Steeped in style
Elsie McDowell and Annia Krzoska have some tea-riffic outfits lined up, inspired by popular flavours of tea
When searching for offline fashion inspiration this autumn, look no further than your kitchen cupboard. What could be more autumnal than a cosy cup of your favourite hot drink? We took on the challenge of translating our favourite teas, from the classic Earl Grey to the subtle nettle, into outfits that encapsulate what is so special about autumnal fashion.
We begin with a staple herbal tea: very berry. The berry tea has a sweet taste that is nostalgic for a summer just passed. The same can be said for its fashion incarnation. The essence of this outfit is translated with or without the coat, which is both practical for the ever changing early autumn temperatures, and a reflection of the transitional taste of this tea. With sweet finishing touches, such as heart patterned socks and soft pink trimmings on the trench coat, juxtaposed with the bolder hues of the denim skirt, this outfit captures the feeling of drinking a comforting cup of very berry tea on the first cold day of the season.
Nettle tea is green tea’s more subtle younger sister; gentle and naturally caffeine free, it is the perfect companion to an evening essay crisis. Autumnal outfits do not have to stick to the classic darker browns and reds that they are so famous for. Ultimately, autumnal fashion is about comfort and warmth above all, which makes the soft fabric of the light green corduroy trousers both a comforting antidote to the colder weather, and a nod to the calming colour of nettle tea. The floral motifs in this outfit, from the flower details on the cardigan to the lily of the valley earrings, are a reminder that spring and summer will one day come again.
Without a doubt the rich flavour of Earl Grey – and of course its regal name – lends itself to dark academia-inspired outfits. This outfit incorporates the classic academic silhouette with muted greys and greens reminiscent of late Autumn nights. The subtle gold accents, like the shoe buckles, evoke Earl Grey’s uniquely strong taste, and when paired with a warm jumper, they combine to create the perfect cosy yet academic look. But, of course, no Earl Grey inspired outfit would be complete without a matching gold candlestick- holder-turned-teacup.
Yes, Christmas is still a few months away, but Bridgemas is approaching us at breakneck speed! Mulled wine-flavoured tea might sound odd, but it has been tried and tested by the past supervisees of one well-stocked (when it comes to tea) Medieval Literature supervisor. Taking inspiration from the tea’s dark red colour, a mulled wine tea-inspired outfit incorporates a lot of maroon and some gold accents. This outfit stars a red circle skirt, combining the fun festivities associated with the beverage with a bit of homely comfort. The maroon jumper, likewise, is loose and comfortable – allowing for plenty of mince pies to be consumed! Gold accessories take inspiration from the dried oranges and cinnamon sticks often used to accessorise the drink that has inspired this tea. And, what better way to embrace the cosy autumnal vibes inspired by a warm mug of tea than to find some tea-riffic jewellery to match?
Though lavender tea does exist, it is far more commonly used as a component of ‘sleep’ teas. Like lavender itself, tea-inspired outfits need not be more than a subtle nod to the feeling evoked by a warm drink that you love. Teas that use lavender are comforting and calming, like the soft fabrics that feature in this outfit. The rich tones of the purple jumper are complemented by the darker, more muted blues of the jeans and jacket, which bring out the cosy vibes of lavender tea.
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