LPA Styles It: Massimo Dutti

If you’re in England right now then I don’t need to tell you that the weather has turned, big time. After all my moaning about our “unseasonably warm” October temperatures have plummeted to levels that require pretty serious knitwear. On the bright side, it means that this is the perfect moment to indulge in Massimo Dutti’s AW14 collection! I’ve adored Massimo Dutti since discovering the brand while I was living in Barcelona five years ago. The second I strolled into their store on Passeig de Gràcia the deal was sealed, I’d be spending the majority of my Spanish experience in those fitting rooms. Since then I’ve returned season after season to pick up pieces that have proved invaluable to my wardrobe. I’ve also always felt that Massimo Dutti is somehow my little secret. Of course that’s absolute rubbish, Massimo Dutti is bought, worn and loved all over the world. But because it’s a brand that doesn’t shout about itself or its products, and indeed the products themselves are elegant rather than shouty, I felt like I was snapping up gems that I wouldn’t see everyone everywhere wearing. I suspect that pretty soon a whole lot more people here in London will be in on my “secret” as this summer saw the launch of Massimo Dutti’s revamped Regents Street flagship and the AW14 collection is utterly divine. Delectable knitwear, autumnal hues and an après-ski offering, it’s exactly what you want to be wearing as Winter begins to set in. Somewhat ironically it was about 20 degrees when we shot this last week but obviously I still couldn’t resist the knits, they’re that damn good…

Layer Cake

Structured Coat, £165, click here to buy
Turtleneck jumper, £64.95, currently out of stock online but similar here
Accordion Pleat Skirt, £64.50, click here to buy
Black Heeled Ankle Boots, £125, click here to buy
Chevron Clutch, £54.95, click here to buy

Fact: Massimo Dutti do incredible boots. Since that fateful encounter in Barcelona I’ve bought so many pairs and not only are they beautifully made and last for years, they’re also seriously reasonably priced. I’m a little obsessed with these ones and plan on going back to get them ASAP. Layering is such an essential sartorial skill for the colder months and something I often struggle with. It’s often hard to get the silhouette right and you end up looking bulky and feeling uncomfortable. I reckon the trick is to combine different textures and fabric densities. The oversized cocoon coat and sleek-yet-snuggly knit are a great contrast with the featherweight pleated skirt. You’re all cosy up top and then have this lovely flowing thing going on around your legs, so perfect for an evening at the pub or strolling around town. Now it’s chillier, this outfit would look super cute with the addition of wool tights and a beanie.

Autumn Opulence

Emerald Velvet Blazer, £125, click here to buy
Striped Sweater, £44.95, click here to buy
Burgundy Rubberised Trousers, £44.95, click here to buy
Leather Clutch, £54.95, click here to buy
Suede Toe Ballet Flats, £79.95, click here to buy

How delicious are these colours!? Opulent autumnal hues have a special place in my heart (and my wardrobe) so as soon as September approaches I start itching to attire myself in shades of emerald, burgundy and navy blue. I reckon this outfit strikes a nice balance between elegance and ease. With the waxed jeans and luscious velvet jacket, there are some wonderfully luxurious textures going on but the pieces are ultimately very simple and very classic. Skinny jeans, ballet flats, poloneck and blazer; all timeless sartorial staples given an AW14 update by way of simple tweaks to the fabric or colour. If I had a long day of meetings that I needed to look chic and relatively smart for but also didn’t want to be seriously uncomfortable sprinting around town then this would be my go to look. In the event of a work-to-play situation you could simply swap those flats for heel and whack on a statement necklace.

Pretty in Plum

Plum Chiffon Pleated Dress, £79.95, click here to buy
Russet Hat, £44.95, click here to buy
Ankle Boots with Plaited Straps, £125, click here to buy
Suede Lined Tote Bag, £165, click here to buy
Thin Chain Belt, £32.95, click here to buy

While we’re on the subject of transitioning from office to cocktails, this dress is the stuff day-to-night dreams are made of. And at this time of year, there’s a hell of a lot of day-to-night going on as party season really sets in. When it’s cold, most likely raining and you’ve got a million things going on and Christmas impending, the absolute last thing you want to do is be worrying about complicated outfit changes. You need something stylish but simple, and simplicity is something Massimo Dutti does masterfully. This dress is the epitome of stylish simplicity. It’s gorgeous, obviously, with its delicate pleats and pretty plum colouring. Equally important is the fact that it’s flattering, comfortable and highly versatile. For the daytime I’d wear the dress as I’ve styled it here, adding thick tights and a shearling coat. Then come evening I’d switch my hosiery to 10 denier opaques, add killer embellished heels, lose the hat and a rich berry lip plus the clutch I would have savvily stashed in my tote bag.

Piste to Street

Limited Edition Hooded Duffel Coat, £295, click here to buy
Turtleneck Sweater, £44.95, click here to buy
Mixed Material Messenger Bag, £125, click here to buy
Super Skinny Jeans, £44.95, click here to buy
Leather Stretch Ankle Boots, £125, click here to buy

This outfit immediately filled me with a desperate urge to go skiing. I completely and utterly adore skiing, not least because of the many different kinds of outfit it entails. You’ve got your ski wear, your cosy socks, hats, gloves, sunglasses etc. Then you’ll also need to think of what to wear when you get off the piste and hit the bars, spas and restaurant. This ensemble does admittedly look perfectly at home on the streets of London but I’d so rather be wearing it in Zermatt or Verbier. Recently I’ve been stockpiling polonecks and this is one of the most refined I’ve seen. The fancy footwear reinforces my earlier point, Massimo Dutti is one of the best places to go for boots. The jeans came as something of a surprise as I’ve never even tried on MD denim. The fit and quality were cracking, I was very impressed. As for this duffel coat… It was love at first sight.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of LPA Styles It and found some of my tips useful! Which look is your fave? And will you be checking out Massimo Dutti?

Love Ella. X

Images by Holly McGlynn