11 stylish autumn buys from the high street

Trends aren’t what they used to be. Instead of careening towards us with the frenzy of Jeremy Clarkson trying to get his crops in before the next weather apocalypse, fashion is now delivering a steady trickle of thoughtful, practical ideas (rainwear, particularly lightweight quilted jackets and gilets, are having a major design moment) that stick around for ages, giving designers time to hone them and the rest of us time to work out what suits us.

Two of the most fashionable colours this autumn aren’t yellow or mustard, which look good on about three people, but universally flattering blues and greens – vibrant enough to make all your favourite neutrals pop, without being strident. Denim has been smartened up – again – for more relaxed office dress codes. But if you prefer something softer, these baby blue cords from Boden, worn with a knitted tank and a decorative blouse – two other wardrobe staples – are just the ticket.

Cord trousers, £90, Boden

Cobalt blue is all over the place and looks gorgeous with cream, chocolate, paler blues and even the aforementioned mustard. You don’t need much of it to make your outfit pop, which is what makes this bag from Wandler such a good buy. A small indie Dutch label, Wandler makes chic, high-quality bags in supple leathers that become cults, but without the huge markups of some of the big brands. If you fancy a big label bag in a punchy shade without the £1,500-£2,000 price tag, check out cocoon.club, where you can rent hot-ticket styles such as Bottega Veneta’s Cassette and Pouch bags or Loewe’s Flamenco, Woven Upcycled and Puzzle bags for up to a month at a time.

Cotton wool blend jacket, £115 Sezane

Khaki, grey or navy still have plenty of life in them. Jigsaw’s City coat comes in all three shades and 100 per cent wool and is such good quality and such a well-engineered classic that five of us on the Fashion Team have it. Knits have raised their game again – Sezane’s sustainable knitted jacket is the epitome of smart comfort. Meanwhile this cardigan (below) from British/Irish label &Daughter, an au courant wrap shape, comes in a lovely steel grey or navy. This is a proper investment piece, beautifully cut, made from ethically sourced wool. Thanks to its weight, it hangs like a kimono jacket, rather than a sack, and looks good with everything. All that’s needed to glam it up for night is a silky camisole and some minimalist jewellery. Chunky chains are everywhere, so this sleek bangle from Missoma makes a stylish change.

Cashmere cardigan, £425, And-daughter

Shoes – or more likely boots – are still flat, like this pair from Hush with durable, chunky rubber soles that give you height (and lumbar support), making all those higher waisted flared trousers that are back in favour tenable and all those floaty summer dresses more versatile and less twee. A newer addition is the lace-up boots – like these from Aeyde, a small German label – more elegant but just as comfortable, this style works for evenings.

Rather than yet another flouncy floral frock, this autumn’s key dress-buy is plain and goes with anything colour. It isn’t tight but has some shape and comes in a soft, flowy fabric that can be layered up and still look sleek. The Elsie dress from the Swedish label Baukjen in a sustainable viscose mix does all the above and works day and night and across the seasons. I’ve popped the classic, flattering velvet Albaray dress in, even though it’s probably more of a towards-Christmas buy, because at that price it’s good to get in early...

Prioritising cut and fabric, keeping longevity at the front of our minds, and always thinking about what suits our bodies and lifestyles... anyone would think we were becoming French. I won’t tell them if you don’t.

Leather boots, £545, Aeyde; Wandler leather bag, £570, Matches Fashion; Leather boots, £169, Hush; Gold plated bangle, £98 Missoma