No matter how bad the weather’s been, swapping your summer wardrobe for your autumn and winter one can be a depressing task. That’s usually because autumn always has a "back to school" sense about it. Even if you’ve taken very little time off over the summer, July and August always seem to have a much more relaxed atmosphere than September or October.

If the thought of facing your autumn work wardrobe is making you despair, perhaps it’s time to procure some new and exciting wardrobe additions. By investing in a few key items, you’ll soon be putting together the perfect work outfits for autumn.

Don’t Skimp On The Basics

Before you start your autumn shopping trip, make a quick list of the kind of outfit you feel most comfortable in at work. This might be a simple trousers-and-shirt combination, a blouse and skirt or simply a dress. Whatever you choose, establish the basics first and make sure you invest in a high quality outfit that suits your style and taste.

For instance, if you favour wearing trousers to work in the winter, look at high quality pairs with flattering cuts and well-finished stitching instead of opting for the cheapest pair you see. Well-made trousers will usually last you much longer than cheaper options, and often hang better on your body. Steel grey is a good colour to choose for autumn, and tweed trousers are also experiencing a resurgence this autumn/winter. Both will look fantastic with a tailored white shirt, either a plain, button up variety with a collar or one with a little smocking detail on the front.

Outerwear And Accessories

Once you’ve got your basic work wardrobe items together, it’s time to think about outerwear and accessories. Opt for women’s tailored jackets rather than bulky duffel coats or parkas as they look more professional. If you choose a tailored jacket that’s fairly close fitting, you may even be able to wear a slightly oversize raincoat over it on rainy days and still retain an effortless sense of style.

Shoes are also important: look for heels at a modest height, that won’t make too much noise in the office. And if you don’t have a good pair of winter boots, now’s the time to snap them up, though make sure that they’re office appropriate when you make your purchase.

Finally, if your ideal work outfit is skirt-based, accessorise with some wooden bangles (glass and metal ones can be a little noisy). Or, if you favour dresses or skirts, a long necklace that you can double around your neck is a sophisticated option.