or our bank balances!

Most women could probably fill whole suitcases with fast fashion buys that have struggled to make it past the front door more than once, and are now consigned to that dark recess of the wardrobe, some with pricetags still embarrassingly attached.

They're the culprits that blight our wardrobe economy record – you know, dividing the cost by the number of wears to find out how sound a purchase your coat/dress/trousers/a-little-too-bright skinny jeans really are.

That's where stores at the pricier end of the high street spectrum tend to fare best. The likes of LK Bennett, Karen Millen, Cos, Reiss, Jigsaw, Whistles and Hobbs cost an awful lot more than your average fashion hotspot, but they have a longevity that sails past the bargain basement steals.

Just imagine where the Duchess of Cambridge would be without those nude patent platforms – a sound wardrobe economy if ever there was one!

With the clock change lurking ever closer, and the pinch of Jack Frost's icy fingers in the air, it's the perfect time to invest in one or two key winter pieces that will become wardrobe staples for years to come.

The autumn/winter range at Hobbs is a one-stop shop for elegant and fashion-conscious garments.

Their cosy wool coats are timeless yet on-trend, and quality fabrics dominate its military, countryside heritage and Sixties-influenced designs.

Their blouses, skirts and trousers come into their own with statement silhouettes, while the sleeved dresses are versatile enough to span the generations with a little help from some funky accessories.

And with up to 50% off items in its current autumn sale, those pricetags won't be hanging around for long.

FOR INFO: 0845 313 3130 or visit www.hobbs.co.uk

There are Hobbs stores at 127 Buchanan Street (0141 248 3978) and Silverburn Shopping Centre (0141 881 9603), as well as concessions in John Lewis and House of Fraser.