A/W 24: Our fashion team’s most wanted

I saw this dress at the John Lewis & Partners A/W press day and immediately fell in love with it – so much so that I photographed it for the GH October main fashion as the opening image. Why do I love it so much? Despite its standout block colour, this dress has a quiet beauty that feels so luxurious and looks way beyond its high street price tag. For days on the go, add trainers and an oversized sweater for a cool athleisure spin. For nights out, team with accessories in autumn’s new favourite hue: burgundy (red’s stylish sister shade). This simple yet splendid red dress is truly timeless and will get it right every time.

It’s never too early to buy your autumn/winter coat. If you leave it until the last minute (when you actually need to wear it), all the good stuff will have sold out. With big investment buys like coats and boots, it’s best to plan ahead. A key A/W 24 coat trend will be the humble barn jacket. Fashion assistant Corin Ripley will be wearing this with glittering earrings, a cream polo knit and polished black boots for laid-back luxury.

I love a dress, but nothing beats the hard-working skirt for versatility – change the top and you have a new outfit. Add accessories and your look is transformed. This season, it’s all about the ‘very demure’ ladylike skirt, and Marks & Spencer has an absolute beauty. Wear with an oversized knit, trench and stompy boots now, and then effortlessly transition to a slinky cami, tuxedo jacket and kitten heels come party season. Glittery, gorgeous and unapologetically feminine. It won’t be around for long.

The sun may be blazing today, but cooler months hover on the horizon and a pair of chic new trousers awaits. The most versatile style everyone needs? A forever cream pair of cords, of course, and this Boden pair is an absolute stunner.

The gorgeous tie neck detail (worn open or tied in a bow) is a classic, but feels contemporary. A great sweater can make Sunday brunch feel elevated (with jeans and stompy boots) and take you right through to party season. Layer with a sensational skirt and play with different textures and prints.

These two-material dresses were all the rage this summer, and the new season sees iterations in a knitted top-half and seasonal colours of rust, forest green and plum. Slip over a chunky oversized knit, suede boots and gold hoops.

Like you, I’m not quite ready to step into boots just yet, so I’m slipping on a luxe loafer – a smart transitional treasure. Everyone needs a pair of show-off shoes, and these Boden spotty loafers with oversized golden horsebit detailing are amazing. For those days when your classic outfit needs a quirk, these will add a hint of a je ne sais quoi. Wear them with your summer dress now and tailored trousers and woolly socks once temperatures drop. These are shoes for happy feet.

When I spotted this timeless Me+Em black lace shirt, I immediately added it to my wishlist. It’s so simple and sophisticated, it will refresh everything from my beloved black trousers, blue jeans and khaki green cargos to partnering perfectly with this season’s glossy leather skirt. Tucked or tied, alone or layered, its styling opportunities are endless.

This season, the cornerstone of any contemporary wardrobe is in its accessories – and this bag will add instant polish to your work attire. This brown leather bag is an investment piece that will stand the test of time. Scrunch under your arm, trench coat in tow.

Where does a fashion director buy her coats? It’s always Cos. The quality fabrics in contemporary cuts vs the cost is truly unbeatable. This season, I have my eye on this amazing scarf coat – the key shape for autumn, I’ll have you know.