As Armani’s muse, Cate Blanchett gets the pick of his frocks and she chose splendidly with this royal purple Armani Privé number. Wisely paring back accessories to let the vibrant violet speak for itself, this is a lesson in timeless elegance. Photograph: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.com
This white and red trompe l’oeil necklace T-shirt by Stella McCartney for Gap launches on Saturday as part of the (Gap) Red campaign. The limited-edition classic cotton top is both playful and beneficial, with half the profits going to the Global Fund to fight Aids in Africa.
£16.50, Gap, 0800 427789 Photograph: Guardian
Make like a 1940s Katharine Hepburn in the classic film The Philadelphia Story with this slinky, fine-knit burgundy cardigan by Full Circle. A sharp shoulder is the dominant shape of the season, and makes your waist look smaller, which is never a bad thing at this time of year.
£60, www.fullcircleuk.com; 020 8753 0112 Photograph: Guardian
“Cross-body” is the buzzword in bags for spring. Clarks’s old-school satchel in tan leather and suede will help you to get a head start – and it’s practical too. It has plenty of pockets and comes at a respectable price – and you’ll be keeping your hands free.
£69.99, clarks.co.uk; 08444 777744 Photograph: Guardian
The “Neisha” jacket by supermodels’ favourite Rika negotiates a tricky line between romance and rock’n’roll. Scattered with designer Ulrika Lundgren’s trademark stars, it’s a softer way to wear animal print. Celebrity fans include Claudia Schiffer, Alexa Chung, Kate Moss and Sienna Miller.
£270, Shop at Bluebird, 020 7351 3873 Photograph: Guardian
There’s not much point to a hat unless it keeps your ears warm, and this beauty from Reiss does exactly that. The Sheldon hat comes in a smart navy wool with faux fur interior, and works as well with a suit Monday to Friday as it does for a weekend walk in the park.
£39, reiss.co.uk Photograph: Guardian
