what you need now in your wardrobe

This week has certainly been chilly, but it's not yet Winter coat cold. So what do you wear in these in-between weeks that can keep you warm but also keep you looking stylish.

Jackets and coats are a huge weakness of mine, but I think are a necessity to have in your wardrobe for changing seasons. Jackets bring me great joy and having just counted them up in my wardrobe, all ... of them - which makes me sound like the Imelda Marcos of outerwear! But I honestly wear them all and some date back from over a decade ago.

From bombers, bikers, blazers and military jackets, I have got them all! But I love the versatility of a jacket, it can be worn over dresses, tops, jumpsuits or under heavier coats and scarves in the winter. They can pull a look together in seconds, and your jacket can be your statement piece that doesn't need to be thought over.

I love a jacket with some detailing on it like embroidery, brocade, sequins, something that really adds some style to your outfit. On the flipside a leather and a denim jacket will never go out of fashion and if you buy the right one for shape, length and colour then there will never be a need to buy a new one or update it.

Happily, this is the perfect moment for a good jacket – it’s cooled down to the point where you can keep it on all day, but we’ve got a few weeks yet before we have to we ensconce ourselves in parkas, fur coats and puffa jackets. I have been rotating my embroidered bomber, my khaki military jacket and my new leopard print biker from Mango for daily life, work and mum stuff.

If you fancy adding a jacket to your wardrobe, then see my pick of the best on the high street right now-

1. Topshop Velvet puffa jacket - £69

2. Zara Embroidered velvet jacket £89.99

3. Mango leopard print biker jacket £39.99

4. Mango DB military navy jacket £89.99

5. River Island blush drawstring jacket £35.00

Can you wear converse with everything?

edits styling notes

This humble sneaker has long been owned by many of us and considered as one of our wardrobe staples. But should it be elevated to 'hero' due to it's ability to multi-task within our wardrobes? No longer a sports shoe, the classic Chuck Taylor has made it's way into the fashion mainstream. The timeless all-white sneaker is all the rage — again. Actually I don’t think it ever really went away. And just like denim jeans and the classic white shirt, the white sneaker is also ageless, classless and timeless. Just what every woman needs!

Last week Alexa Chung was seen on the beach with hers, gone are the Birkenstocks of last year, her old faithfuls went on holiday with her this year.

For several years now, a younger fashion set have ditched their predecessors’ love of stilettos for more sensible footwear — mostly sneakers — a trend coined as “normcore”. Needless to say the fashion industry, which often takes its cues from the street, has in recent seasons featured more athletic-inspired and the very on-trend sports luxe looks on the runways. As a consequence the traditional sports shoe has transformed into more contemporary versions and is being paired with everything from couture to casual.

So to prove how versatile they are, I set myself the challenge of whether my white converse high-tops can be worn with everything in my wardrobe, read on for the outcome....

1. Dungeree's + Converse = A timeless duo

2. Jumpsuit + converse = Will never go out of style

3. Jeans + sweater + converse = Relaxed weekend look

4. Trousers + converse = Sports luxe look

5. Flowery dress + converse = A match made in heaven

6. Tailored masculine pieces + converse = Most stylish at the office

7. Skirt + converse = A modern and stylish look

Why Leopard print looks good at any age

It's not what you wear, it's how you style it. The key to wearing it well isn't down to the pieces, but the attitude behind them.

Print is king for AW16 and whilst there is alot of talk about zebra prints and cowhide spots, our much-loved leopard print never goes out of style. There's something deliciously devilish about leopard print. Bypass the jokes about Bet Lynch and Pat Butcher and you've got the perfect statement print. It defies trends and crazes, sitting perfectly in your forever wardrobe like a faithful friend.

Loved by Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and Jacqueline Kennedy it works in any season and can be dressed up or down - whatever your age. To reinforce Kate's love for Leopard print, she has just designed a capsule collection for brand Equipment and of course there is alot of Leopard print involved.

Leopard print silk pjs - buy here

I think it's time we started celebrating the timeless fabulousness of this faithful friend. With this in mind, here are my styling notes when wearing the lovely leopard print...

1. Put your best foot forward

Animal print shoes are an easy way to wear the print without investing too much money or coverage on your body. Printed trainers or boots are a fun way to inject day looks with some style and character. Add some pointy pumps to your evening wear and it will give any unexpected kick to any black dress or skinny jeans and top combo.

2. A coat is a classic trophy item

Throwing on a leopard print coat is short cut to looking elegant but not too prim. Edgy but not too thought-out. I love my leopard print fut coat and every year wear it in the evening, to the pub of even over long black dresses. It looks great paired with black, but don't shy away from other colours as leopard print and yellow make a lovely combination too.

3. Accessories are key

This season I am obsessed with finding the perfect leopard print bag. Forget the fact that I already own a clutch bag in leopard print, a shopper in leopard print and come to think about it maybe a couple more sitting in their dustbags too...I would love a cross over body bag. It will go with all my coats and it become my new best friend.

4. Don't skirt around the issue

Still bang on trend for this AW16 and not going away is the skirt. Paired simply with a black top, denim shirt or sweater and biker jacket you can update your look with one simple printed piece.

For more styling inspiration, check out my pinterest board - Leopard print 2016

Some Leopard print pieces to buy now and wear forever

1. Sally leopard print coat, Boden £189.00

2. Mini Rider bag in calf hair, JCrew £198.00

3. Finely pleated leopard print skirt, Zara £29.99

4. Belmont Leopard print Chelsea Boots, Whistles £225.00

5. Slip on Leopard print trainer, Boden £69.50

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the most useful thing in your wardrobe right now - the polo neck

Use it to layer or wear on its own – either way, a roll-neck jumper is one of the most useful things you can own

Roll necks made their most recent revival a few autumns ago, after they were done by Celiné and Stella McCartney. Layered under suit jackets or with knee-length skirts, they reintroduced a way to wear a jumper but still look chic. Unlike a lot of catwalk trends, this one really does work. Put one under a sleeveless dress and it means you can wear said dress when it’s cold. Or, wear one under a blazer for a non-iron work option. OR, with slouchy jeans to balance out proportions. If you’re considering wide-leg trousers or those pleated midi skirts that everyone’s banging on about, then I’d suggest putting a roll neck on your top half. If you are layering, they work best under things with round or V-necks. Anything sleeveless is good too, like a long-line waistcoat.

The best thing? They keep you incredibly warm without adding bulk. 

My tip would be to choose a style that’s fitted. This is particularly good if you are busty,  it’s far more flattering. I would suggest, when wearing one, to avoiding very tight trousers, which can look a bit après ski. I brought my black jersey roll neck from Atterley and can be found here - Selected Femme £25 or there is a fab one at Topshop Boutique £30 but if you are looking for colours then I suggest Uniqlo £12.90

Here's my styling tips on how to wear your polo neck.

1. Casual day time style. Wear your roll neck with jeans under a shirt, jumper or coatigan, paired with a hat you will look stylish for any autumn day.

2. Smart day to evening style. Wear your roll neck under a dress or jumpsuit to utilise it from your summer wardrobe. Add winter boots and a leather jacket or coat and your roll neck is doing all the work for you.

3. Evening style. Wear your roll neck tucked into this season's must-have; the skirt. Add thick black tights, heel's and a fur coat to keep warm and you will be the most stylish gal on the town.