Now that you have packed away your party dresses, you might be feeling uninspired by your wardrobe – but despite the colder temperatures and wet, dark evenings, this time of year does not have to mean compromising on style.

From planning your outfits according to the forecast to investing in the most important pieces, we have provided some tips for dressing well in winter.

Pay attention to the forecast
It's the most obvious tip, but also the most important. Having to carry around scarves, hats, gloves and umbrellas can be a real chore, and isn't necessary all winter long. If you know the temperature is going to be a little higher or that rain isn't expected, you can dress appropriately and bring only what you need in your handbag, rather than your entire winter wardrobe. Similarly, you will be able to face the elements much better if you know it's going to be -5° beforehand because you'll be sure to bring what you need.

Be sensible
Sometimes, winter calls for us to put our heads before our hearts and choose trusty, weather-appropriate clothing rather than valuing fashion above everything. This means: pack away your backless loafers until spring, leave your lightweight skirts in the wardrobe, say goodbye to those off-the-shoulder tops for now and opt for winter-proof pieces that will keep you warm and dry.

Turning up to work drenched because you didn't wear an appropriate coat or revealing your bright red ankles is never going to look good. Add to this the fact that tough winter weather can wreak havoc with clothing that isn't made for it and you should be convinced to put sensibility above style when the cold, wet weather hits. And remember, sensible can definitely still mean chic.

Tailor your hemlines
Always important if you want your ensemble to look expensive, but especially true in winter so that you don't end up with soggy hemlines dragging along the ground. Not so stylish.

Carry a sensible bag
Cold weather inevitably means having to wear layer upon layer, which you are then forced to remove every time you get on the train, hop in the car or enter a shop. Rather than having to lug them all around, bring a bag big enough so that you can pop everything in there as soon as you take it off and it won't be such a nuisance. Alternatively, pack a small fold-up shopper in your tote so you can use it when you need to take a few layers off. A less stressful commute awaits.

Invest in a great coat or two
Yes they're expensive, but you're going to be wearing them regularly in winter so it's worth buying more than one so that you're not stuck in the same outfit until October. Choose different styles – a parka, a smart wool coat, a mac – so that you that you have something for every occasion and won't get bored of wearing it. That way, each one will last much longer too.

Don't be afraid to wear a hat
Everyone is scared of getting hat hair, but if you want to stay warm and fashionable when outside in winter, a hat is key. You lose 40 to 50 per cent of your body heat through your head so it really makes sense to keep it as warm as possible. It means you can wear fewer layers on the rest of your body and avoid that bundle-of-washing feeling.

Browse our NEW ARRIVALS for great winter styles