The ultimate autumn shopping guide, from the best jeans and trainers to the only coats worth buying. These are the stylish, anti-ageing items every woman should own, hand-picked by fashion expert JOANNE HEGARTY

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It’s that most delicious time in the fashion calendar: glorious autumn.

The seasons have changed, the nights are longer and the air is crisp.

And if you haven’t already thought about what to buy, now’s certainly the time.

Yes, there’s still the odd sunny day – but those lightweight dresses and jackets need to be packed away and instead it’s time to concentrate on sumptuous cashmere and flattering tonal shades, warm layers and textures.

As a fashion expert and writer with decades of experience, I am here to help you curate your perfect wardrobe for this season.

I believe in quality over quantity and I tend to favour chic neutrals with an occasional pop of seasonal colour to keep things interesting.

The rich tones to relish this season are warm chocolate brown and caramels, chic charcoal greys, energising warm deep yellows and reds and refreshing and surprising cool blues.

Every woman can look stylish whatever her age and size – it’s just about picking the right pieces.

And I’m here to help.

Sifting through the high street can be a nightmare without an experienced eye (and who has the time?), so I have done the hours of research for you.

This really is a wonderful collection of style gems to add to your wardrobe this season. Happy shopping!

KEY BUY: A BEAUTIFUL JACKET AND COAT

Let’s begin with the big hitters – jackets and coats. These are the foundation of your autumn-winter wardrobe, so it really is worth picking something that will serve you year after year. Here’s my pick of the cream of the crop.

Jackets

For milder days, a long heavy cotton trench coat is a must. This one with concealed buttons from Mango is a goodie.

Suede is still a big trend this season, from jackets to accessories.

Massimo Dutti, the Spanish high-street chain, always do it best – try this suede leather blazer with pockets.

Or give suede a new season twist by choosing some boho fringed details from French label Sezane. 

Bomber jackets are very much in too and this leather one from Zara has been very popular with the style set. 

Coats

Brown is the new black and this high-end, double-breasted wool and cashmere-blend coat from Victoria Beckham in a scrumptious chocolate shade is style perfection.

If you want something a little more jaunty, checks and navy are two popular trends this autumn and this coat from French high-street hero Sezane has them all wrapped up.

The other big trend is faux fur – it really is a frenzy this season.

Get ahead of the pack with this cream stand-out one from the White Company’s relaunched autumn-winter collection.

Lastly, a double-breasted long coat in camel is always a chic classic and this one from Almada Label is scrumptious.

KNITWEAR EVERYONE WILL WANT

When it comes to knitwear, I like mine chunky and in cashmere.

Nobody beats Cos for these good quality basics that will keep you warm all season.

Start with this simple elegant merino wool V-neck in grey, perfect for layering over anything and teaming with wide leg trousers and pencil skirts.

If you want something more chunky, this funnel-neck in a deep autumnal burgundy shade is so good.

THREE JEANS STYLES YOU NEED TO KNOW

Comfy and slouchy

Think comfy and slouchy for this season – all the better to complement your chunky jumpers.

I love the name and fit of these Levi’s creations: the baggy dad jeans – and they’re flattering on the body.

Cuffed

The other style you need to know is cuffed denim. These extra details are a new season addition and add a fun twist to an everyday outfit.

Here are two of the best options: a flattering rigid denim from Frame with a high rise vintage feel, and a Cos pair in a dark indigo shade that’s selling fast.

A chic straight leg is the choice of many stylish celebrities this season, such as Margot Robbie and Dakota Johnson. These from Cos won’t break the bank, either.

COOLEST ACCESSORY ‘SMART SET’ JUST LOVE

Just because it’s autumn doesn’t mean it’s time to put your sunglasses away.

The pair that the style set are adding to their autumn outfits this year are chunky-rimmed aviator glasses.

These are a fun high-street pair from Other Stories to add a little edge to your favourite pieces.

THE ONLY FOUR TRAINERS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER

This season, trainers come in all the popular tones and can be worn with lots of day-to-day basics like blazers and denims. I know this is a minefield for so many women – as there’s just so much out there and popular styles seem to change in the blink of an eye.

These four really are the only ones you need.

Start with this sleek grey pair from New Balance – smart enough for work or go for an all-black Jacquemus pair. Want something more fun? These sky-blue Nike ones (currently on sale!) will perk up any outfit, as will Adidas’s Japan shoes with a bold stripe.

YES, YOU NEED AN AUTUMN SKIRT

This summer it was all about the white midi skirt. Autumn has a new star. Step forward the sexy pencil skirt.

This black one from Max Mara is timeless.

A leather skirt is such a fun piece to have in your wardrobe at this time of year. Style with an oversized blazer or a knit and some knee-high boots. Here are the best that are out there without breaking the bank: I love this Tiana Leather Midi Skirt in black – or the straight nappa style, both from Massimo Dutti.

SUIT UP

Suiting is loose and louche this season, and collarless suits are a fun new twist on the traditional trouser suit – including this one from Marks & Spencer.

I also love this oversized one in chocolate brown from The Frankie Shop – it would be perfect with leather trousers or leggings and boots.

THE ‘GOING OUT’ TOP 

You can’t beat a statement top for fun and frivolity. This one from French label LouLou de Saison ticks all the boxes.

Sheer dressing is going nowhere this season. You don’t have to do a Robbie and get your bum out. Instead, chic and subtle goes a long way.

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT LACE

Lace detailing is going absolutely nowhere for autumn and looks so good paired with knitwear and contrasting textures, such as leather and suede.

Here are two high-street goodies: the most fabulous dress that can be layered with knitwear and jackets, and a darling lace skirt from Zara that looks more than its price tag.

THE ABSOLUTE ESSENTIALS

Roll up, roll up. A crucial layering investment for this time of year. I always find my roll necks in Massimo Dutti.

Or Soft Goat brushed cashmere ones are divine.

Then there are boots. They come in all shapes and sizes but these suede brown ankle ones have gone straight on my wish list.

And if you want something high-end that will last you season after season, Khaite have a sumptuous selection. These are my favourites. And the little heel gives you an instant confidence boost.

TOP TROUSERS

Here’s a selection of my favourites. (These check ones from Zara are an especially good high-street find. And come with a matching blazer.)

I have these barrel-leg trousers from Cos in a few different shades and that I’m wearing here. They are so chic paired with either flats or heels.

And a full-length pair for when you want more ankle coverage as temperatures drop.

A special satin pair of trousers such as these from Almada paired with a favourite blazer for going out to dinner is always a good easy style recipe.

MY DREAM BAG THIS SEASON

I want this piece of delicious suede from Bottega to carry the kitchen sink around.

And this Ralph Lauren half-moon one, which also comes in black leather, gives off old-money eloquence.