Building a ten-piece autumn wardrobe

A working wardrobe is not about owning less for its own sake. It is about owning pieces that combine without effort, so getting dressed takes ninety seconds instead of fifteen minutes.

Start with the layer that sets the temperature: an overshirt in a heavy brushed cotton. It works over a tee in September and under a coat in November, which makes it the most-worn item in most of our customers' wardrobes.

Add two knits at different weights — a fine merino crew that fits under a jacket, and a heavier cardigan that works as outerwear on its own. Between them they cover the full autumn range.

Three shirts is the right number: one white oxford, one in a colour you actually like, and one flannel for weekends. Trousers should be two pairs in tones that both take every top you own.

Finish with one pair of shoes that can be resoled. Everything above them can be replaced cheaply; shoes are where quality pays back fastest.