Essentials: Five key items you NEED this A/W

As the summer draws to a disappointing end, you may struggle to find something to smile about. However, not all is doom and gloom. The beginning of a new season means one thing, a new wardrobe!

So pack away your beloved summer essentials, and start preparing for life amongst the wind and the rain.

To help you tackle the miserable months ahead, The Modern Man has prepared a list of FIVE essentials which should see you safely through the autumn/winter season.

Item 1 - Fair Isle

Left to right: Topman brown reindeer yoke jumper £40| Exclusive YMC fair isle knit @ my-wardrobe £150| AllSaints Yorvik crew £75|

Once the unwanted Christmas gift given to you by your aggravating great Aunt, the Fair Isle jumper is now officially 'cool'.

This season, the homespun knitwear should be the very first on your A/W checklist. Its greatest feature? Versatility. Pair with almost anything and it won't look out of place.

The Modern Man recommends pairing with a dark shaded pair of chinos and loafers, whilst wearing solo or under a tweed jacket or quilted gilet.

Item 2 - The Snood

Left to right: Topman grey jersey grid snood £12| River Island brown oversized snood £17| Topman burgundy gauze snood £14|

After making a rather stylish arrival last year, it seems the snood is sticking around. Again, like the fair isle knit, the snood is extremely versatile. Pair with tailoring (a snood leaves no bulky knots or lumps) or with your everyday outfit to add that extra special touch.

There are so many patterns out there, but The Modern Man recommends playing it safe and sticking with a stylish plain snood. This way, you can rock your new neck wear with pretty much anything!

Item 3 - Quilting

Left to right: J.Crew padded gilet @ Mr Porter £130| Topman red jersey quilted gilet £42| AllSaints mountain gilet £185|

From jackets to gilets, quilting is a must this A/W. It's EVERYWHERE, and is the perfect winter item to chuck on over the top of another of your season purchases.

The Modern Man recommends pairing with your new fair isle knit!

Item 4 - The Trench Coat

Left to right: Burberry London double-breasted trench coat @ Mr Porter £650| Topman funnel neck trench coat £75| Burberry London packaway trench coat @ Mr Porter £495|

A quintessentially English piece, the trench coat is timeless, and perfect for this A/W season. Add this stylish coat to your wardrobe, and be prepared for whatever the weather has in store.

Pair with tailoring or casual attire, as with neither will it look out of place. Its added bonus? It has a reluctance to go out of fashion, so buy a trench coat and wear it for the next five to ten years!

Item 5 - Shearling (sheepskin)

Left to right: River Island grey leather flight jacket £130| Topman khaki borg lined hooded parka £90| Topman black borg lined aviator jacket £70|

Now last, but by no means least, is shearling. The warm A/W piece has always been a huge hit on the catwalks, but this year is taking the shops by storm. Not only will it keep you warm on the chilliest of evenings, a shearling coat will give you a super stylish look. Pair with shearling accessories, such as socks, to finish the look off.

Don't forget, the best thing about these essentials, is that most of them can be worn together!