Nothing pleases us more than when something we already have and consider an ICON is elevated on the catwalk. And this season, the humble polo neck is destined to become the hardest working piece in your wardrobe. Wear it under tailored day dresses, printed button-downs and oversized jackets and capes. 

This season the catwalks saw legions of models wearing army green, brass details and military style boots. And the new ways to style them was surprising – from matching silk and poplin separates (Tom Ford) to a faux-fur trimmed trench (Chloé), and leather-detailed wool coats (Hermès). The key is to wear individual pieces to update your existing winter staples, giving them a more utility, pared-back feel. There is even an argument for pulling out cargo trousers again…

Our favourite kind of winter glamour is the dark kind, and AW19’s romantic penchant for roses plays right into our hands. They featured at Erdem, Valentino and Preen By Thornton Bregazzi, oversized and in a moody palette of monochrome, as well as tonal pinks and reds, some even embellished with black bows and nuanced frills. Be still our beating hearts.

The only thing you need to know about trousers this winter is they should be made from supple black leather. The tailoring and minimal detail keeps the look elevated, while also ensuring your investment will work for many seasons to come. Our favourite iterations were seen with a traditional front pleat at Tom Ford, sleek and fitted at Isabel Marant, and slouchy at Helmut Lang. 

Magpies, gather your wits. Many designers abandoned traditional autumnal shades for an altogether more extravagant palette: gold. And we’re not talking brassy accessories – gilded matching separates appeared in collections by Brock Collection, Altuzarra and Celine. Use them to modernise sharp black tailored pieces, such as your old faithful winter coat or favourite blouse. 

Traditional, tactile tweed is a big hitter this winter, showing up in smart looks all over the catwalks. At Stella McCartney, the look was relaxed yet office-bound, with an oversized coat. Meanwhile, the opening outfit of the Celine show was a masterclass in how to wear country checks – a pleated skirt with a horse-bit belt, white silk blouse and black blazer, finished off with polished knee-high boots. Perfection.

The catwalk’s love affair with confident colour will brighten your outlook when the mercury drops. We love colour-block dressing, because it encourages us to pull together our existing staples in new ways. Jacquemus expertly paired shades of neon pink with burgundy, while Tibi combined the cool aquatic hues of green and blue. Emilia Wickstead (as always) hit the right note by mixing just enough baby pink with geranium red to demand our attention.

One of the most wearable trends is also the most elegant. This winter, pleated skirts are more relaxed than previous seasons. The way to wear them now? Play to the theme with a neat blazer and top-handle bag, or keep it relaxed with slouchy boots and cosy knits. Either way, pleats are here to stay.

The jumpsuit is all grown-up. And while boiler suits are still just as relevant, the thoughtful tailoring and feminine details make this onesie a truly modern work-wear staple. Our pick of the AW19 pieces that mean business come from Emilia Wickstead, Roksanda and A.P.C., who all sent designs down the catwalk that went straight onto our new-season wish-list.

If ever there was a time to plunder your parents’ knitwear from the 70s, it’s now. This winter’s cosiest pieces have block patterns and neutral palettes, with the best designer examples tucked into skirts (Victoria Beckham) and belted over wide-leg trousers (JW Anderson).