Forget Boring Black Coats—This Is What I Wear Instead

Hello WWW friends! It’s been a joy writing this Personal Shopping column for you every month since the start of the year, but this one is my last. We’ll soon have a new Editor in Chief picking up the baton as my role has transitioned to Managing Director of both Who What Wear and Marie Claire in the UK. I’ve loved sharing my honest recommendations and micro obsessions with you on a regular basis. We’ve covered everything from the comfiest knickers to the sassiest of evening dresses, and this month contains a couple of real goodies for your practical, everyday wardrobe. Firstly, I’ve never been one for blending into the sea of black coats that emerges each winter (yawn!), instead, read on for the statement coat that somehow manages to work with every outfit. Secondly, there’s no greater find than a piece of jewellery that people comment on for a lifetime and never looks outmoded—discover my top pick below. And then I answer one of your burning style questions.

As always, you can still find me at @hannahalmassi. Adieu and thank you for reading! x

I have a milestone birthday coming up at the end of the year, and I am very clear about what I’d like, even if I have to self-gift in order to receive it: Cartier’s Love collection. This is a classic range, first introduced in 1969 with its instantly recognisable signature screw motif and fixtures, is worn by literally every editor, stylist and insider—in fact, we wrote all about the history of the Love collection here. But what’s even more exciting about it right now is that there are totally new additions to the Love family. Introducing Unlimited: featuring a subtly chic ridged effect, the Unlimited bracelets are particularly ingenious as they snake and move unlike the original bangles. Not only that, they can also be fastened together to create longer, wrap-around bracelets. You can mix finishes like white gold with yellow, for example, or stay true to one metal. My preference? I like to combine all yellow-gold pieces with different textures to feel considered but not overly perfect—like a brushed metal alongside a shiny or ridged piece. Family members—pay attention!