There’s something about the colder weather that makes us look at our wardrobes and decide we have absolutely nothing to wear.
The temperature drops, the sandals are finally put away, and suddenly everything we wore quite happily last year feels as though it needs a rethink.
But we’re not suggesting an entirely new wardrobe. Quite the opposite.
Sometimes all it takes is one really good knit, a little colour or a beautiful pair of boots to make everything you already own feel interesting again.
Here are three things currently catching our eye.
The knit:
There’s a lot to be said for knitwear that looks just as good thrown over jeans as it does with tailored trousers.
We particularly love Toteme for its beautifully simple, oversized shapes and understated colours. The sort of pieces you can pull out year after year without wondering why you bought them.
Wear a chunky knit with your favourite denim, layer it over a crisp white shirt or pair it with something a little smarter for dinner.
Nothing complicated. Just really good knitwear doing what really good knitwear should.
The colour:
Cold-weather dressing doesn't have to mean wearing nothing but beige, grey and black until spring.
Aligne has some gorgeous colours in its latest collection, from deep plum and rich red to navy, alongside the relaxed tailoring we love.
And you don't need to embrace an entirely new colour palette. One beautiful burgundy jacket or a pair of well-cut trousers can make the cream knit, black boots and favourite coat you already own feel completely different.
Sometimes a little colour is all that's missing.
The boots:
We have a particular weakness for a beautiful pair of boots, and the Joss Bootie in Espresso Suede from Dear Frances has our attention.
Simple, elegant and in exactly the shade of chocolate brown we seem to want everything to be.
They're the sort of boots that work with denim for lunch, tailored trousers for work or a favourite skirt for an evening out.
And that's really the appeal. Shoes that don't require you to buy an entirely new outfit to go with them.
A little wardrobe rethink
Before adding anything new to your basket, it's worth spending half an hour looking at what you already have.
Pull out the pieces you've forgotten about. Try your favourite things together in a different way. Wear the lovely coat you've been saving, or the jumper you normally keep for best.
And if you do decide to treat yourself to something new, make it something you'll want to wear with at least three things you already own.
We're increasingly convinced that a wardrobe full of things you genuinely love is far more satisfying than one full of things you barely remember buying.
Buy a little less, choose a little better, and wear your favourite things more often.