Ways to Wear #35: boucle

Afternoon ladies! Today I thought I'd tackle a garment that is equal parts classic and on-trend: boucle. Made famous by Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld's timeless, genius collections, boucle is surprisingly wearable by all ages and can be seamlessly woven into several wardrobe styles. Whether you favour the laidback jeans-and-a-tee look, prefer to sport a feminine dress or like to mix things up a bit, the boucle trend is the ultimate addition to an outfit to add a 'finished', elegant and sophisticated touch.

As I seem to say in every installment of these features, please don't feel like you 'must' go out and buy the items I feature in this post: I obviously don't plan to buy everything here (as much as I wish my budget would stretch to allow it), and there are several, more affordable options out there if you have a look around, or you might even find something in your Mum's wardrobe, or even a charity shop if you're lucky!

(Boucle jacket, H&M;
Anchor T-shirt, Hero and Cape;
MOTO high-waisted crop jeans, Topshop;
Lorenzo wooden platform heels, Topshop;
White messenger satchel bag, H&M.)

Look One is the perfect, day-to-day or casual weekend outfit. Solely inspired by Olivia Palermo and, indeed, Liv from What Olivia Did, this look features a classic structured satchel with a twist, block platform heels, a T-shirt and high-waisted jeans. While the heels aren't exactly comfortable or practical, they add a lovely grace to the outfit, and keep the outfit from being too casual. A tailored boucle jacket like this needs something more to tie the look in together, so heels are perfect, while the T-shirt and jeans stop the Look from feeling too mature.

(Boucle knit cardigan, Zara;
Floral print bralet, Topshop;
Coral orange 'Rita' skirt, Monki;
Suede wedge platforms, H&M;
Gold deer necklace, Sailboat Ahoy!)

I think I've posted about this Zara gem of a boucle cardigan. I mean, just look at how beautiful it is?! I've tried it on a total of about four times now and just can't quite splash out on £80 for a cardi. This look attempts to mix things up for a laidback, summery look. A bright waist-fit skirt paired with a slightly more muted and demure (in colour at least) floral bralet is super summery, while the boucle cardigan tones everything right down, and covers your shoulders. I still haven't been completely won over by the blogger-favourite flatforms, but tried these slightly more wedged versions on in H&M and fell in love. To put it in a nutshell, they make your legs look perfect and instantly correct posture. Win. If that wasn't enough, I've heard on the grapevine that H&M are giving away £5 giftcards with all purchases at the moment! Add this adorable, dainty necklace from Jennie's jewellery venture around your neck, and this would be perfect for informal meetings, lunch with the girlfriends or for fashion internship attire.

(Striped boucle shorts, Topshop;
'Jolanda' moustache jumper, Motel Rocks;
'Manor' scalloped edge loafers, Topshop;
Double row of hearts ring, Topshop;
'Manhattan' bouchle backpack by Marc B, Topshop.)

Finally, I saw these amazing boucle shorts in Topshop last week, but again, couldn't justify randomly adding shorts to the clothes collection that I'm supposed to be quartering - yup, quartering! This Look is a little more sports-luxe inspired, dare I say it, featuring a black boucle backpack (worn over one shoulder and strictly not filled to the brim), grey loafers and a slouchy light knit, ideally with the front hem tucked in and the back left loose.

Well, I've truly outdone myself with the talkative stakes here, haven't I?! It's funny what a few new clothes can do to a gal! What do you think of the classic, Chanel inspired tweed that is forever lurking on the high street? Perhaps you've recently found a charity shop gem? Which Look is your favourite this week?