We are officially into the autumn season now, judging by the amount of trench coats appearing in stores and on social media.

The all-purpose, always chic trench coat is a fashion staple. You probably already have one in your wardrobe, which is the good news. All it takes now is a few little 2024 updates and you’re ready to go.

1.  Red. It was huge during the northern hemisphere winter just gone, and we can adopt it now. It doesn’t have to be a big commitment, even just a red sweater vest or a red handbag can add a pizazz when put back with a khaki trench.
2. Peach fuzz is the Pantone Colour for 2024 and we will start to see it seep through, especially in knitwear. Peach and khaki is a match made in heaven, so start layering the peach fuzz knits now from labels like Anna Quan.
3. Squishy, butter soft, oversize handbags. The beautiful Melbourne handbag label A-esque staged a fabulous presentation in Sydney this week, featuring luxurious leather clutch bags, massive overnight totes and roomy hobo bags in colours like putty, lichen and butterscotch.
4. Scarves. It’s time to channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and pull out that go-to of the bourgeoisie – the silk designer scarf. A trench coat and scarf, expertly knotted at the throat, is always a good fashion look, especially with dark glasses.
5. New sunglasses. My new favourite styles are from Gentle Monster, a very cool but glamorous Korean brand. My latest pair are very dark tortoise and slightly cats eye, but they have kookier styles that will turn your everyday look more modern.
6. Hollywood celebrities such as Kirsten Stewart are embracing the no-pants look rather enthusiastically – walking out in designer undies like those at Miu Miu. For those who would like to make a slightly less obvious statement, a very short pencil skirt will give  the same proportion. Worn with a white shirt, under the trench, it’s a snappy look with a whiff of Nineties sexiness.
7. A very nice evening look is a pair of silk pyjamas, topped with the trench and worn with either kitten heels or ballet flats. It has a very Katherine Hepburn, ‘I haven’t tried too hard but I look amazing’  casual chic vibe.
8. At an Oroton showing this week I spied some dangly, yet restrained, diamante earrings that would look fresh with a trench, especially if worn in the daytime. It’s the unexpected mix that up the style ante.
9. Pant shapes at the moment are all very wide, but unless you’re tall, wide pants and trench coats can be a challenging silhouette ( if you have a wasp waist and can tightly belt your trench however, you’re good to go.) A knit legging, or a pair of white or blue straight leg jeans may be a better balance.
10. Something sparkly. The juxtaposition of sparkling sequins or lurex against the utility of khaki canvas always hits the right note.