CLOTHES FOR LIVING
Erica Davies x John Lewis - Style With Purpose Collection

Women's Fashion & Outfit Ideas

Alison Taylor,-Fashion Editor

As the second of our Style With Purpose capsule collections arrives in store – with 15% of sales going to Refuge – we ask our lineup of women what style means to them, and what they love about the community they live in

October is here, which means thoughts turn to big coats, cosy knitwear and the arrival of autumn proper, both mentally and sartorially. The second of our Style With Purpose collections reflects this change in season and mood.

‘I was really thinking about this time of year, and the fact that we are still navigating the challenges of Covid, and “cosy”, “comfortable” and “casual” were the words I kept coming back to,’ says author and editor Erica Davies who curated and styled the collection.

‘There’s a focus on practical and stylish overcoats for going out and about in, a versatile mix of textures and layering pieces, and lots of casual styles such as tracksuits or lounge pants worn with cashmere sweatshirts and hoodies. Hopefully it’s a really useful, practical edit of clothes that people will be able to wear and be comfortable in.’

As with the September edit, 15% of every sale will be donated to domestic abuse charity Refuge, to support the record rise in demand for its services this year. And to give us some styling inspiration, our lineup of incredible women is back. They are mothers, daughters, students, business owners and creatives – all living their lives as active citizens in their communities, which we were keen to ask them about. We also put it to them: what does style with purpose mean to you?

Ramla, student

‘My style has always been my way of expressing myself. When I was younger people assumed that being a hijabi meant fashion and certain opportunities were closed to us, that our women would just blend into the background. But that’s so far from the truth. Muslim women are still women – wearing a hijab, a niqab or a turban is a form of expression.’

Coats

Ramla, student

‘My style has always been my way of expressing myself. When I was younger people assumed that being a hijabi meant fashion and certain opportunities were closed to us, that our women would just blend into the background. But that’s so far from the truth. Muslim women are still women – wearing a hijab, a niqab or a turban is a form of expression.’

‘I always tell people who’ve never been that there’s nowhere quite like London – the mix of culture, history and opportunities is forever fascinating. My favourite thing is the endless galleries and theatres you can visit. I love that I could probably go to brunch, see Hamlet and learn to juggle all in the same day!’

Coats

‘I always tell people who’ve never been that there’s nowhere quite like London – the mix of culture, history and opportunities is forever fascinating. My favourite thing is the endless galleries and theatres you can visit. I love that I could probably go to brunch, see Hamlet and learn to juggle all in the same day!’

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India, Dancer

‘I have a strong connection to my home because I was actually born in the living room of my house – unplanned! All the memories of growing up in my area still resonate with me deeply, and as I walk the streets today it’s a constant reminder of the journey that’s taken me to where I am now. I love my friendly neighbours and the sense of togetherness.’

Coats

India, Dancer

‘I have a strong connection to my home because I was actually born in the living room of my house – unplanned! All the memories of growing up in my area still resonate with me deeply, and as I walk the streets today it’s a constant reminder of the journey that’s taken me to where I am now. I love my friendly neighbours and the sense of togetherness.’

‘I think style goes a lot further than just what looks good and is on trend. It really represents people and who they are. I love the endless possibilities of how you can present and express yourself.’

Coats

‘I think style goes a lot further than just what looks good and is on trend. It really represents people and who they are. I love the endless possibilities of how you can present and express yourself.’

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Ann, Filmmaker

‘To me, style with purpose means dressing appropriately and for the job in hand.’

Coats

Ann, Filmmaker

‘To me, style with purpose means dressing appropriately and for the job in hand.’

Lola, Sales Director

‘I love the green spaces, local shops and the neighbours where I live.’

Coats

Lola, Sales Director

‘I love the green spaces, local shops and the neighbours where I live.’

Style With Purpose

Naomi, dance school director

‘Style with purpose means absolutely being yourself in what you choose to wear. Creating a visual and outward expression of yourself, being bold enough to create your own style while feeling confident and comfortable enough to wear it.’

Coats

Naomi, dance school director

‘Style with purpose means absolutely being yourself in what you choose to wear. Creating a visual and outward expression of yourself, being bold enough to create your own style while feeling confident and comfortable enough to wear it.’

‘I love the sense of community where we live. It means my kids can go out and will be safe among people they know or who know me. It takes a village to raise a child.’

Coats

‘I love the sense of community where we live. It means my kids can go out and will be safe among people they know or who know me. It takes a village to raise a child.’

Learn more about Refuge.

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