I absolutely love this look, a beautiful, floaty, often-reserved-for-eveningwear skirt paired with a casual ‘day-time’ jumper. Smart meets casual. Not only does it look great but it is also very practical. How many of us have skirts and dresses that are only worn for smart occasions, hanging unloved at the back of the wardrobe for the rest of the year? Well it’s time to show these lovely pieces the light of day. Take this 100% silk skirt that mum is wearing for example. With a camisole or blouse it would look beautiful for the evening, but with this cornflower blue wool jumper it is completely transformed into a look suitable for the day time. Mum is wearing high heeled ankle boots but the outfit would look fantastic with knee high flat boots too.

Also, as dress codes seems to get more and more casual, a fitted jumper and smarter skirt is the perfect way to meet a ‘smart/casual’ requirement.

This coat is a funny one because hanging on the peg, it certainly didn’t look like it would go with either of our outfits but when tried on, the black and burgundy tweed complimented both looks beautifully. Clashing prints have been the order of the day for a long time now and it is a trend that I love. It’s a tricky one as got wrong, and it can look like you got dressed in the dark! The trick is to make sure that all the colours in the various patterns tie in and that one element of your outfit is plain, i.e. not patterned. For example, if your coat and skirt are patterned, then choose a plain (or mainly plain) coloured top. Or if your top and bottoms are clashing prints, then choose a plain coloured coat or jacket. This way, the plain coloured garment, anchors the rest of the outfit.

This double breasted coat from Hobbs is a real gem. Channeling the ‘heritage print’ trend for this season, it is also beautifully tailored and flattering. Worn with a chunky, knitted jumper, a pair of jeans and an oversized scarf (maybe in an emerald green or burgundy) it would work perfectly as an everyday coat, but worn with a silk dress underneath and it would look beautiful for the evening.

NB. Hobbs do fantastic shoes. Always look out for their sales!

Below mum is using this perfect clutch by J Crew. Velvet has had a huge renaissance over the least few seasons, both in fashion and interiors. If you are looking for ways to update an outfit that you have had for a while, try injecting a velvet bag (example here or here), or velvet shoes (example here) or even a velvet jacket (here).

As you can see, mum is wearing a more fitted, shorter jumper and I am wearing an oversized, long jumper. Most people find that the difficulty with wearing a floaty, or indeed a pleated, 3/4 length skirt is the area around the tummy. Silk, satin and pleats are unforgiving fabrics around the hips and stomach. Don’t let this put you off though - if I can wear one when I’m 5 1/2 months pregnant, then anyone can! The trick is in the top.

Mum is naturally a slim build but still finds that everything is not as toned as she would like. Her jumper sits just below the hip bone, ensuring that the ‘tricky’ areas are covered and the skirt drops, flatteringly, from the top of the thigh. Alternatively you could go for option B, my option, and cover everything in a swath of loose fitting fabric! The Arket jumper that I am wearing is flattering as it comes in at the hem and the sleeves are fluted with tight cuffs which all help to provide shape to an otherwise voluminous jumper. The ‘long’ on ‘long’ is a big look for this season too.