The fashion briefing

Having spent the summer campaigning against plastic flip-flops on adult men unless at the beach, the Briefing was naturally drawn to this sandals-and-suit look, as sported by the always dapper Hamish Bowles of American Vogue. Hamish hasn’t just chosen to wear any old suit but a double-breasted one – and is attending a fashion bash. But in any case, the idea is that you can wear sandals with smart trousers of an evening if you so desire without looking like a ninny. Keep the faith. Photograph: Sipa Press / Rex Features/SIPA

Men's jacket of the week
The Harrington jacket is a menswear classic. But right now you'd be hard pushed to find any nicer than this brushed cotton, kingfisher blue version by Albam, featuring Japanese chambray-lined sleeves. It also comes in olive, sand, red and navy. £139, albamclothing.com Photograph: PR

Join the queue
Talent spotter Lulu Kennedy, director of Fashion East – an initiative to give new designers a leg up during London fashion week – launched Lulu & Co last season to great acclaim. One sure-fire sell-out is the Till the End merino jumper by Bella & Susie, that's Freud and Bick respectively. Remember Kate Moss's Ginsberg is God jumper from 2003? Yep, that was one of Freud's too. £245, liberty.co.uk Photograph: pr

High-street trend alert
Zara's new season deliveries have a whiff of the scuba about them. Check this zip-fronted jacket in banging orange for reference. And they're not alone – Cos has this look coming soon too, with hooded tops in a shade of boozy burgundy. In fact, this season is set to be one of the brightest autumn/winter on record with orange a headline hue. Yes, you will still be able to buy a sensible black coat, but instead of waiting for that summery zing, you can have it all year round. £99.99, zara.com Photograph: pr

Splurge Certain fashion is designed to be totally joyful and these Miu Miu trainers are a prime example. They're shimmering gold, feature appliquéed crystals and a big fat gem at the toe. Disco shoes you can actually stand in long enough to actually dance. It's part of an emerging trend this autumn for mannish shoes with razzle – see also Dolce & Gabbana gold sequined lace-ups. £400, miumiu.com Photograph: PR