An era known for mini-skirts, big hair and men on motorcycles can do no wrong in my eyes. Ever since Mad Men hit our screens I’ve been perfecting my eyeliner flick and have managed to master it just in time for this season’s influx of A-line dresses, houndstooth prints and Jackie Kennedy-style tweeds, as seen on the catwalks of Moschino and Tory Burch. Just add a contrasting shirt, a splash of metallics and a weatherproof beehive for a bit of 21st century oomph.

There are two reasons I love this season’s penchant for the oversized - not only does it hide a multitude of sins (re: a winter’s worth of mashed potato), but there’s something so devil-may-care about slouchy separates. Sauntering down the Aw12 catwalks, Theory and Carven’s voluminous trenches, stretchy maxis and jumpers-you-could-drown-in made me question the rule of style over comfort. At last my fashion fantasy has come true; a trend that makes my much loved - and often mocked - elasticated waistbands acceptable.

When it comes to getting dressed, I often find myself drawn to polar opposites - my love for Jil Sander’s net-veiled beanie hat sums it up. I’m also a big fan of cats (bear with me, this is going somewhere) so when I saw Markus Lupfer’s merino jumper emblazoned with a fun feline, how could I resist? The AW12 catwalks were teaming with similar characters, from Burberry’s owl to Kenzo’s lion, so in keeping with my love of contradiction I teamed my frivolous jumper with a seriously chic Herve Leger skirt and seashell shoes.

I know what you’re thinking: “Not that scowling Noel Gallagher in camo look again”. But fear not, today’s military is a call to arms for precision details: khaki accents, ultra-sharp tailoring and splashes of colour. Appealing to my maximalist tendencies (more collars, more buttons, more rings, NOW!), it’s still understated enough that I won’t get mistaken for a Hamleys soldier. Plus, heavy outerwear and structured layers give Winter chills their marching orders – and for this chill-prone Australian, that’s priceless.

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Okay I admit it, I am a big old goth at heart. I hate the heat, am never exposed to the sun without SPF50, and have retained my love for a black ensemble since my Placebo fan girl days (oh what days). Thank goodness that the Romantic Goth reappeared all over the AW12 runways - think Helmut Lang and Reed Krakoff. Now I can yet again indulge in modest Victorian hemlines, and sheer ruffles in an unrelenting monotone palette; colour has no place in my Winter wardrobe.

Unlike our resident goth Sarah, opening the wardrobe to a sea of monochrome is just not for me – I love colour. SS12’s pastels were a godsend and now with Autumn/Winter approaching, I have a new colour crush: berry tones. Flattering for all complexions, berry works particularly well for us blondes (anything too red is always a little scarlet harlot). Choose your shade from redcurrant at Carven, to raspberry at McQ Alexander McQueen, to mulberry at Lanvin. Delish!

The major advantage of this trend? Its anti-ageing benefits. Wearing a dress buttoned to the neck and a satchel across my body, I discover I look not like an editor but like the office intern (much to the amusement of my team). As a 30+ woman, though, this is like finding the cure to crow’s feet: who knew the secret to infinite youth is dressing like you did at school? So cue my season of white shirts, faux collars, pleated skirts, and socks worn with spiky ankle boots – and I don’t even need to do any exams!