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What are you buying for your A/W 2013 wardrobe?

As I’m writing this the heavens have ceremoniously opened up and you would not quite believe it was the month of August. This is the height of our British summer.

As I’m writing this the heavens have ceremoniously opened up and you would not quite believe it was the month of August. This is the height of our British summer.

Fair enough, we have had some exceptional weather the past few months but we’re always wary of those sporadic showers and temperamental temperatures that our wonderful climate can thrust upon us. In that case it’s not terribly ludicrous of me to be missing cosy clothes and water resistant footwear, is it?

Some of you will be thinking right now its still summer! Why are we talking about the dull, drab seasons?!

Leather jacket: The most practical piece

I don’t disagree, we should all make the most out of summer while it’s here, because who doesn’t love wearing denim cut offs, floaty dresses and strappy sandals?  However, for those of you dreaming of comfy cashmere and lots of layers then here are some top picks from your favourite High Street haunts, which need to find their way into your A/W wardrobe ASAP.

The most practical piece for next season, as well as being a timeless classic has to be the leather jacket. I’ve had my current leather for four years now and couldn’t begin to count the number of times I’ve worn it, getting my money’s worth is an understatement. So it’s about time that I purchased a new investment piece.

Biker Jacket with Zips: A classic essential

Zara have nailed this classic essential, in the form of their ‘Biker Jacket with Zips.’ This jacket satisfies all leather jacket rules: 100 per cent leather, biker style, textured sleeve and shoulder markings, finished with buckles and zips, it can literally be worn with every outfit from your everyday jeans to dolled up evening dress. Buy Now!

The next A/W must-have combines three trends in one: feminine skirt, pink shades and tartan print. When I walked into Topshop the other week the ‘Checked Chiffon Midi Kilt’ was the first item that caught my eye and I still can’t get this tartan treat out of my head.  Pink is the colour you need in your wardrobe next season and this pale shade is ideal for girly girls who can pair the midi skirt with ballet pumps and a pastel coloured cardigan, as well as pink novices who should toughen up the look with the Zara leather jacket, mentioned above.

For on top, the colder months are considerably more bearable if you have a chunky knit sweater to add to your outfits. The ASOS collection has every colour, style and textured knit you could lust for and all at perfect prices. The ‘Aran Jumper’ in Berry is the ultimate Autumnal hue and ideal for layering over a crisp, white shirt or under an oversized winter Car Coat.

The imperative pair of all-weather boots

Last but not least, no autumn/winter wardrobe is complete without the imperative pair of all-weather boots. Whether its Biker, Brogue, Chelsea or Cut-Out, boots are the essential finishing touch to your outfit and can be styled to suit any occasion, casual or formal. As a girl can never have too many shoes (that’s a fact) there are two top picks to choose from. The new, middle of the road, high street store & Other Stories have created the classic ankle boot, with a twist. The open-back shoe complete with low heel and in either versatile ash brown or understated black, would suit thick tights and a structured skirt. The alternate high street haven, Topshop, have again been true to next season trends and the ‘Motel Monk Strap Boots’ are hot off the catwalk. Simple yet dapper, match these shoes with skinny jeans for an off duty look, and at under £50 for real leather these boots are an amazing steal!

So, when September comes and you reluctantly need to swap the sunglasses for a scarf and flip flops for  fur coat, make sure you pick up these A/W essentials. I’m off to purchase them now!

Have your say on these items and what would be in your A/W wardrobe in the comments section below, on Facebook or on Twitter.