Earlier this month, Boohoo launched a brand new collection with ITV's Love Island star Davide Saclimenti. Looking to kit out my wardrobe with some autumn and winter staples, I tried out some of the items that caught my eye from the wallet-friendly range.
Browsing through the budget collection online, I noticed many of the items were reasonably affordable, even in today's climate. Shoppers can pick up cosy winter jumpers from £17, with an array of jackets and smart suit blazers for less than £40, and even swipe some trousers for a little over 20 quid.
I opted for a diverse selection, including two varsity-style jackets, an off-white pair of trousers complete with a metal chain, a high neck woolly jumper and a cream coloured pleated over-shirt.
With the colder months drawing near, I knew I wanted to basket items on my budget that would see me through until the warmer weather returns - and there was one particular item that looked just like a £400 designer jacket and scored me loads of compliments.
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Black boxy bomber jacket - £35
The first item I instantly knew I wanted was this stylish black bomber jacket. The boxy jacket is currently available at an affordable £35, slashed from its previous RRP of £50 online, and is available in all sizes from XS to XL. These American varsity-style jackets have made a return to the stores this year and are described by Boohoo as 'another item that's become an absolute 00s clothing essential'.
It's hard to disagree. They can be coupled with pretty much anything and are a really fun addition to add contrast to any outfit. I opted to wear the jacket over a mostly plain black outfit, with a black t-shirt and trousers, but I could've worn any other colour, or a jumper or hoodie underneath.
Wearing the jacket outside on a bright (but crisp) October morning, I trusted it would keep me warm enough with just a t-shirt on underneath, and it did. To my pleasant surprise, I instantly received loads of compliments about the fit and how well it suited me. My barber was the first to comment, saying that I looked like I had 'just walked off the set of Grease' but that she loved the style and the faux-leather sleeves.
Another friend told me it looked just like a Hugo Boss jacket he had been wanting to order, that would set him back almost £400. Browsing online, I quickly found the jacket he was looking for and to my surprise, they were extremely similar. Mine had a matched black cotton body, PU sleeves and a pleated interior, only lacking the iconic Hugo Boss logo - but was more than four times cheaper. Ca'ching!
Grey nylon bomber jacket - £31.50
As you can probably tell, I am a lover of bomber jackets. They can be coupled with pretty much anything, they are super cosy and can be worn all year round. In Davide's Boohoo collection I spotted a grey nylon version that had been slashed from £45 to just £31.50 online, another bargain.
With a pleated polyester interior, it is very comfortable to wear over a vest or t-shirt, but big enough for you to be able to squeeze a thicker jumper or sweatshirt underneath. I opted for the large size, because despite being a slim build, I am six-feet tall and like my clothes to be a little more on the baggy side. I was mostly pleased with the fit, however did find it to be a little on the short side.
Many of the items in Davide's new selection are timeless, with mainly neutral black, grey or beige colours that can make the perfect pairing for any outfit. Made of 90 per cent nylon, the bomber jacket feels good quality, with an elasticated string at the bottom which can be used to tighten the fit.
Boxy ribbed extended neck jumper - £17.50
We can face some pretty brisk weather when September hits in the UK. I already have a few trusty jumpers which I pull out of the suitcase at the same time every year, but knew I needed another one or two to polish off my wardrobe. I found a relaxed, ribbed, off-white jumper on sale for just £17.50 and was extremely pleased with the baggy fit.
Beige, creams, and white are very 'in colours' this season and some of my favourites. I have blonde hair, so I like to think these colours complement me and my skin tone. I also love extended neck jumpers, so opted to order this acrylic jumper in size large because I prefer a baggy fit.
I do like the sizing, although it may be a little too baggy for me, so would probably go for a medium if I was to order it again. The quality is good, and it isn't anywhere near as itchy as it looks, however I wore it with a white t-shirt underneath. It looks wintery and wooly, and can picture myself wearing it as I sit cradling a hot chocolate this winter.
I also spotted that it looked just like another ribbed mock-neck sweater from designer brand Hugo Boss, that would've otherwise set me back £239.
Towelling Harrington Jacket - £31.50
Reminding myself of the usual typical British weather, I thought one more jacket wouldn't hurt. This time, I opted for a slightly more lightweight jacket that I can keep in my wardrobe all year round and even pull out in summer. I found this off-white towelling Harrington jacket, that can be worn as an over-shirt, for £31.50, slashed from £45. Result.
Dubbed as a 'certified menswear classic' by Boohoo, the Harrington style, which boomed back in the 1960s, remains a wardrobe staple even today. They recommended teaming it with skinny-fit trousers or jeans, and a fresh white tee for an 'effortless style'. I opted for a size large, and it didn't feel too oversized or baggy.
The quality, for a budget range, was pretty good. The jacket can be worn casually, but I also plan to wear it 'dressed up', pairing it with some smart trousers and shoes for a more formal occasion.
Tapered pleat front trouser with chain - £22.40
Now for the tapered trousers. Again, I opted for the off-white colour in these, and they come with a chain attached to them to make them seem a little more premium. At £22.40, reduced by 30 percent from £32, I thought they were pretty good value, although the material didn't quite live up to the more 'premium' look I was after.
I always struggle to find trousers that fit. I am almost six feet tall, and have pretty long and skinny legs. Most jeans or trousers I buy go straight back in the bag and to the Post Office within minutes of being delivered because they are either too short or too large around the waist.
To my surprise, in a size small, these trousers are the perfect fit for me. I was elated when I opened the packaging and saw an elasticated waist, because I knew they would be snug. I am only a 30-inch waist size, and Boohoo recommended a size small after I submitted my sizing. Alas, they were right.
The trousers are trendy, and like much of the collection, could be dressed up or down, being paired with either trainers and a t-shirt for a more casual look, or smart shoes and a shirt for a more formal occasion. They look like a pain to iron though, and arrived incredibly creased.
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