BASICS FOR EVERY GROWN-UP WARDROBE

Leg-lengthening, bottom-lifting jeans. There are so many good ones out there, from Topshop to J Brand and even (see far right) Vêtements, the only way to find the right pair is to make a day of it. Try them all on (go to one of the jeans bars in a department store and make them do the, er, legwork). A leather jacket. It doesn’t have to be a biker or black, but shiny, robust fabrics add polish and attitude to an outfit and never date. Olive bomber, £425 (whistles. com, available next week)

Diamonds: discreet or Taylor-esque, there’s a reason why they don’t lose their value. Avoid staid designs. Stephen Webster + Tracey Emin Love 18-karat gold diamond bracelet, £1,400 (net-a-porter. com)

A crisp light blue shirt – a white shirt is a backbone in most wardrobes, but blue is softer, more interesting, goes with everything and is less likely

to look like a stark uniform.

Blue shirt, £12.99 (hm.com)

A Maxmara coat – they don’t come more classic (without being boring) or longer-lasting. Jaeger used to be the British benchmark of coats, but these are much better. Pricey, but you’ve earned it. A gilt-chain bag – there will never be a time when you won’t be pleased you have one. The chain is not only handy but decorative. Make quality a priority. Sophie Hulme’s are interwoven with leather, so very hard-wearing. Sophie Hulme Milner Nano envelope bag, £256 (matchesfashion.com)

A tailored blazer – there isn’t a woman, a time or a place that this doesn’t suit.