas list

Checked wool and leather gloves

These gloves are the finishing touch my winter wardrobe needs. Heritage check with supple leather palms and soft cashmere lining. They look very polished without being twee, if you know what I mean.

Magic mushrooms for your Christmas tree

Christmas tree velvet mushrooms, pack of six

Look, I know it’s only November, but yes, I admit, I am thinking about my Christmas tree already. I’m not wild about super jokey decor, such as baubles in the shape of glittery Stanley cups or whatever; I feel they detract from rather than add to the magic of Christmas, if that makes sense. But these velvet mushrooms are just kitsch enough to be fun without being cheesy. Also, this might be me overthinking tree dressing, but I find it useful to have some decorations that clip on to branches and sit in spaces above them, to balance out hanging baubles.

Paris fashion week style, Uniqlo prices

JW Anderson x Uniqlo lamb’s wool polo jumper

The grey long-sleeved knit polo top has taken over from the black polo neck as the foundation stone of your cold-weather wardrobe. This one is designed by Jonathan Anderson, who also designs Dior, and comes in a very Dior mid grey. Not bad for less than £35.

Are you in the market for a long coat?

Super longline belted coat

I wrote recently about how wearing a long coat – one that covers the knees – instantly updates your look, and I’ve been on the lookout for goodies out there. This Topshop number has a very enjoyable grandeur, with its oversized lapels and epaulettes, and looks ace styled over a hoodie.

The perfect festive earrings

Mistletoe earrings

These are Christmas earrings for women who are far too chic for Christmas earrings. They’re delicate and sophisticated as well as jolly, which is a rare combination. I have had these exact earrings for a couple of years now, but they’ve been reissued for Christmas. I’ve just noticed Boden does a holly version too, with red berries. Not gonna lie, am tempted.

A great dinner shirt from Gap’s high-end line

White poplin bow shirt

Zac Posen, beloved New York fashion week designer, became creative director of Gap this year, and his second GapStudio collection has just hit stores. It is so good. Crisp and easy and fresh – everything Gap should be – but with elevated detailing and refined silhouettes. This shirt is such a chic look for an autumn evening, tucked into jeans or a black mini.

The most glamorous trousers I’ve seen this year are a steal

Foldover waist trousers

There is no way you won’t be the coolest person at the party in these trousers, from River Island’s (often excellent) Studio upmarket mini-collection. Obsessed. They have ballroom panache – dress them up with kitten heels and a sleek black bodysuit to show off the foldover waist detail – but would look great with a white T-shirt and trainers.

A positively dreamy J Crew sweater

Toile floral brushed cashmere sweater

J Crew has had a low profile in this country since closing its six UK stores during Covid, but it’s still available online, and it’s still a beacon of great design and style at (just about) high-street prices. This sweater is like a beautiful Wedgwood china teacup for your wardrobe.

For more, read 50 women’s autumn wardrobe updates for under £300 and the best coats for autumn and winter