This is my new favourite dress. Looks pretty short on this model who is clearly a towering giant by my standards – if you’re anything under five and a half feet it will sit comfortably just above the knee. Great with opaques and a little cardi for this time of year, I’ll be warming it up with thick tights or leggings and wearing it over a long-sleeved t-shirt in winter.

It’s part of the new W by Wallis collection; a younger-feel, funkier take on the classic Wallis look but, like its older sister, featuring timeless designs that will last well beyond the season of their launch. Fabrics are good, cuts are flattering and there is lovely attention to detail in each piece; the dress has a smattering of silver studs on each shoulder for a nod to the embellishment trend that was all over the autumn winter catwalks. Prices are towards the upper end of the high street, but for clothes that will last season after season, and muted tones that mix well with the rest of your wardrobe, the investment is worth it. The dress costs £85.

Speaking of fabric, the feel of this buttery-soft leather biker was so meltingly warm to the touch I wanted to stay in the shop stroking it. Not cheap at £250, but this is a real investment piece to keep forever. Biker jackets are big right now, and a great way of dressing down a look that's in danger of looking over-styled.

Jacket off, this black and white dress is testament to the designer’s fondness for monochrome – and why not, black and white is very chic as we know. It’s cut on the bias and very figure flattering, with a knee-length hem that is both ladylike and grown up. Three-quarter length sleeves offer a nice bit of arm coverage. It costs £75.

And finally, the parka. Every fashion collection is featuring a parka this season, along with the pink coat it is the must-have du jour. This design is particularly good for its attention to detail and flattering cut; tactile trims along the zip and hood take this parka out of the schoolyard and into the boardroom, and the fur edging is removable for a change of look. It costs £90, good value for a parka of this quality.

W by Wallis is available online at the Wallis website and in Wallis stores nationwide, phone 0845 121 4520 for stockists

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