Advent is almost upon us, which means that party season has filled the shops with enough sequins, feathers, sparkle, and generally festive-adjacent garments, to make your uniform of grey cashmere jumpers feel rather wanting.
The Arket new-in section, however, has taken a different approach as we draw closer to Christmas, with a "holiday essentials" collection that focuses more on the season of goodwill's cosiness—like, long walks on frozen grass, warming cold fingers by a crackling fire, wearing head-to-toe alpaca-wool kind of cosiness—rather than anything you might consider as "festooned".
Anyone familiar with its signature design codes, which lean towards minimalism with modern points of difference, will immediately understand why. Arket has always prioritised clothes that, at their core, are functional; building blocks that are the opposite of the flash-in-the-pan trends dominating at other high-street retailers. Of course it takes note of on-point themes—it has plenty of chocolate brown, for example, and fuzzy textures that you'll see on most shop floors—but they're always executed in a way that won't age over the course of one season.
Things to bookmark now include its impressive outerwear—from faux-fur jackets to wool capes to collarless shearling coats—its everyday jumpers, its unparalleled jeans and, finally, its directional yet wearable shoes, which include lacquered dress loafers and point-toe knee-highs.
And if you're attached to your grey cashmere jumper, and rightly so, you can simply add some frosting courtesy of Arket—to wit, a pair of fringed rhinestone earrings. Merry Christmas!
Our Arket New-In Picks
Not all faux-fur jackets are created equal but Arket’s, which is an investment but still under £200, looks more expensive than its price tag.
A crisp white jean can be the vehicle for so many winter looks, from a “nice top” to something cosily knitted.
If your stiletto days feel decades away, upgrade your usual flat to a moderately high ankle boot like Arket’s.
With so many parties and so little time, the well-timed addition of a rhinestone brooch will mix things up in the flashest of flashes.
With faux-fur trending—and trending hard—a less immersive option than a coat is a cuddly scarf.
Add a beaded collar necklace or tasselled pendant to a perfect white shirt and consider your office party sorted until further notice.
The wide-leg has dominated in the world of tailored pants for some time now, but the slim fit is making its presence felt on the shop floors of Arket.
For a second winter coat, a cape can work serious wonders. Arket’s has the trending collar, and swathing cut, you’re looking for this winter.
With the smallest wedge heel, but the sharpest point toe, these knee-highs are made for walking.
As well as festive-adjacent togs, you need plenty of “jumper and jeans” combos to keep you going through winter.
Roomy(ish) on the leg, but gently flared at the ankle, these indigo jeans will be smart when you want (and casual later on).
Chocolate brown is officially the colour of the season, especially when paired with blue, so this jumper is a surefire investment.
Big enough for a small laptop, but with plenty of off-duty personality, this suede tote will be your best friend 24/7.
What’s better than a party-ready pair of Mary Janes? Faux-fur Mary Janes.
A relaxed yet quietly refined blazer will become a much-loved cornerstone of your office wardrobe.
Add a hint of “party” on either lobe and you’ll be laughing this Christmas.
Arket has some of the best puffer jackets on the high street when it comes to balancing practicality with chic points.
This chunky shoe-boot hybrid is perfect stomping material.
If you’re a flats or nothing person, why not upgrade your sneakers for a shiny lacquered dress loafer this December?
What could be more elegant than a collarless shearling coat thrown over jeans, slip dresses, you name it?
