Here are three key trends that you don’t want to miss this season.

Tweed

Before you dismiss tweed as a boring old fabric best suited to primary school librarians, think again. Tweed can be modern and sexy – you just need to know how to wear it. The best thing about tweed is its versatility – a tweed blazer can take you from a board meeting to a night on the town with just a simple tweaking of accessories.

For day, consider a tweed skirt. Avoid a matronly look by opting for a fuller skirt with a flirty length that sits just above or on the knee; pair with black tights and some ballerina flats for a cute winter look. For something a little more serious, choose an above the knee tweed pencil skirt and pair with some dark tights and killer heels. Steer clear of shapeless tweed- you don’t want to look like you’re wearing a potato sack. For the ultimate in tweed, you can’t go past a blazer. When matched with a crisp white shirt, jeans and a pair of riding boots it makes for a look straight out of a Ralph Lauren catalogue; classic and timeless and perfect for any occasion.

When choosing your blazer, avoid boxy blazers that will age you and choose a fitted jacket that skims the line of your body and has more of a feminine feel. If you’re not entirely sold on the idea of tweed jackets and skirts, why not consider tweed accessories? It’s a way to add some stylish details to a dark winter palette. Tweed shoes can look very classy, while a tweed clutch, scarf or fedora can also help to add a classic twist to your winter look. Remember, don’t go overboard on the tweed – it’s not a good idea to double down with a skirt and jacket at the same time. Instead, pair your tweed skirt/pants with an ultra feminine blouse or sweater, or throw your tweed blazer over a floaty dress. This creates a lovely contrast between the soft feminine fabrics and the slightly masculine look of the tweed.

Ankle boots

The ankle boot trend has been around for a while now and it doesn’t look set to budge this season. The great thing about them is that they’re a trans-seasonal item that is ridiculously versatile – a pair of great ankle boots will literally go with everything in your closet. If you’re feeling uninspired in the mornings, the easiest way to wear an ankle boot is to go all black – black boots, black tights, black dress – and then liven up this monochromatic look with some colourful accessories. If you’re after practicality, comfort, warmth and versatility, you really can’t go past the biker boot.

It’s a classic that can be worn with everything from jeans to dresses and looks better the more beaten up it gets. A high platform or heel is the way to go when you want to maximise leg length and add a little bit of glamour to your daily winter wardrobe. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wearing an ankle boot. They tend to look better when paired with shorts, skirts or skinny jeans, but don’t do so well with this season’s ankle grazing pleated skirts. Also, if you find your black ankle boots look a little harsh when paired with short dresses in light colours, try adding a black jacket or tights to balance out the look.

Big knits

I know I’ve mentioned them before, but knits really are big news this season. You can’t enter a store without tripping over racks of multicoloured knitwear wherever you go. And I’m certainly not complaining – what could be better than snuggling up in a big cosy cableknit, legs encased in a pair of woolly tights and feet enclosed in a snug pair of boots? It sounds like heaven to me – a perfect mix of style and comfort.

The variety of knits available this season is nothing short of ridiculous. There are big, chunky cable knits, loose baggy knits, a myriad of knit dresses and cardigans in every length, colour and style. Why not wrap yourself up in the warmth of an apres-ski, alpine inspired knit? It’s all very 70s ski lodge, and makes me want to spend a weekend drinking scotch in front of an open fire and eating fondue.

Once again, there are no rules when it comes to knits. But do look out for bright jewel coloured tones and interesting patterns, and make a beeline for cute embellishments like vintage buttons and nifty pockets.