Build this season's silhouette with tulip skirts, cropped jackets and 'peg' trousers

Trousers

Seen at: YSL

If you've been living in skinny jeans, it's time to rediscover proper trousers, with interesting styles to flatter all shapes. The "peg" (volume at the thigh, slim at the ankle) is the shape of the season. To make this look work if you're on the shorter side, heels are essential. River Island's pin-striped pair (£34.99, www.riverisland.com) will look neat and chic if you're petite, while Full Circle's grey pair (£100, www.fullcircleuk.com ) have a slouchier fit and a 1940s vibe. If you want to play it a little safer, a boyish straight cut such as Kew's grey trousers (£65, www.kew-online.com) are a sensible investment. While Mango's tweedy pair (£35 , www.mango. com) are a nod to this season's heritage trend.

Jackets

Seen at: Lanvin

A carefully chosen jacket could be your wisest purchase this autumn. Twenty8Twelve's cropped tuxedo style (£245, Twenty8Twelve at www.my-wardrobe.com) will work hard for your money - pair with jeans in the day or throw over a dress for a chic evening cover-up. A minimal black blazer (£95, www.cosstores.com) is a similarly versatile option. If you prefer a little embellishment, the piping and embossed buttons on Marks & Spencer's military jacket (£69.50, www.marksandspencer.com) should do the trick. Somewhere between a long waistcoat and a sleeveless jacket, H&M's bargain piece (£24.99, www.hm.com) is cool and unusual.

Skirts

Seen at: Balenciaga

There's lots of fun to be had with your silhouette this season thanks to the range of shapes available. Anyone with a slim waist would do well to invest in a Philip Lim pleated A-line number (£250, Philip Lim at www.net-a-porter.com ) that will look great with a long, slim top tucked in. Likewise, Principles' mocha tulip skirt (£55, www.principles.co.uk) will accentuate an hourglass shape. For a sleeker look, Jigsaw's classic pencil style (£75, www.jigsaw.co.uk) will outlast the season. And if you can cope with other people constantly trying to straighten your skirt as you talk to them, a Sara Berman "twisted" cashmere version is an original and attention-grabbing piece (£135 , www.saraberman.com).