5 WAYS TO WEAR: MARY JANE SHOES

Usually flat, sometimes with a rounded toe, but always with a schoolgirlish strap just below the ankle: that's the Mary Jane shoe. They're going to be this winter's key fashion footwear item (and a reasonably practical one at that), working well with slouch pants, demure skirts, or a bit of sluttish satin - just don't team them with tight trousers

Clockwise from top left: black silk-satin top, pounds 189, by Joseph, 315 Brompton Rd, SW3 (enq: 0171 590 6200); satin skirt, pounds 136, by Antoni & Alison, 43 Rosebury Ave, EC1 (enq: 0171 833 2002); flat Mary Janes, pounds 89, from Pied a Terre, branches nationwide (enq: 0171 629 0686). Grey hooded cardigan, pounds 65, by CK Jeans, from Selfridges, Oxford St, W1 (enq: 0171 629 1234); stretch shirt, pounds 50, from French Connection, branches nationwide (enq: 0171 399 7200); wool trousers, pounds 129, by Joseph, 315 Brompton Rd, SW3 (enq: 0171 590 6200); shoes, pounds 55, by Roberto Vianni, from major department stores (enq: 0171 380 3800). Floral shirt, pounds 69, by Liberty, Regent St, W1 (enq: 0171 734 1234); school skirt, pounds 15, from John Lewis, Oxford St, W1 (enq: 0171 629 7711); brogues, pounds 74.99, by Hobbs, 84 Kings Rd, SW3 (enq: 0171 586 5550). Jumper, pounds 35, from Warehouse, branches nationwide (enq: 0171 278 3491); grey skirt, pounds 299, by Nicole Farhi, 158 New Bond St, W1 (enq: 0171 499 8368); dance shoes, pounds 43, by Freeds, 94 St Martins Lane, WC2 (enq: 0171 240 0432). Chunky shoes, pounds 125, by Miu Miu, 123 New Bond St, W1 (enq: 0171 409 0900); wool socks, pounds 2.99, from M&S, branches nationwide (enq: 0171 935 4422)