DINAH VAN TULLEKEN: I'm a fashion editor here's my guide to the 6 pieces every woman needs this spring from just £29 and the three pieces that will age you instantly

It may sound like a glamorous life, but fashion editors spend less time than you imagine sitting elegantly in the front row.

We are mostly to be found either running between shops and showrooms or down on our knees pinning something on a model.

What we need is a stylish wardrobe that works – one where fashion meets functionality.

In other words, the same thing as everyone else. With the new season finally arriving in our favourite stores there's no better time to shop.

So here are the six most wearable items that fashion insiders are making a beeline for – and three that are past their sell-by date…

Chic collared knit

Nothing brings comfort and style to your spring wardrobe like a lightweight collared knit. A chic alternative to the predictable shirt, we editors are enjoying ours in the softest cashmere.

I'm a huge fan of Me & Em's blue and brown sleeveless stripe (£150) – but there's something out there for every taste and budget.

The perfect layering piece, try wearing yours with a white T-shirt tucked into a pair of tailored trousers. Cefinn's contrast collar (£170, cefinn.com) takes you effortlessly from the office to, well, anywhere.

The mini bucket bag

Small but perfectly formed, the mini bucket bag is the shape to be seen with this season.

It's a fabulously minimalist version of all the bucket bags that have come before it – and this season we are saying 'no' to all superfluous details.

Loewe, Gucci and The Row offer designer options but, luckily, you can get the look at a fraction of the price.

Zara's £29.99 burgundy offering can be personalised for a mere £3.

Office trousers

Want to dress like the fashion pack? Then put your jeans aside in favour of an elegant pair of trousers. It isn't enough for them simply to be smart; they need to look like

they belong in a men's two-piece suit from the late 1980s. If you are thinking Michael Douglas in Wall Street, you've got it right.

Spacious wide legs, front pleats, high-waisted and, of course, must be worn with a belt. The look you're after is Yves Saint Laurent SS25 but, thankfully, the High Street has you covered.

Avoid black, and go for navy at French Connection (£69), or burgundy from Reiss (£140). You want them to be chic yet comfortable, and a striking shape that's simple enough to wear on rotation – a foundation of any outfit.

Utility jacket

 It's time to banish your coat to the back of the wardrobe because it's officially jacket season. Leading the charge are multi-pocketed, practical utility jackets.

While army green remains a favourite with designers, they've received a glow-up, coming belted, cropped or oversized. It's a buy now, wear for ever piece, so you can spend a little more for a great fit.

Chunky gold jewellery 

Want to know the easy way to elevate any outfit? A bit of chunky gold jewellery.

It's the finishing touches that make all the difference, and you want yours to be visible.

A chunky gold chain necklace looks great against a simple white T-shirt. Look for statement pieces that can be worn every day, like Jigsaw's molten studs (£35) – a work of art.

Silk scarf

The little knitted triangle that adorned the neck of every fashion influencer on social media has been replaced with an elegant silk version for the warmer months, and I'm a huge fan.

It's an easy way to add a little excitement to even the most boring outfit and it's something I always have in my sartorial arsenal.

Be sure to go for 100 per cent silk. Polyester is unacceptable. Treat it as an investment piece.