Sometimes less is more when it comes to our wardrobes, but that’s easier said than done! Personal stylist, Becky Hall, shares with us her top tips on how to get the most out of our current wardrobe, plus a few gorgeous new essentials to see us through A/W and take us from the school run to the office and dinner beyond…

Term has started and new school uniforms have been purchased along with shoes, trainers, astro boots, wellies, daps (really, how many pairs of shoes do they actually need!). You have sewn on all of the name tapes and been persuaded to buy yet another new school bag, which you swore you wouldn’t do after spending over the odds last year!

Basically, you have been haemorrhaging cash at every turn and however desperate you may feel the need, it doesn’t feel completely right to be thinking about replenishing your lack lustre Autumn wardrobe.

I know, it’s so tempting just to push the button on a few cheeky purchases after a large glass of wine. Those heavenly soft sweaters, a new season jacket or coat (my downfall), not to mention that bag you’ve had your eye on…..after all you deserve it!

However, this is where I become the voice of reason and put my professional head on. I am certain that you already have a reasonable amount of clothes in your wardrobe, of which you probably only wear a small proportion of the time and yet still feel like you don’t have anything to wear. How many times have you done that smash and grab purchase, only then to realise that you already have something very similar?

This season I am encouraging you to shop in your wardrobe first – plan ahead and buy the clothes that you actually need. Build new outfits with the clothes you already have.

It’s not rocket science, but a bit of planning goes a long way. Let’s face it, whether it’s back to work or styling out the school run, who doesn’t want to be able to save time in the morning and still feel pulled together?

I don’t want to preach, I really, really love nice things, but I am more conscious of trying to buy better and less. Becoming more aware of sustainable brands is the way forward, it has to be.

The message I am trying to instil in my own daughters and my clients is only buy something if you really and I mean really love it. You’ll be amazed how much doesn’t make the cut.

So, to help you on your way to a wardrobe of clothes you love and with any luck some longevity, here are my top transitional investment pieces I think your wardrobe needs for the new season ahead…

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The other big question is ‘when will you wear it?’ I mean who hasn’t been totally suckered in to buying that amazing dress, that quite frankly is only suited to an awards ceremony that you’ll never be invited to. Or the beautiful shoes that you persuaded yourself would transform every item in your wardrobe, that are still lingering guiltily in their box (have you seen the episode of Friends when Monica buys the boots? Enough said)

If I look at my wardrobe, the pieces I love and have worn the most are those that are classics, often vintage and probably bought 20 years ago. I think so often we are desperate for that fix of something new, only to find it in the back of our wardrobe months later having only been worn a handful of times. So the key is to invest wisely!

Seen something you like? All items can be found on the gorgeous Iris Fashion website here and if you use code SN15 you will get a whopping 15% off your order!