SMALL PRINT:IT SEEMS like a dream to think that, just two weeks ago, we saw the hottest day of the year and even too our summer linens back out of storage. If the past few days have been any indicator, our Indian summer is well and truly over. But you needn't overhaul your wardrobe entirely, a few easy pieces will give relief from the biting wind.

There are two essential components to clever winter dressing and they are a coat and a decent pair of boots. The former will keep you warm and, if you think strategically – although not particularly fashionably – dry, while the latter will protect your feet from puddles.

Asos’s duffle coat may strike fear into the hearts of many, but padded coats are back – this raspberry colour pop will really stand out.

A riding boot is really the only way to go for practical foot protection.

Zara’s patent leather boots tread that fine line between Wellington and boot, but the brown leather accent just about saves them from the sartorial scrap heap.

If it’s mere heat you’re after – and you have a few cents to spare – check out this limited edition John by John Rocha sheepskin gilet at Debenhams. Layer over a leather jacket or khaki parka, or underneath your waterproofs for snug smugness. Seriously chic!

As for hats and gloves, don’t take it too seriously – colourful knits often bring a smile to the glummest of faces, and River Island’s bobble hat is a cute way of jazzing up a boring outfit. As for gloves, these are the curse of the iPhone user – unless you check out some touch-screen friendly gloves from itapgloves.com. At $20 ex-shipping, they look like good old-fashioned wool gloves, but have touch sensitivity for texting at the crucial-but-cold moment. Why didn’t we think of it first?