Autumn/Winter 2012: What to buy now

Purple is a key colour for the season ahead, and was all over the catwalks. Invest in the trend with this stylish Cos Coat.

£175, cosstores.com

A good Autumn dress is hard to find, but with its cute bow tie and collar and playful horse print, we're obsessed with this little number from Hobbs.

£129, hobbs.co.uk

The riding boot comes to the fore as the boot shape of the season. Comfy and practical, what's not to love? These patent black boots from McQ will look great with a kilt skirt.

£460, net-a-porter.com

Another big shade for autumn is forest green - we love this shoulder bag from Reiss. Wear under the arm or clasp like a clutch.

£245, reissonline.com

Brocade or jacquard trousers are set to become the new statement piece. Wear yours with a silk shirt or vest for the evening, and dress down with a simple knit and flats for day.

£45, topshop.com

Novelty knits are still big news for Autumn/Winter - and we fell in love with this Aubin and Wills number as soon as it dropped in store.

£125, aubinandwills.com

J Brand are pros at creating the jean of the season. For Autumn, they've taken the classic skinny jean and added an on-trend brocade print and deep red hue, putting it right to the top of our wish list.

£300, donnaida.com

If, like us, you like to get in early with buying your winter coat (all the nice ones are gone by October!) this beautiful wool number from Barbour is ideal - a little bit military, with an on-trend heritage print.

£349, my-wardrobe.com

Marks and Spencer's womenswear goes from strength to strength each season - this leather top is just one example of the covetable pieces in store.

£199, marksandspencer.com

It may remind you of the playground, but the kilt skirt is making a comeback this season. ASOS' stylish midi tartan version is chic without being too naughty schoolgirl.

£95, asos.com from Mid August

These deep maroon ankle boots will go with everything, from formal skirts and dresses to jeans.

£250, allsaints.com

With its dropped waist and blue optical print, this Whistles dress is perfect for work or play.

£175, whistles.co.uk

This cosy cape will be your autumn saviour when it's too chilly for a jacket, but too warm for a coat.

£55, oasis-stores.com

The peplum is not going away, and this blue shirt from ASOS with detachable bow tie is a great way to work the shape, and a bit of androgyny into your wardrobe.

£24, asos.com

The slipper has replaced the ballet pump as the flat shoe of choice - this animal print pair from LK Bennett are far more sturdy than most slippers we've seen, and will look chic with an A-line skirt or cropped trousers.

£195, [lkbennett.com

We love River Island's take on the brocade trend - this black and gold slouchy knit, which we'll be wearing over a white shirt or simple grey t-shirt.

£40, riverisland.com

Leather was all over the Autumn/Winter catwalk - this wearable A-line skirt is a subtle nod to the trend.

£180, Rocha.John Rocha at debenhams.com

If Karl Lagerfeld chooses to style his Couture line with brothel creepers, it's a sign this shoe shape isn't going away. But some of the styles out there are a little, clunky to work on anyone but those with coltish limbs. That's why we like this pair from Tamaris, which are more like a brogue, but still with that chunky, slightly gothic vibe.

£69.88, tamaris.de

Alexa Chung has already been spotted in this pretty embellished Zara blouse. Wear with an A-line skirt, under a dress or with cigarette trousers for a gamine look.

£69.99, zara.com

The Bryn satchel is Mulberry's latest it bag. We're considering this vibrant shade of orange as an antidote to the winter blues.

£695, harrods.com