By the end of summer, I’m always anxious for winter to roll around. Don’t get me wrong, I hate the cold, can’t stand shorter days and think hot chocolate is overrated – but I love winter fashion.

At the first hint of a change of season, I’m trading my strappy sandals for suede boots, dusting off my leather leggings and bringing my coats out of hibernation. My over-eagerness to dive headlong into winter fashion has left me cooking in my cashmere on more than one occasion.

I don’t know what the opposite of a beach body is, but I think I have one. In winter, I’m so layered up in woollies, even if I had a beach body you’d never know. Covering up is one of the advantages of cold weather dressing.

In fact, there are many reasons to love winter fashion. For starters, it‘s the perfect excuse to wear practical footwear. I’m not Anna Wintour, with a driver and a limo at the ready, so the risk of frostbite or a slipped disc is enough to make me shelve my heels and put my tanned tootsies into timeout.

I reckon the key to looking hot when the temperature drops comes down to simple wardrobe maths. A few timeless basics (a classic coat and a great pair of boots), plus a couple of key essentials (merino tees and tailored pants) equals chic and warm all season long.

Coco Chanel may have suggested taking off an accessory on your way out the door, but these extras are outfit game changers at this time of year. So, on my way out, I’ll be adding a chunky scarf, my favourite woolly hat and some leather gloves for good measure. Welcome back, winter.