AUTUMN…. BRING IT ON!
Wrap up for the cosy season
ROSE TINTED
Perennially chic and infinitely wearable, the shirt dress is a true classic that no woman’s wardrobe should be without. It’s super flattering, yes, but it also boasts the kind of wear-with-anything appeal that makes it a year-round essential. This season, how about a fine needle cord version in a soft shade of rose? All you need is a poloneck for layering, knee-high boots and a knitted beret (plus a dog, if you have one to hand). Dress, £110, 6-22, Boden. Poloneck, £99, xs-l, Winser London. Cashmere beret, £149, Brora. Boots, £475, 3-8, L.k. bennett
SUITS YOU
Suiting takes a more relaxed approach this season with elegant styles that make day-to-day dressing a breeze. The best thing about the slouchy suit is its versatility, and accessorising well will totally transform the overall effect. Preppy sleeveless knits and classic loafers shout ‘back to school style’, or team with a simple poloneck and box-fresh trainers for a sleek off-duty uniform. Blazer, £449; blouse, £199; trousers, £299, all xs-l, Luisa Cerano. Cashmere sleeveless knit (just seen), £295, 8-18, Brora. Bag, £395, Aspinal of London. Loafers, £49, 3-8, Miss KG
TOP COAT
A camel coat is the ultimate in understated luxury, promising maximum style mileage for many winters to come. For a quick fashion fix, add a leather tie belt and wear over a floaty midi dress to give a nod to the 1970s-inspired collections that were all over the autumn/winter catwalks. Coat, £395, 6-16, L.k. bennett. Dress, £329, 4-18, Whistles. Fedora, £59.95, Schoffel. Boots, £140, 3-8, Dune London
FAIR’S FAIR
From striped sleeveless tank tops to traditional diamond prints, knitwear with a retro vibe is making a comeback. For a hit of nostalgia, we love this bright Fair Isle cardigan; paired with tailored tweed trousers and a white silk shirt, it’ll offer you a look that is both fresh and sophisticated. Cardigan, £145; shirt, £115, both xs-xxl, Gant. Trousers, £139.95, 8-22, Madeleine. Bag, £250; boots, £215, 3-9, both Fairfax & Favor. Socks, £16, Falke
GOT THE BLUES
A classic cable-knit sweater is a seasonal must thanks to its warmth, durability and intricate detailing. Yes, it’s perfect for cosy weekend style, but why not up your fashion credentials and layer over a chiffon blouse and slick pencil skirt for versatile hi-lo dressing? Finish the look with on-trend polka dot tights and ankle boots. Jumper, £159, 4-18, The White Company. Blouse, £119.95, 8-22, Madeleine. British Tweed skirt, £299, 6-16, Winser London. Tights, £6, s-xl, Marks & Spencer. Boots (just seen), £159, 2-9, Kurt Geiger London
SCANDI CRUSH
As temperatures dip, we can seek comfort in stylish luxuries. This cosy Scandi-style knit is the perfect piece for low-key looks, sitting snugly under a soft wool coat and teamed with cords. Alternatively, wear with your favourite jeans, luxe track pants or layer over a chiffon dress for a touch of weekend cool. Jacket, £275, xs-xxl, Gant. Jumper, £195; cords, £169, both 8-18, Brora. Scarf (worn in hair), £45, David Watson
SOFT TOUCH
If you invested in buttery-soft leather trousers last winter, then you made a well-considered choice, as the trend is going nowhere. Tactile pieces in chocolate, tan and burgundy show a soft edge, while a relaxed wide-leg style adds a touch of elegance to both your on and off-duty look. A cashmere rollneck sweater and loafers complete the pared-back outfit. Cashmere jumper, £199; leather trousers, £349, both 6-18; silk scarf (worn in hair), £99, all Baukjen. Loafers, £34, 3-7, Next
WEEKEND WONDER
If your style agenda is to look smart but feel comfortable, a belted leather jacket is a must-have that will elevate a chunky knit and cords. Wear with a bold printed scarf and patent loafers to add impact to your downtime look. Relaxing has never been so stylish. Belted PU jacket, £48, 6-22, Next. Jumper, £145, xs-l, Reiss. Cords, £49, 6-20, La Redoute. Silk scarf (worn in hair), £99, Baukjen. Loafers, £49, 3-8, Miss KG
FINE PRINT
Master the art of pairing prints with a perfectly cut houndstooth blazer and pretty floral blouse. The trick here is to keep colours tonal, with shades of green and a pop of purple to add interest. The mood-boosting benefits of colour are well documented, so the combination of this stylish duo is bound to have a positive effect.
Blazer, £275; blouse, £165, both 6-16, ME+EM. Jeans (just seen), £109.95, 8-22, Madeleine
BUCKLE UP
If it’s a polished uptown look you strive for, then a smart belted coat should be your first port of call. Navy looks softer than black and we love the gold buttons and buckle on this version for a finishing flourish. You can wear it with pretty much everything, but a camel cashmere poloneck and check trousers work for us.
Coat, £279; trousers, £79, both 8-18, Phase Eight. Cashmere rollneck, £89, 6-24, Autograph at Marks & Spencer. Scarf (worn in hair), £95, Aspinal of London. Loafers, £225, 3-8, L.k.bennett