Margaret Howell returns as chic as ever for AW15, uncomplicated, minimal and fail-safe.

Loose Legs

The shapes were smart at Margaret Howell and the pieces were beautifully cut. You’d be forgiven for thinking this is a collection for grown-ups, real fashion ladies who have moved on from ironic bling accessories and buying anything because it’s fluffy, and in a way it is. However, loose, rolled up trouser hems had a back-to-school feel, along with paper-bag waists cinched in with leather belts to accentuate the oversized style. Playful, youthful and subtle customisations that made the collection accessible to all. Knee-length dresses seemed pretty but plain from the front but from behind revealed button-down back fastenings and a sharp centred slit to show off your thighs if you dare to bare without tights.

Wind Your Neck In

If you’re going to evoke Howell then we want to see those shirt collars buttoned to the top and those polo necks rolled right up to your chin. Layering is key, so if you’re going to invest in one piece, we suggest it’s a white polo neck jumper to wear under everything. Skinny scarves were also on show, felt, fringed and flat and wrapped around once, tight to the neck.

Coats Galore

What we’ll really be lusting after is one (or all) of the coats. Gamine and gorgeous, you could throw any of them on and become a super-chic, worldly woman who reads lots instead of the girl who watches film versions of classic literature and has been wearing the same mac since 2009. That’s what we’re hoping for anyway. We’ll take the short burnt red jacket for mornings in the city and the sleeveless shearling number for evenings by countryside fireplaces, thank you.