A splash of colour can make all the difference. Both of us are wearing interesting versions of our respective jackets, mum’s trench coat is checked and my denim jacket is patchwork. What ‘makes’ both outfits though is the pop of vibrant red. It needn’t have been red, it could have been a shade of green or burnt orange but something vibrant is key.

Mum’s raincoat is by John Lewis (own label). I am impressed with this collection. There are some lovely pieces of which this raincoat is a good example. It has a satisfying weight to it which is always a good start.

In terms of the design, the three simple black poppers running down the side of the coat, the exaggerated ‘storm flap’ and the sleeve loops - again with the simple black poppers - are all excellent and interesting details.

Never underestimate the power of a red lip - some say, as good as a face lift! The simplest of outfits can be elevated into something special with the injection of a red lip. My personal taste is to keep the rest of my make up very simple if I am wearing a bold lipstick. We have a family friend whose hair went the most beautiful silver grey when she was very young. She wears no make up apart from a bright red lip, and even as a very little girl, this struck me as wonderful - SO chic!

The jacket that I am wearing is by Seventy + Mochi, a brand committed to using better practices in the manufacture of their denim, a fabric that is notoriously bad for our planet. Their practice saves 4800 litres of water per metre compared to other traditional manufacturers. As important for a fashion brand, their designs are unique and fun. Seventy + Mochi is stocked - amongst others - on Percy Langley which is a collective of independent designers spearheading the slow fashion movement. If you’re looking to shop consciously then Percy Langley is a good place to start.

And finally, a mention for one of my first fashion loves - dungarees! One of our GS community sent me a lovely email. Amongst other things, she mentioned that she is in her 60s and still loves wearing dungarees but was she getting too old for them? NO! Absolutely not. Wear what you love. Maybe there is an evolution to styling garments that we have worn for most of our adult life. For me, when wearing dungarees, I keep my tops a bit ‘smarter’ than I used to. A shirt or a polo neck is my preferred clothing of choice, finished with a jacket.