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Autumn Wardrobe: Fran's pick of the A/W 2011 crop

Autumn is a wonderful time of year for clothes. After being hot and uncomfortable throughout the summer, it is always a relief to see the days start to draw in. At last, it is farewell to one layer, and hello to many. This is the season to really play with texture and colour.

Follow nature’s lead and dress in muted browns, greens, mustards and rusty reds; in practical layers that can be removed on a sweaty tube and added for a chilly street. My favourite thing about autumn? Tights are acceptable again! Friends will stop looking me up and down, saying, “aren’t you hot in those?”

While autumn reigns supreme, here is my personal pick of the autumn/winter 2011 crop; to be worn with a thick pair of tights, whenever possible.

Not On The High Street This Betsy peacoat by The Rose is sweetly tailored and can be dressed easily up or down. The red detailing under the lapel contrasts beautifully with the navy colour of the coat. £375 at Notonthehighstreet.com	Toast Toast always have amazing knitwear and with the ribbed collar detail this Suri cape pullover looks lovely and cosy; the ideal throw-on solution for that difficult trans-seasonal period. £144 at Toast.	Browns This simple silk 'tear off' print dress by Hussein Chalayan is a great item to layer on to. The silk will feel good against your skin, but if it gets too cold, just throw on a big scarf, cardigan or coat. £485 from Browns.

French Connection These Twilight peg leg trousers are the perfect answer to the changing seasons. Just add or remove socks as temperature demands. £77 at French Connection.	Jigsaw Make like the colour of autumn leaves with this oversized cable knit scarf and sling it on when feeling the chill; of course it can be easily cast aside if the sun comes out. £59 at Jigsaw.	Net-a-Porter With a nod to the 70s, this boho Eugenia Kim hat is an investment, but a chic piece of headgear will go with many things and conceal many a bad hair day! Get yours for £280 at Net-a-Porter.

Ted Baker Surrounded by all these sludgy tones, a pair of purple brogues should liven things up, teamed with slate or black and a sludgy orange or mustard. £150 at Ted Baker.	Oasis Printed Crepe Jumpsuit One of the big fashion stories this autumn is the 70's and this printed crepe jumpsuit ticks all the boxes! Day or night, this will be a real headturner. £75 from Oasis.	Reiss The breton stripe is not going anywhere, but why not play with it a little? This rusty red colour is great for autumn and a long sleeved tee always deals with the transition from hot to cold weather admirably. £69 by Reiss.