A high summer wardrobe is like a holiday romance. It’s fleeting and only really works in blazing sunshine. Autumn/winter trends are where your dedication and investment really pay off, thanks to the British climate. Buy wisely and your new threads will be faithful to you until next May’s T-shirt weather. This is the season to be playful with textures, snuggle up in oversized knits, and be bold with rich hues. Time to embrace an autumnal aesthetic.

WINTER PASTELS
Freshen up the traditional winter palette with dreamy pastels. Instead of sickly sweet, think cool tones like lavender, mint and ice blue.

Avoid prints and detailing and reach for pale, block colour so your pastels really pack a punch.

Make a bold statement with a matching suit, or co-ords set in the same hue, for a streamlined silhouette.

KEY PIECE: Transform drab winter outfits with a pastel overcoat inspired by Gucci. Pick your favourite sugary hue and go for a sleek, minimalist cut or fuzzy teddy bear texture.

SWINGING SIXTIES
Go back in time to a wardrobe stocked with shifts, A-lines and Peter Pan collars. The Sixties is a major influence on this season’s silhouette.

The key shape is structured with high necklines.

Once layering season begins, recycle a sleeveless shift dress by wearing over a rollneck sweater with a prim belted pea coat.

KEY PIECE: Give a nod to mod with a Sixties A-line skirt a la Miu Miu. Try a buttery soft leather for versatility, or make a double impact with a bold, retro print.

MILITARY MODE
Stand to attention for this season’s frontlineinspired fashion. Utilitarian khaki is key for daywear, so weave the colour into your autumn uniform and dismiss camouflage prints.

Whether it’s a coat, shirt or tunic dress, maintain a no-frills, practical aesthetic with combat-style oversize pockets. Give your khaki tones some interest by mixing up tough textures like leather and wool.

KEY PIECE: If you can’t stretch to Lanvin’s leather trench, march into the office (or pub) in a khaki shirt dress and team with fierce boots.

CHECK MATE
Forget stripes and erase spots, this is the winter of the square. Checks come in every guise from traditional, bold tartans to minimalist windowpane squares.

Be a true grid geek by clashing tartan and checks together for a geometric mash-up. Just ensure there’s a common colour running throughout both prints to keep them coordinated.

KEY PIECE: Make like a Burberry model by draping this season’s blanket poncho over your shoulders. Look for oversized checks with accents of rich, autumnal colours like berry red.

WOODLAND FANTASY
Embrace a whimsical look with this season’s fairytale fashion theme. The antithesis of minimalism, folk influences on the catwalks ranged from applique woodland creatures through to hand-painted floral prints.

The silhouette is relaxed and flowing, so look for fringing, pleats and maxi lengths that create movement when you walk. Add texture with faux fur and woolly accessories.

KEY PIECE: Follow in Dolce & Gabbana’s folk footsteps with a busy statement piece that incorporates handicraft touches and decorative detail.

FURRY FINESSE
The ultimate texture for this season is shaggy.

Faux fur, fuzzy knits, statement shearling – tactile touch-me fabrics have invaded the outerwear aisles.

Overcoats and gilets work best, but balance out the fluff factor with a streamlined outfit underneath. Sleek leather or body-skimming silk is the perfect antidote.

KEY PIECE: If you don’t want to go all-out, opt for a Prada-inspired fuzzy-trim coat. Aim for a furry collar and cuffs so big that you can forgo your scarf and gloves.