1)      Ballet Flats

 Pirouette into winter in a pair of fabulous ballet flats. Cute, practical and comfortable, this trend has been around for a few seasons but is really coming into its own for winter 07. Steer clear from basic black and opt for frothy pastels like peach, pink and cream, or glam it up with creamy metallics. Ballet flats look great with any outfit that doesn't require heels - wear them with jeans, or pop on a pair of tights and team with a tunic dress. Look out for divine flats with embellishments or bow detailing to add instant prima ballerina chic to any outfit.

2)      Leather gloves

 Nothing imparts a feeling of classic elegance more than a pair of leather gloves. Grow up this winter and done a pair of classic leather driving gloves to give any outfit an essence of 1950's chic. Seen all over the catwalks for winter, leather gloves are the perfect accessory for the cold months and remind us to be lady-like! Key colours to look out for are chocolate, cream and tan.

3)      A knock-out coat

 No one ever made a rule that winter coats had to be black, boring and non descript, so this winter is the perfect time to branch out and invest in that fabulous stand out coat. Brave the breeze in a classic trench in taupe or crisp black, cinched with a belt, or go for a statement piece with interesting lines, collar shapes, details or in an unusual fabric.

4)      Vintage silk scarf

 Channel your inner Coco Chanel with a vintage silk scarf this winter. Traditionally the domain of elegant French women, the silk scarf is now a winter must have for everyone. Trawl your favourite vintage shops for beautifully patterned scarves - think hermes-esqe, or for the more daring, go for the vibrant Versace look. Neutral colours such as crème, grey and tan look great with this season's knitwear, as do animal prints. Toss them around your neck with a cropped jacket, tie them in a bow, use them as a head scarf or even tie like a tie.

5) A Beret

 Another must-have piece of French chic this winter is the beret, and a good winter hat performs not only a fashion function, but a utilitarian one too. The beret was the star of the catwalk for winter 07 and nothing makes an outfit look so put together. Go for a colour that accents your outfit and pop on a matching scarf for a complete look. The fabulous thing about the beret is that it is compact enough to pop in your handbag to warm you up, protect your hair from that unexpected rain shower, or instantly dress up a casual ensemble.

6) A cape

 Think 'little red riding hood goes to Paris' as the cape gets glamorous this winter. Capes and caplets are the perfect way to keep warm when you don't want to add the extra bulk of a coat. For daywear, go for capes in tweeds and wools in neutral, wintry colours and for evening wear, add a touch of 1920's elegance and cover up in satins and silks in jewel toned shades.

 7) Stockings

 Give your pale pins the star treatment this winter with a gorgeous pair of stockings. Play the French maid in saucy fishnets or try striking mattes, gorgeous lace and edgy opaques. Our hot pick is nude fishnets for a subtle, high fashion touch. Wash in lingerie bags to ensure they last the season. A woman can never have too many pairs of pantyhose so why not start a collection of interesting colours and patterns.

8) A Cocktail ring

  Look to Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's for this season's jewellery must-have. A vintage cocktail ring is a classic piece that can be worn day or night and no true fashionista will be without one this winter. Look for a square stone in a rich colour - red, purple or brown, in a gold setting and wear it on your middle finger . Go vintage, or check out what is available in jewellery chain stores such as I.D or Bling.

9) Ankle boots

  Ankle biters are heating up this winter. Whether you choose cutaway openings, fold downs or flat and pixie-like, ankle boots are the hottest shoe this winter. Wear them with jeans or dresses and this winter's fabulous collection of tights and leggings. Again try to steer away from basic black and add a point of difference with a neutral colour such as grey, cream or chocolate. If you are loyal to the black brigade however, then keep an eye out for ankle boots with gorgeous detailing such as bows, ruching, chunky fold down features and interesting cutaway shapes.

10) Hot nails

  Fashionable fingernails are the ultimate accessory this winter. Dress them up in gorgeous rich hues - deep purple, smart navy, or a delicious chocolate. Keep them short, sweet and well groomed to make a real statement - they don't say your hands are your most valuable tool for nothing!

Be first to comment this article

Only registered users can write comments.

Please login or register.