If you fall into the latter style camp, invest in one standout piece to survive the season and revamp your look. Whether it's a Burberry-inspired aviator jacket or a colourful knit, this key buy could be responsible for reinventing your wardrobe for winter and satisfying your shopping cravings right through to springtime.
Be snappy though, while these must-have buys might linger in your wardrobe for the whole season, they won't be sticking around in the shops for very long.
KEY BUY: THE AVIATOR
HOW TO WEAR IT: "Aviation and military are key trends, making the aviator jacket such an iconic piece," says Liz Wilson, a UK womenswear buyer. "Layer the jacket over cable knits for a true winter feel or mix with feminine 1970s dresses in florals and lace for a boho twist."
KEY BUY: MAXI LENGTHS
HOW TO WEAR IT: "Mixing long and short lengths is the new way to wear a maxi," suggests Moriamo Oshodi, ASOS head of womenswear buying. "Try styling this dress for daytime with thick socks scrunched down into ankle boots or wear a long sleeve jersey top underneath for a layered look."
KEY BUY: CLOG BOOTS
HOW TO WEAR IT: "A move on from the summer must-have, these wooden heel boots rock!" Lisa Pierce, French Connection PR manager says. "Wear with everything from skirts and dresses to jeans and cigarette pants. They dress up casual wear and add a tough edge to floaty silks and floral prints."
KEY BUY: KNITS
HOW TO WEAR IT: Knits are this season's cosy winter wardrobe staple," reveals Kelly Harrington, H&M senior designer. "Layering was a strong look on the catwalks, so mix your knits with faux fur, leather and suede, playing with texture."
KEY BUY: MILITARY KHAKI
HOW TO WEAR IT: "Faux fur is one of the most directional trends for outerwear this season," says Michelle Hawes, House of Fraser director of womenswear buying. "This military-inspired coat will effortlessly toughen up girly ensembles."
KEY BUY: LEATHER SKIRT
HOW TO WEAR IT: "This full skirt channels the flattering Fifties silhouette while the leather keeps the look modern," explains Roz Duncan, Marks & Spencer womenswear buyer. "Team this skirt with neat cashmere, a skinny belt and heels for a chic winter ladylike look."
KEY BUY: THE CAPE
HOW TO WEAR IT: "This season the cape is making a striking comeback and this one will add a touch of fairytale luxe to any outfit," says Kelle Crisp, Monsoon press officer. "Cinch it in and team with skinny jeans and heels for the perfect statement silhouette."
KEY BUY: VELVET LUXE
HOW TO WEAR IT: "The maxi is the must-have length for winter and velvet was a strong evening wear trend on the catwalks," says Gillian Boyd, Debenhams occasionwear buying manager. "Wear very simply with a gorgeous pair of heels - let the fabric and embellishment do the talking and keep your accessories simple."
KEY BUY: SEVENTIES STAPLES
HOW TO WEAR IT: "The 'Love Story' look hails back to the Seventies, mixing neutral colours and classic denim with a trench coat," says Hayley Jordison-Harris, director of PR for Tesco clothing. "Stay on trend this season by teaming the old with the new through the layering of different textures and fabrics."