Something you may be hoping to gain from BrandAlley’s Black Friday sale is a new winter wardrobe – because let’s face it, it’s not getting any warmer out there. And if you’re stuck on where to start, have no fear – we recently sat down with one of our favourite creators, Rachael Alisedaghat (@rachaela_), to discuss her top tips on dressing for the cooler months, alongside Black Friday shopping advice and the picks she can’t wait to get her hands on today…

Hey Rach! Let’s start with the basics. What pieces would you say are essential in a capsule winter wardrobe?
A long tailored coat (I like mine oversized), a staple crisp white shirt, a black rollneck, a solid pair of flat or low heeled boots that you can pair with trousers or skirts, a dark wash pair of jeans you feel comfortable in, a nice pair of tailored trousers you can dress up or down and a go to cosy jumper. Good quality basics like T-shirts and vests are always handy to have all year round for layering too! 

What are your favourite fabrics to style in the winter months?
Oh I just love cashmere and mohair jumpers, the fluffier, thicker textures pair so well with harsher ones like leather and metallics. Oh, and obviously all the sequins for party season!

Bomber jacket, leather jacket, puffer or trench coat? And why?
Oh boy, I love them all to be honest, I’m such a coat/jacket girl (it’s a real problem haha!). If I really had to pick one, I think it would be leather, they’re so versatile and can always be paired with so much throughout the year, they also just give such an effortless, ‘cool girl’ vibe.

How do you accessorize your cold weather looks?
Scarves are my all time fave, they can elevate an outfit so much and can be worn so many ways. I also think the bigger the better when it comes to winter accessories, chunky boots, bigger bags, bold sunglasses, they just balance out the coats so well.

And how about boots – which pair is your go-to?
My most worn are probably my short, low heeled western boots that I can pair with skirts or jeans and then I always reach for my knee high chunky boots to pair with skirts and dresses – they create a nice balance of masculine and feminine in the outfit.

What would you say is the “colour of the season“?
Well I think you’d have to completely avoid social media to not know this one already but RED, all shades of red are having a moment! It’s a nice easy trend to buy in to as you don’t have to splash the cash, you can easily add small accessories like red socks or a scrunchie.

And how about prints?
Stripes and checks are an easy print to mix into your winter wardrobe, a striped T-shirt or jumper can really elevate a classic look and I’m loving check skirts at the moment, they pair so well with chunky knits.

Today’s the day! Let’s talk Black Friday! Do you have any shopping tips?
Write a list! Whether it’s items for your wardrobe you’ve wanted for a while, new gadgets for your kitchen or Christmas presents for your friends and family. Having a list will help you find what you actually ‘need’ and stop you feeling overwhelmed by the sales or overspending.

What items were already in your basket ready for the BrandAlley Black Friday sale?
You can see my faves below!

Classic Hand Blender  – KitchenAid
Red Cashmere Roll Neck Tunic – No. Eleven
Red Avery Belt – LK Bennett
Yaro Feather Heeled Sandals – Sam Edelman

The BrandAlley Black Friday Sale is in full swing, so now’s your time to start adding to basket (and don’t forget to use code 48HOURPARTY for an extra 20% off!)

Shop Black Friday here.

Follow @rachaela_ and @brandalleyuk on Instagram.