The virtual watercooler

Office banter for the WFH generation

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Gilly Ferguson,-Writer

What we’re doing, craving and obsessing over this week

Partywear

Going ‘out out’

Autumn is upon us, Christmas is just around the corner and, if Google Trends is anything to go by (and it is), the UK is on the hunt for the best occasionwear of 2022. Searches are now up by 22%, fashion-fact fans, which means it’s officially the season for going ‘out out’. 

Winter weddings, big bashes, Christmas dos, dinner parties, bonfire night get-togethers, carol concerts, mini breaks, mini moons, romantic weekends away – there’s an occasion dress for every partygoer and budget. Want in on going out? Here are our favourites…

Something borrowed

Proof that designer shopping needn’t cost the earth, John Lewis fashion rental has your every wardrobe whim covered. Got an event coming up? Drumroll please: As of 3 October, you can rent your outfit from John Lewis.

Whether you’re a rental novice or seasoned pro, John Lewis fashion rental will be offering big-dollar designer numbers for hire alongside high-street favourites to keep costs low, help you dress more sustainably with ease – and deliver a guilt-free way to shop. 

Like the best clothing-rental services out there, there will be an outfit to suit every event, from the very best occasionwear brands in the business. Longing to rent designer clothes from the likes of O Pioneers, Seraphina, Overthesea and Elliatt? Well, now you can. Here’s to making those big moments count.

Erica Davies X John Lewis AW22

3 October also marks the launch of Erica Davies’ second design collaboration with John Lewis, offering an exclusive 16-piece collection, comprising her signature wide-fit boots, plus (new for 2022) 12 celebratory coats, all of which were designed to put the joy back into dressing.

We’ve thought really hard about these coats and boots – I want them to spark joy. I want you to feel amazing in them!

Erica Davies,-Fashion Editor & Stylist

And Davies gives great dressing. Whether you’re stuck in a style rut, looking to shop more sustainably, or are on the hunt for the best winter coat and boots combo, her new (bound-to-be-bestselling) pieces have been specifically designed to help you look and feel incredible. Prepare to fall in love with the lot.

Did you know? The coats will also be available to rent exclusively at John Lewis Fashion Rental.

Credits: Instagram @emsladedmondson @nicoleocran @trayslounge @isabelspearman
Credits: Instagram @emsladedmondson @nicoleocran @trayslounge @isabelspearman
Pumkin Picking
Credit: Getty Images

Country pumpkins

Fancy getting in on the Harvest Festival and Halloween action early this year? Think pumpkin picking. While everyone else is still busy kicking up autumn leaves, why not enjoy a fun family day out at one of the UK’s best pumpkin patches? Get that all-important family photo (read: pic for the ’gram), then tip off your fellow watercooler wing people. We’re loving Piglets Adventure Farm in York; Garsons farm in Surrey; Secretts at Hurst Farm in Surrey; Arnprior Farm in Stirlingshire, Scotland; National Forest Adventure Farm in Staffordshire; Cattows Farm in Leicestershire; Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park in Bristol; Farmer Copleys in Yorkshire; and Bell’s Pumpkin Patch in Lincolnshire. 

The Crown Netflix
The Crown - Netflix

The inside track

JOMO (joy of missing out), pamper season, Netflix-binge parties with pals, autumn: Whatever you call it, hunkering down on the sofa has never felt quite so good. Not tuning into that big football tournament that’s kicking off in November? Why not pop on some joyful jammies, quaff a Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini, take a squiz at the best loungewear buys of 2022, then settle in for the following instead?  

The Trapped 13: How We Survived The Thai Cave – a documentary that sees members of the Thai youth soccer team recount their harrowing, world-famous cave rescue (from 3 October).

Luckiest Girl Alive: Mila Kunis produces and stars in this adaptation of Jessica Knoll’s bestselling thriller (from 7 October).

The Good Nurse: this true-life crime drama stars Eddie Redmayne and Jessica Chastain (from 26 October).

Dead to Me season 3: Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini are back for their third slice of dark comedy (November). 

The Crown season 5: covering the early-to-mid 1990s, this royal fix is historical drama at its finest (November).

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