WINTER WARMERS

The two main looks for autumn are maxi and chocolate brown. These will be covered more fully in subsequent issues, but for this week: your staple winter wardrobe. Classic, beautiful items of clothing that will see you through this season stylishly and effortlessly, without branding you as a fashion victim. They may not make you look like the most trendy person in the world, but you'll get more wear out of these pieces than the person in the geometric knee-length coat with lacy tights and clumpy shoes. We've also concentrated on navy and black, the most popular winter colours.

Above: white cotton shirt, pounds 95, Paul Smith Women, 40 Floral Street, London WC2. Black wool single-breasted jacket, pounds 79, Benetton selected branches nationwide. Black wool hipster trousers, pounds 53, Sisley, call 0161 929 9259 for stockists. Gilt bracelet from a selection at Agatha, 4 South Molton St, London W1, mail order on 0171 495 2779. Top right: navy cotton boat neck, pounds 25, French Connection, 249 Regent St, London W1 and branches, tel: 0171 580 2507. Black jersey maxi skirt, pounds 35, Warehouse, 19/21 Argyle St, London W1, tel: 0171 278 3491. Gilt belt, pounds 39, Otto Glanz from Fenwick, 63 New Bond St, London W1 and branches nationwide.

Below right: navy leather car coat, pounds 399; black wool polo neck, pounds 40; black skirt, pounds 45; leather belt, pounds 25, all French Connection, 249 Regent St, London W1 and branches, tel: 0171 580 2507. Brown suede shoulder bag, pounds 125, Russell & Bromley branches nationwide, tel: 0171 629 6903.

Far right: navy marl wool polo neck, pounds 64, John Smedley, from Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, London SW1; Links of Harrogate, 1 Baines House, Station Parade, Harrogate. Inquiries: 0171 580 5075.