Happy Blending

We are entering the favourite fashion period of year for many of us. There's still time to take advantage of the last of the summer sun, but with a incipient chill that prompts the desire – no, the need – to invest in new key pieces to update and supplement our existing wardrobe.

At its simplest, this can mean a new cardigan, whether it's a gorgeous new maxi version to wear belted over leggings and/or maxi skirts, or a hip-hugging fine-knit in camel (the perfect trans-season shade this year).

Look out too for short capes in knitted or woven wool (again, the camel cape is a key season piece for autumn) and also gilets (fur gilets are back again this year, especially when nipped in with a slim belt), both of which look fabulous teamed with long-sleeve filmy blouse and skinny dark blue jeans, for a neat, slightly folksy look.

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The heritage theme is making another outing this autumn, so bring out your tweedy jackets and look out for tartan and tweed checked full and maxi skirts, to wear with short fitted sweaters (try camel or green). Pay attention to details such as leather binding on seams, and understand that the whole layered looks for this autumn should be a clever and

subtle play of texture and colour, mixing wool,

leather, silky and see-through fabrics (with pattern, try classic dots or paisley prints) and fur for a strong and contemporary feel.

Accessories really come into their own for autumn. Look out for sturdy boots, flat or heeled, with tractor soles and lots of lacing and buckle detail, or for fur cuff boots, of which there are so many versions of all heel heights.

Belts are key and look best this season slim and tied in little knot, while the best bags are roomy leather satchel styles. Scarves for early autumn look good slim and wrapped loosely around the neck.

Fur on anything – boots, bags, snoods – makes the perfect "step-into-winter" trim, but for a look that's neat and super-stylish, try a nifty coloured trilby.