What NOT to wear this Autumn/Winter: fashion editor Dinah van Tulleken reveals exactly which colours are in this season, which jeans to retire, and the ageing styles to avoid if you don’t want to look frumpy or cringe

Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

My daughter recently asked me not to meet her at the school gate. A fairly normal request from a pre-teen trying to forge her own identity, but I made further enquiries.

‘It’s the way you dress. It’s so boring.’

I was outraged. How could she mistake my cool, chic, minimalist daily look for boring?

But according to her I’ve basically worn the same thing every day since term began. And she’s not wrong.

On days without a special occasion to dress for, I had fallen into the comfort of wearing a uniform, and one with tones so muted, and styles so minimal that it’s gone beyond cool, past dull, and into the full cringe zone.

And I suspect I’m not alone. Many of us have fallen into the comfort of a reliable uniform, reaching for the same jeans, jumpers and jackets day after day. There’s nothing wrong with that, but dressing should be exciting and inspiring. It should make getting up and out of the house in the morning feel a little more thrilling.

Now look, my daughter’s idea of interesting clothes involves a rainbow tutu layered over white jeans and a sequin-embellished crop top, and I’m not suggesting we all go quite that far, but we could certainly borrow some of her enthusiasm.

So, as we head into Autumn/Winter, here are nine easy style swaps to refresh your wardrobe and inject a little personality into your everyday dressing.

SWAP 1: Trade jeans and a blazer for a full suit

It doesn’t get much easier than jeans and a blazer. So easy in fact, that I’ve stopped thinking about whether they actually look good together. Switching the jeans for matching tailored trousers is a huge upgrade, for precisely the same amount of effort. This double-breasted M&S design is the sort of relaxed suit I mean. The wide-leg trousers may be a little ‘look at me’, but they’re also, quite possibly, the most comfortable trousers I’ve ever worn. If you’re petite make a bee-line for Reiss who have the very best suiting for 5’3” and under.

SWAP 2: Out goes your classic crew-neck jumper, in comes a knitted polo

Are you still pulling on that reliable round-neck merino-wool jumper? Fine, but if you want to give your look an immediate update, swap it for a knitted polo shirt, ideally in a stripe. It will inject a little newness into your wardrobe without requiring a complete overhaul. There’s every colour combination imaginable out there this season, with prices to suit every budget. Keep the collar open and tuck a little of the front into your waistband. Aligne’s Ester sweater, £139, is top of my wishlist.

SWAP 3: Update monochromatic minimalism with red accents 

The easiest way to update your look for autumn/winter is with a pop of red. Whether that’s a jumper knotted elegantly over your shoulder, an eye-catching shoe, or a silk scarf knotted neatly on your neck. That flash of colour will turn a boring everyday outfit into something trendy. It doesn’t need to be much, even an oversized satin scrunchie on your wrist says ‘I know what’s cool’ this season.

 

SWAP 4: Trade your trainers for a flat shoe

You’d be forgiven for thinking that trainers are the one thing that are guaranteed to make your outfit less middle-aged. But fashion never stands still. Ever since women my age started wearing trainers with our midi dresses the cool kids have ditched the sports shoes in favour of a sophisticated ballet pump or simple leather loafers. Yes, the Nineties favourites are back and brilliantly easy to wear. Black may be the practical choice but don’t limit yourself, this could be an easy way to add the aforementioned red. And if you’re going for loafers, avoid too much hardware.

 

SWAP 5: Replace your dull black wool coat with a heritage print

When you bought that plain black winter coat, you wanted something that wouldn’t date and you would never tire of. But it did and you have. It doesn’t spark joy. But do you know what does? A heritage check. It will scream ‘great outdoors’ even when it’s only used on the 5m dash between tube and office. Houndstooth, tweed, tartan check, anything goes as long as it transports you to the British countryside. Whistles funnel neck belted design is available in size 4-20. And I love Sezane’s long checked raincoat, £275 – functional and fashionable. 

SWAP 6: Ditch your delicate favourites for chunky gold jewellery

I don’t know about you, but jewellery isn’t something I think about very much. I wear the same simple gold chain and small, snug-fitting hoop earrings on repeat, every day. But a couple of new pieces can transform even the most understated outfit, making it feel styled rather than simply thrown on. Liberty London has just opened its jewellery hall, with a wealth of brands to discover. Daisy London is also a good place to start. Its Crystal Chunky ring, £85, is just the sort of piece that can make an everyday outfit feel a little more special. On the high street, head straight to Reiss who have created designer-esque pieces at a price we can all afford.

SWAP 7: Get rid of your grey and black jeans in favour of brilliant white 

I know, I know. The grey jeans felt edgy when you bought them. But if you want to give your denim wardrobe a proper update this autumn, it’s time to step out of your comfort zone and try brilliant white. It’s what all the fashion editors were wearing during fashion week, and I have to say, white denim is far less intimidating than you might think. Provided you steer well clear of your children and avoid sitting down on the Tube, that is. Wear them with a longer coat, ideally a trench, which will offer at least some protection from the inevitable splashes and spills. With Nothing Underneath’s new denim range is well worth checking out. And grab Victoria Beckham’s for GAP while you still can.

SWAP 8: Butter yellow out, electric blue in 

This season’s colours aren’t a soft introduction. There’s no room for shrinking violets. Summer’s soft, discreet butter yellow has been replaced by loud, shouty electric blue. Jil Sander, Givenchy, Bottega Veneta and Valentino all made a case for it on the catwalk. It’s surprisingly easy to wear, though. Knitwear is a good place to start, with plenty of options to choose from. Or, if you’re feeling braver, go all out with outerwear. You’re certainly going to be noticed in Essentiel Antwerp’s oversized cashmere blend coat. Whatever you go for, it all looks particularly beautiful worn with brown.

SWAP 9: There’s nothing cool about a crossbody bag 

It doesn’t matter what you replace it with, but replace it, PDQ. You want something big enough for the essentials, but not so enormous that you need to book in with the chiropractor after a long day out. A slouchy suede style that sits comfortably on the shoulder is what I’m after. Jigsaw’s Trafalgar bag in khaki ticks all the right boxes, and is currently on sale at John Lewis. It’s relaxed, practical and just the sort of thing that makes an everyday outfit feel a little more current.