A well-made boot is the winter wardrobe’s most hardworking player. You have a range of shapes and styles to choose from this season (the flat, knee-length silhouette is having a real moment), but the classic ankle boot is an enduring favourite for a reason. You’ll reach for it most days during the rainy autumn and winter months, and its timeless appeal means you’ll wear the same pair year after year. We love the simple elegance of Wittner’s 'Honora’ boot, with its simple heel and black suede finish. Merchant’s take has a more bohemian sensibility, with a Western-style block heel, contrast stitching, and brown shade (Suki Waterhouse, eat your heart out). Jo Mercer’s ‘Tatum’ boot mixes practicality with polish, with a lug-sole base and durable zip detailing; while R.M.Williams’ ‘Millicent’ delivers heritage and reliability, with their sensible leather finish and sleek pointed-toe shape.

After years of supremacy, the reign of the ‘mom jean has officially come to an end. Now, denim is all about structural, flattering shapes, and none are more flattering than the barrel jean. Cinched at the waist with a wider-leg, this shape looks as good with a statement top and a heel as it does with your trusted white tee and leather loafers. Nudie Jeans offer one of our favourite takes ⁠–⁠ the rigid ‘Sonic Sue’ style, available in four washes (we love ‘One Wash’). And Levi’s, long-time purveyors of the world’s best denim, are in on the action with their Drop Barrel jeans. There’s also a plethora of great high-street iterations, from Uniqlo to Witchery to Portmans. By the end of winter, your cost-per-wear will be down to less than a cup of coffee.

When it comes to winter dressing, knitwear can feel… less than inspiring. There tends to be the same familiar handful of styles and colours: chunky and oversized, soft and cashmere. This season, knits are getting a fresh update, without losing any of their wear-again-and-again appeal. The trusty cardigan is architectural, cinched at the waist (Dissh and Loewe), finished with a slight puff-sleeve (Zara), or finished in boiled wool, so it becomes a kind of cardigan-blazer hybrid (H&M and Cos). Brimming with personality, but practical enough to earn serious cost-per-wear points, this new cardigan works with denim, tailoring, and skirts, and can be easily layered under more oversized coats and jackets. Win, win.

When it comes to a keep-forever handbag (surely the ultimate cost-per-wear staple) you’re looking for three things: structure, fabrication, and thoughtful proportion. The pocket-bag blends these three elements and more, balancing new-season style with utility and longevity. Max Mara, Mulberry, and Acne are all offering high-end takes this season ⁠–⁠ pragmatic rectangular shapes that will fit all your essentials, finished in durable leather and a selection of muted-neutral shades like oak, cognac, and forest green. Zara offers a high-street take, in on-trend brushed suede