Not going out

Now, I am not entirely sure what a clout is, nor do I have any meteorological training whatsoever, but I take this to mean that we're probably in for a few more cold snaps before spring has truly sprung.

Recent weekends have provided heavenly opportunities for staying indoors and simply lounging about. Some call it chillin', some chin-chillin' (don't know why), and some go just that one step further and refer to it as a Duvet Day, indicating their intention to stay in PJs for at least 24 hours, with frequent naps either in bed or on the sofa with a quilt. Teenagers love it, and they are far from alone, because there is such comfort to be had in having nothing to do but read, sleep, listen to the radio and watch daytime TV.

Easy days need easy clothes – easy to pull on and pull off, easy to move in and easy to sit in, sleep in and lounge in. Natural fibres are best, so look for brushed cotton, cashmere and wool. Silk crushes too easily and is too slippy, and linen can feel a little harsh for indoors, unless it's the washed and pummelled variety.

What's needed is a capsule wardrobe of pieces that blend and work together with comfort and ease. Go for a neutral colour palette of the pale nude browns (buff, taupe, caramel and so on), to mix with creams, whites, greys and the odd flash of back and navy. Red and bright pink are a little on the garish side for proper at-home chillin', and really it is best to stick to restful colours. Head for The White Company for ideas both for your own attire and for dressing the home (because it is becoming increasingly essential to match one's interior).

If you fancy a little gentle exercise, just to keep the blood moving, you'll find it quite easy to do in loose-fitting lounge-about separates. Layering is key, with cosy knits that can be removed to stop over-heating.

If you're canny, you can make a start on buying in your holiday wardrobe, picking up cotton tops and trousers, and lightweight knitted cardigans and hoodies, which can double as both cosy at-home wear and easy separates for warmer weather. Again, this is why a neutral base is so useful, so do look out for those nudes and whites, which layer so beautifully and look luxuriously elegant when accessorised with metallics and the odd splash of brights.

Speaking of accessories, at-home footwear means long socks and slipper boots, or chic knitted slipper pumps. Sure, if you have under-floor heating, you can go for bare feet and/or sandals, but it's less than comfortable otherwise. Nothing worse than feeling all wrapped up and cosy, then finding your toes are chillin' more literally than you would prefer.

Keep a cashmere throw on the sofa and a pair of woolly socks in every room, that's my considered advice.