It’s the first really cold day of autumn. The first day my car has to be coaxed into starting because it’s too cold. The first day we put our heating on in the morning. The first day I consider stew to be a viable dinner option.

With frost on the ground and a bite in the air, I really only had one option when it came to today’s outfit. Dig out the biggest, cosiest, most blanket-like item in the wardrobe and wear it with gusto. So I did.

Topshop cardigan via charity shop, high waisted cords c/o Next, Zara long sleeved tee, Miss Selfridge ring

I like to think of this cardigan, which I picked up in my recent charity shop knitwear haul for a fiver, as the stylish slanket. It’s Topshop’s version of a blanket with armholes, knitted in the finest Alpaca wool with a few buttons thrown on for posterity. It’s ridiculously warm and two sizes too big, so when I wear it I am literally swaddled in fabric and quite red in the face.

To play down the slanket factor and redeem some style points, I teamed my oversized knit with skinny, high waisted cords, a basic long sleeve tee in rich plum and some statement jewels. Add a pair of platform boots and the effect is chic, rather than cold-at-a-festival.

Is it chilly where you are today? How did you keep warm?

Over the last few months I’ve spent a lot of time in London. I’ve already written about the inspiration I get from the city itself, but for sartorial stimulus I look to London’s ladies.

At London Fashion Week, I saw an outfit that really stuck in my head. A short leather skirt, oversized chunky knit, platform boots and bright lips. Such a simple look, but one that worked so well the street style photographers were falling over themselves to snap a shot. I’ve been searching for the perfect jumper to recreate the look, and I finally found it in Zara.

Zara jumper, River Island leather skirt, Bertie boots, Primark tights, Topshop ring

Metallic elbow patches? Yes please. I love the snugly, cosy jumper with the slightly slutty (sans tights, at least) leather skirt and fierce boots. If I wanted to be all fashion douchebag about it, I’d describe it as a juxtaposition of femininity and androgyny.

I’m heading to London again tomorrow and can’t wait to while away a few hours with some people watching, gathering inspiration for my wardrobe back up North.

Who or what is inspiring you today?