Not to sound like anyone’s mum, but a classic coat such as this is simple, versatile and even washable. Not only will it keep you warm as the nights turn chilly, but it has a supermodel’s approval: Daphne Groeneveld wears it in H&M’s 60s-style campaign for autumn/winter. A wise investment. Photograph: PR company handout
Being at college is a great excuse to embrace collegiate style – and a pair of brogues will do that. These shoes, in high-shine black, tread a nice line between trad and modern. Team with jeans or skater skirt depending on your mood. Photograph: PR company handout
Shy about making an entrance? Let your trousers do it for you. By adding a pop of colour to a basic chino, a bright becomes much less scary but still gains you an A+ in the fashion stakes. Fuscia is the colour for those in the know. Photograph: PR company handout
Even if you never step foot in a gym, this bag will make a useful overspill bag for books, beanie hats, clean pants and so on. Also, red is having a fashion moment this season, from bright shades to student-friendly boozy hues, so it’s a quick way to seem like you know your trends. Photograph: PR company handout
No student is complete without a sweater – crew necks are infinitely cooler than v-necks, while polo necks are on trend and guaranteed to divide opinion. In any case, swerve the grunge bobble cliche by snaffling up plain knits at Benetton, from punchy yellow to a more conservative navy, it has cotton or wool styles for less than £35. Photograph: PR company handout
Trainers have come properly back into fashion of late – the new Converse, if you will. These are classic Nike. They’ll work hard for the cash ie you can dance in them at night, run about in the day. Photograph: PR company handout
