Five Pieces Worth Buying This Autumn (and What to Skip)

Every September the shops fill with more than anyone could possibly wear, so here is the short version: five things that will still look right in three autumns, and two that will not.

1. The long camel coat

If you buy one thing, buy this. Single-breasted, a shade darker than you think, cut to fall below the knee. Wear it open over black, belted over a dress, thrown over jeans and a white shirt on a Sunday. It makes everything under it look intentional.

2. A chunky knit in oatmeal

Not cream, not grey; oatmeal, the colour of a good porridge. It goes with every trouser in the palette above and takes a gold pendant beautifully.

3. Leather trousers, straight, black

Real or good faux, the cut matters more than the material. Straight leg, mid-rise, no shine. They dress up with a silk shirt and down with the oatmeal knit, and they replace the black jeans on days you want a bit more edge.

4. Loafers with a proper sole

The one purchase that transforms an outfit at ankle level. Look for a thick, slightly lugged sole, a plain vamp and black or dark brown leather. Wear with socks when it turns cold; nobody will mind.

5. A silk scarf in a print you love

This is where you let colour in. Tie it at the neck, on the bag, in the hair. It costs less than a coat and changes the coat completely.

What I am skipping

Cargo everything. The pockets never sit right, and the ones that do cost more than the loafers. Micro bags. Beautiful, useless, and you will still need a tote for the umbrella.

Buy the coat. Skip the bag. Wear the scarf until it frays.