It’s been a long time since dressing for a grey day was part of our weekly rotation. But as the first week of September draws to a close, autumn’s transitional weather is surely making itself known. Having spent the better part of the last six months in lightweight linen and flouncy maxi dresses, I must admit I’m rather excited to start layering again.

Having slowly started to re-shuffle my capsule wardrobe (dusting off the thick jeans and cosy cardigans that have served me well over the last few years), it became clear that a few minimalist staples were missing. Structured skirts that can be dressed up or down? Nowhere to be found. That perfect tailored blazer? Vanished without a trace. Allowing the discombobulation to last no more than a minute, I did what any savvy fashion person would do and took a peruse through the new-in sections of Zara, H&M, and COS to see if I could plug the gaps. Spoiler alert: I found more than just the necessities.