Invest in autumn: eight wardrobe classics

The coat

THEY SAY: Every year we get a coat obsession. Last time it was the cream coat, this winter it's all about the dark olive green.  Marks & Spencer's military offering will work beautifully with navy, denim and white: it's so versatile.

WE SAY: Good old M&S has really pulled it out of the bag wth this warm-enough-for-the-trenches coat.
£129. www.marksandspencer.com

The skirt

THEY SAY: A fringed skirt might not seem like a wardrobe classic at first, but in our books a statement skirt is a true icon. Add a grey marl knit or classic T-shirt and you create instant, effortless cool.

WE SAY: Essential? Maybe not. But bloody lovely, nonetheless!
£180. www.day.dk

The dress

THEY SAY: Made with the original patterns from the late '70s, this dress has a real vintage feel about it. It's also made from quality fabric, has designer detailing and a very flattering cut, no matter what your height.

WE SAY: The perfect substitute for when your mum has thrown away all of her cool old frocks.
£89. www.uk.monsoon.co.uk

The suit

THEY SAY: In an interview with us, Matches Fashion's Ruth Chapman mentioned a YSL velvet suit as one of the hardest working pieces in her wardrobe. This season, the suit also happens to be a mega-trend. We love this lux velvet Boden version. Add a statement top for the evening or a plain grey T-shirt and flats for an informal meeting.

WE SAY: Anything that makes you feel like Bianca Jagger is a winner.
Blazer, £129; Trousers, £69. www.boden.co.uk

The lipstick

THEY SAY: Red is our go-to lip colour, moving into a slightly more plummy tone come autumn. Bobbi Brown's matte lipstick in Crimson is a rich deep colour and doesn't give you desert-dry lips.

WE SAY: An autumn update for just twenty quid - kerching!
£20. www.bobbibrown.co.uk

The flats

THEY SAY: These wardrobe heroes will rescue your look time and time again - just think of them as a flat heel! This pair will be in your wardrobe for as long as you look after them.

WE SAY: Yes they're pricey, but think of the money you'll save on blister plasters.
£435. www.aquazzura.com

The jeans

THEY SAY: The '70s trend has been around for a couple of seasons npw but it's still very relevant this autumn. These Marrakesh flares by MiH are the only ones you'll ever need: so flattering, making legs long and bums pert!

WE SAY: A classic pair of jeans will be in your wardrobe for donkies. Just ask B*witched. Or don't. 
£195. www.mih-jeans.com

The boot

THEY SAY: A statement boot has a timeless quality which lends to multiple trends. The season, Chloe's Susanna boot taps in perfectly to the glam vibe. Pair with a simple LBD, jeans or leather leggings and, like any good boots, they'll just work.

WE SAY: Seriously stompy boots to pass down to the grandkids.
£675. www.shopbop.com