Have you got your alfresco blanket?

Aessai Condor Scarves

Tier 2 restrictions aside, we’re not in total lockdown yet. So what are you wearing for your outdoor dining experience? According to WSJ (pay wall) it’s all about the dinner blanket. Aka dress-up capes, blankets, and shawls for keeping you warm for the winter alfresco season. Should be interesting…

Chloe, Burberry and Joseph are ahead of the curve already; blanket-style dressing has been a mainstay of those brands for aeons. New to the fold is Aessai (above, a play on ‘essay’) founded by Argentinian designer Rebecca Kramer. Her all-enveloping blankets, shawls and ponchos are made from heavyweight blends of extra-fine merino wool and alpaca using traditional techniques and materials. Look out for it next month at Matches*. Closely related, keep an eye out for ample variations on the quilted coat. The ultimate social distanced outerwear, these voluminous padded ponchos and capes (like this Burberry number*) are made for brunch in a Joy ‘pavilion’.

Other things to consider. Feet. If you’re prone to cold feet, they’ll suffer more if you’re seated outside, so get properly attired in socks and boots. I like these Rototo double-face merino socks* and Loeffler Randall tall boots*. Head coverings are another consideration. Beanies are the obvious one but personally I don’t love them – I prefer berets and balaclavas*. And finally, my favourite; the gigantic chunky scarf. Nothing makes you more alfresco-ready than a massive muffler. Begg & Co is the master of unusual colour combos and tactile weaves (just beware of those tassels in the tagliatelle)…

NOW CLICK BELOW TO SHOP THE POST. (I MAY EARN A COMMISSION ON THE BASKET VALUE OF ITEMS BOUGHT*)…

WORDS: Disneyrollergirl/Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGE:  Aessai
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links* and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here

CLICK HERE to get Disneyrollergirl blog posts straight to your inbox once a week
CLICK HERE to buy my book The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman