There is something about September that has never quite lost its back-to-school magic. Decades after our own be-uniformed days are behind us, we still regard it as every bit as much of a new-year moment as January – more so, perhaps, thanks to the remembered thrill of fresh paper, new pens and that first tantalising crispness in the air. Reliving it through our own children only heightens the effect.

And, sartorially speaking, autumn has always been the most exciting season of all. After months of linen, sandals and sun dresses, there is a real pleasure in contemplating proper clothes again: a great coat, a new pair of boots, a beautifully cut skirt or a knit that smakes getting dressed feel interesting again. This year, the mood is especially appealing, with vivid cobalt blue, heritage checks and flashes of animal print sitting alongside funnel-neck coats, polished midi skirts, knee-high boots and belts cinched firmly at the waist. Consider this our first taste of autumn – and a tempting reason to look forward to the leaves turning.