9 key new-season styles Update your wardrobe
Whether it’s a must-have floral frock, a bold check blazer or a new colour to try, we have the looks you need this autumn
The shirt dress
This is a wardrobe multitasker that is well worth the investment. Team with a skinny-rib poloneck and knee-high boots (one of autumn’s key accessories), or try wearing unbuttoned over a pair of wide-leg trousers (plus the poloneck!) for a stylish, layered look. Dress, £175, 6-20, Jaeger. Poloneck, £26, 8-20, Next. Boots, £95, 3-8, Dorothy Perkins
The check blazer
Checks are bolder and bigger this season, and a blazer is a simple way to adopt the trend. Use it to instantly smarten up your favourite jeans, or, for maximum wardrobe mileage, pair with wide-leg culottes or a flowing chiffon dress. Jacket, £129, 6-18, Mint Velvet. Blouse, £65, 8-16, Phase Eight. Jeans, £99, 8-18, Baukjen. Bag, £80, Dune. Shoes, £39.50, 3-8, Autograph at M&S
Dark florals
Beautiful blooms are everywhere, though forget the pretty ditsy prints of summer, the new season is far more dramatic, with oversized florals in a rich, dark colour palette. Try a chiffon or silk print blouse with a chic pencil skirt for a neat daytime look, or go for gothic glamour in a flowing midi dress. Dress, £65, 8-20, Dorothy Perkins. Poloneck, £18, 10-20, M&CO. Belt, £35, xs-xxl, Gap. Boots, £169, 3-7, Mint Velvet
The teddy jacket
Cosy teddy coats were huge last winter (and are still around this year), however the high street has also gone for shorter versions this season, which can refresh your weekend wardrobe. Team with faux leather trousers and a Breton-style top for easy everyday style. Jacket, £130, 8-16, Great Plains. Top, £65, xs-xxl, Gant. Trousers, £37.99, 8-20, Bonprix. Scarf, £45, David Watson
The cape
Sleek with a hint of 1970s sophistication, the cape will instantly update your wardrobe. Slip on over jeans and a pussy bow blouse for a cool, off-duty look. Cape, £249, 6-18, The White Company. Blouse, £28, 6-20, Next. Jeans, £49.95, 8-20, Gap. Clutch, £145, Lola Rose
Cool colour combos
Bold, bright colours are so much easier to wear when paired with a neutral. Orange and navy or yellow and khaki are harmonious partners. As for us, we’re opting for red and camel to add some happy hues to our winter wardrobe. Jumper, £49, 8-18, Monsoon. Trousers, £89, 8-18, John Lewis & Partners. Trainers, £99, 3-8, Carvela
Top-to-toe colour
Wearing just one colour may seem a bit daunting, but choosing tonal shades in softer hues can be extremely flattering. An easy way to do this is with a matching two-piece suit. Break up the colour by wearing a paler top, and accessorize with a bag in a darker shade. Jacket, £99; trousers, £69, both
8-20, John Lewis & Partners. Top,
£18, 8-20, Debenhams. Bag, £65, Fiorelli. Trainers, £75, 3-9, New Balance
Winter white
Want to nail this elegant look? Mix textures and pair neutrals together; a soft camel poloneck and pale beige accessories will always look expensive. Make a soft, luxe coat your key buy and you’ll make a stylish entrance. Coat, £160, xs-xl, Great Plains. Poloneck, £22, 10-20, M&CO. Dress, £35, 8-20; boots, £35, 3-7, both Next. Bag, £73, Dune
The trench
We know it’s a classic, but the timeless appeal of the trench coat means it’s constantly reinvented. Looser styles with a more relaxed fit are the order of the day, as are silk neck scarves and 1970s-style slouch-knee boots. Trench, £189, 6-18, Mint Velvet. Shirt, £30, 10-32, JD Williams. Culottes,
£199, 8-18, Hobbs. Scarf, £12.99, Mango. Boots, £95, 3-8, Dorothy Perkins