There’s no denying that autumn/winter dressing requires a little more thought than the summer months. The days of simply throwing on a light cotton dress, slipping on sandals and grabbing the closest basket bag are well and truly behind us, but don’t fret. The ease of summer may be a selling point, but there’s a lot to be excited about as the cooler days settle into place.

With the leaves browning and a crisp chill returning to the air, getting dressed is about to get a whole lot more interesting. The art of layering is back in business, textures are turned up to the max, and rich shades return to prominence. And if you’re building your autumn/winter wardrobe right now, there are a few fashion brands that are always a reliable starting point.

This time of year is when I invest a little more in my wardrobe. Whether it’s sumptuous cashmere, temperature-regulating merino or supple leather, the cooler days demand more from fabrics and designs, and investing a little more in high-quality compositions and designs can result in a refined wardrobe that sees you through this autumn/winter period and every one to come. For me, the focus is on well-made pieces that have the design and material properties to be long-standing features in my wardrobe for years to come.