Also known as your new spring coat if red patent leather is not for you. Nicola Rose, fashion director of Red magazine, trailblazes with her belted Mulberry cardigan. Note her styling. Leave the bottom half of the cardigan open and ensure that your hem is slightly longer than the cardi, but not much more. Photograph: Imogen Fox/Guardian
It was a toss-up between this style and ankle boots, which were still doing brisk business at the fashion shows. This particular pair by Aldo give out the appropriate hardcore fashion vibes, but are reasonably comfy to walk in and cost an un-menacing £70 (020-7836 7692). Photograph: Imogen Fox/Guardian
Note that these are not Capri pants - the new trousers land a touch above the ankle bone. Kerstin Schneider, fashion director at German Elle, bought hers at Miu Miu "seasons ago", but the high street is soon to be full of them. Start in Zara and, if you're not satisfied there, visit a tailor with a pair that you already own, or turn them up to get the precise fashion length. Photograph: Imogen Fox/Guardian
But give it a fancier descriptive name. For example, this bag by Anya Hindmarch is known as "shark grey". Our favourite grey is "Halston grey", which technically isn't grey at all but a mushroom colour. Use either term insouciantly to earn fashion points. Bag, £695 (020-7730 0961). Photograph: Imogen Fox/Guardian
Really not so complicated, this fashion thing, is it? Head to Gap, pick up a narrow striped top for a tenner and be as fashionable as Paris Vogue's Geraldine Saglio, who earns extra kudos by wearing black and carrying a Chanel bag as well. Photograph: Imogen Fox/Guardian
The major theme of Miuccia Prada's show in Milan two weeks ago was lace - the large crocheted tablecloth variety. Fashion show attendees took the look to their hearts immediately, which means that the look will mushroom in the mainstream too by summertime. H&M has been rather prescient with this dress, available now. £39.99, 020-7323 2211. Photograph: Imogen Fox/Guardian
Now here's a curveball. At first we thought this was a fabric best archived in the Ashes to Ashes wardrobe department, but then Mary Fellowes, fashion editor of the Economist's Intelligent Life supplement, changed our minds by making red patent leather look chic and upbeat. Unexpectedly, M&S is currently selling its own version of this red patent jacket for £149. Photograph: Imogen Fox/Guardian
Don't dismiss this as style-with-learner-plates on. Full-on black is a look favoured by much of the European fashion corps. You already have something appropriate, so there's nothing new to buy here unless you fancy getting yourself a black leather jacket similar to the one worn by Spanish stylist Barbara Martelo. Hers is by Balenciaga and cost thousands, but Zara has a lovely one for £150. Photograph: Imogen Fox/Guardian
A really easy fashion substitution, this. Swap black opaques for coloured opaques and you have it. Witness French stylist Alix Thomsen, showcasing her Miu Miu shoes against orange tights. Photograph: Imogen Fox/Guardian
Far and away the bag to carry to be instantly fashionable right now. It-bag fatigue has led to the popularity of the classic Chanel 2.55 shape, designed 53 years ago. Cassi Michalik, European correspondent for stylesight.com, proudly wears hers. Prices start at £1,175. Expensive, but enduring. Photograph: Imogen Fox/Guardian
