Style doesn’t have to be seasonal

With student loans dwindling faster than Katie Price’s new marriage, strategic shopping is a must. The best way to increase your wardrobe and minimise expenditure is to make sure your buys can carry you from this coming spring right into the winter winds. Here’s my top picks of the staple pieces that are really worth the investment.

1. Ankle boots are the ideal trans-seasonal footwear choice. Their versatility gives them the green light with almost any outfit: bringing an element of grunge to pretty summer dresses or as it starts to get colder they can be worn with tartan trousers to pay homage to ’70s punk chic. As suspicious as I am that Jeffrey Campbell’s Coltranes (see above) bear a close resemblance to Balenciaga’s Cut Out Boots, at £135.00 they bring this striking design into the realms of the student budget.

2.  A midi-dress is another item that can easily be carried from season to season. Although a length that many avoid in fear of contracting a case of the frumps, if worn right it a midi can look both elegant and trendy. For the warmer season team a tight midi dress such as this one from Topshop with some flatform sandals (no creepers, please) and a fringe bag to create an effortlessly stylish look. As the winds start to change, try wearing it over a long sleeve roll neck and finish with a leather jacket to for a mature edgy look.

3. They were everywhere last season and they are still going strong into SS13: cigarette trousers are a breath of fresh air from the epidemic of skinny jeans and disco pants. This pair from Topshop combines the key styles of monochrome and checks to guarantee that you will look perfectly on trend. For summer, wear with sandals and a sheer top over a bandeau and, to translate into winter, team with a shirt, a fur gilet and inject some colour with red lipstick.

4. Scarves: an underrated accessory that can bring life to an outfit. For when those summer evenings become a bit chillier a pretty scarf can be wrapped round your arms, giving warmth without the hassle of wearing a jacket. Equally, in winter a scarf can be worn with a coat or jacket to bring some colour into those grey winter days. I think Zara are unrivalled for their choice of scarves and their quality.