I ADORE this time of year.

The glorious colours of nature, the beautiful natural light, the fact that it’s still usually warm enough to enjoy being outside (on most occasions) and the fact that the nights begin to cosily draw in.

But more than any of these, I just love autumn/winter fashion.

From ‘proper’ coats to knee high boots, chunky knits to snuggly scarves, sequins to dark lace, there isn’t anything I do not adore.

Many of these items I already have in my wardrobe but let’s face it, when a new season arrives, what better way is there to welcome it in than by updating your wardrobe with a few key pieces or trying out a whole new look.

I’ve already invested in a few stunning items for the coming season including a beautiful sequinned blazer, a short grey woollen skirt -which I just know I will wear with everything – and a classic black blouse, all from French Connection.

However, there are plenty of other pieces I’ve still got my beady eye well and truly on.

As a fashion writer, I’m always on the lookout for knockout fashion and this season, let me tell you folks, we are totally and utterly spoilt for choice.

Here is a small selection of my most favourite looks, all taken from the great british high street. Enjoy x

I just cannot find fault with this outfit. From the incredible trimmed coat (oh how I need this in my life) right down to the divine heels, I love everything about it. This bombshell look from the aptly named ‘hitchcock’ collection comes from Matalan.

Another Matalan triumph! This heart print shirt is just the thing to add a bit of a personality to a dull work suit while the floppy hat is just what autumn ordered. (A very similar shirt to this was worn very recently by Victoria Beckham so grab it before this version sells out fast.)

This is the kind of coat my husband despises but that I absolutely love. I’ve included it because personally I just don’t think a lady can ever have too much faux fur or leopard print in her wardrobe. This particular beauty is from Biba at House Of Fraser.

How chic. How simple. How WOW. Thank you Accessorize. That is all.

It’s the season of Strictly Come Dancing and we’re now on the countdown to christmas, so I’m sorry folks, if you don’t own a sequin frock, then you just can’t rock AW fashion correctly. This ASOS dress is the perfect sequin dress in my humble opinion. For the evening, just slip it on and let it do the talking or for a day look (you don’t think sequins are just for the evening do you?) dress it down with a chunky belted cardigan and wear it tres nonchantly, as you pick the kids up from nursery. Gorgeous.

The colour, the quilting, the OTT fur trimmed hood. I look at this divine Betty Barclay coat and am immediately transported to a snowy, cold Russia. Anna Karenina eat your heart out.

Who said that the British can’t do chic? This coat and bag from Hobbs is as near to AW outerwear perfection as you’re ever going to get. (And it won’t ever date.)

What can I say? I’m a lady who loves a good ol’ knee high boot, or over the knee boots in this case. This 60’s inspired outfit from River Island is probably my favourite of the bunch. In fact, I like it so much, I might just buy it all.

Finally, even though I am always naturally drawn to glamour,  as a busy mum and freelance writer, I spend most of my days wearing jeans. This look from Primark is a great reminder of how an amazing pair of heels and a dazzling pair of earrings can make even the most humble of outfits look really rather wonderful. AW casual wear at it’s finest . Now then, where’s that log fire?

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What’s your favourite look from this collection? What are you most excited about wearing or getting your gloved-mitts on this season? As always I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Till the next time, never, EVER underestimate the transformative power of a pair of heels.

Katie