FAUX FUR! CHECKS! KNITS! THESE ARE YOUR OCTOBER MUST-HAVES

Put down the puffer jacket. The best (and most stylish) protection against the cold this autumn comes in the form of a faux-fur coat. Fuzzy, soft and oozing glamour, a statement coat has the ability to make any outfit look expensive. And this October, there’s one for every mood. Cropped and thigh-grazing styles play nicely with sheer tights and knee-high boots. Others are floor-grazing, wrapping you in a cocoon of cosiness – and perfectly suited to a 6-inch stiletto. 

GET THE LOOK:
Topshop faux fur mid length shawl jacket in light brown, £85
ASOS DESIGN faux fur batwing bomber jacket in dark brown, £85
House of Sunny faux fur longline coat in brown, £225
Coming soon: Muse Assembly longline faux fur jacket in olive

Our appetite for animal prints is still very much intact, but there’ll always be room in our hearts, and wardrobes, for an old faithful: checks. Like leopard or stripes, this print never really goes out of style, but autumn is where it really earns its keep. Style a checked skirt with a three-stripe jacket for a clash that works, or use checked scarves and bags to give your basic outfits a boost. And of course, if you want to bring an unexpected twist to your officewear rotation, invest in checked trousers or a checked shirt.

GET THE LOOK:
Bronze Snake baggy trousers with turnover waistband in brown check, £60
ASOS DESIGN boxy oversized shirt in check, £32
ASOS DESIGN woven scarf with green check design, £18
ASOS DESIGN elongated frame clutch in check print, £34

Done right, leather-look pieces can feel polished, playful and disruptive enough to give an otherwise simple outfit a bit of bite. Need some ideas? Tasselling brings movement and mischief to a boxy co-ord. Or try a leather-look trench with a faux-fur trim – it’s got modern-day drama without losing any of its 90s credentials. And for the maximalists, style your leather-look pieces with animal print for even more oomph.

GET THE LOOK:
ARRANGE leather fringe top in black, £180
ASOS DESIGN leather look longline jacket with faux fur trims in black, £90
Topshop faux leather straight leg trousers in cherry, £46
Coming soon: ASOS DESIGN Tailored faux leather wide leg trousers

Our favourite pieces of clothing refuse to sit still. Ruffles, tassels and fluid details bring an outfit to life, making even a walk to the bus stop feel somewhat cinematic. That probably explains fashion’s recurring love affair with romantic and boho dressing. And let’s not forget sequins. They seem to reinvent themselves every season – discs grow larger, formations shift and palettes expand. This party season, we’re answering every RSVP with sequin skirts. Trust us, they make an unforgettable entrance.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN satin ribbon fringe mini dress, £95
ASOS DESIGN fringe detail layered sequin mini skirt, £85
ASOS DESIGN disc sequin midi skirt in green, £80
Coming soon: Topshop tunic devoure fringe detail top in mocha

And last but most definitely not least comes the chunky knit. October is when the search for the jumper begins, and we've got all the options. Ribbed funnel-neck styles keep the bitter weather at bay, while chunky checked jumpers are both cosy and office-appropriate. Heritage prints have also entered the chat in the form of Fair Isle and Argyle knits. You’ll be thankful for them come festive season, but they enter a new context when styled with leather-look skirts, faux-fur accessories and the confidence to match.

GET THE LOOK:
Gina Tricot alpaca jacquard fair isle style knitted jumper with wool, £46
ASOS DESIGN high neck argyle jumper in burgundy & chocolate, £38
ASOS DESIGN drop shoulder pad longline jumper in grey marl, £30
Coming soon: Weekday premium wool blend oversized fairisle jumper