“There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing” – Ranulph Fiennes

For many, dressing in autumn/winter is troublesome, as we struggle to strike the balance between staying stylish and dressing to combat the elements.

Usually, we fall into one of two categories: the stylish-yet-inappropriately-dressed, and those who have dressed appropriately yet compromised on style. However, staying warm and dry doesn’t mean you have to rip up the rule book. With a few tips and tricks, you can embrace this season’s trends while maintaining perfect practicality.

Trend #1: Velvet

Velvet has been a popular trend on the runways this year, with many styles now filtering through into high street stores. From dresses to skirts and jackets, this luxe material is everywhere — even securing a place in our shoe collection.

Velvet boots are a must-have this season. The richer the colour, the better, so choose opulent greens, deep blues and rich reds. While you may reserve your velvet frock for the party season, your velvet boots will take you all the way through autumn/winter. From a shopping trip with friends to evening drinks, they’re perfect for almost any occasion.

However, like suede, velvet is notoriously difficult to clean. Mud and rain can both prove problematic for your footwear — so how do you clean it?

Firstly, the best thing you can do is to prevent stains in the first place. Apply a protective spray to your shoes that will make mud and other marks easier to clean away when they occur.

To clean away dried-on mud, gently rub the mark with a soft shoe brush. Depending on the amount of mud on the shoes, you may want to use a toothbrush for greater precision. Removing water marks can be more difficult and you may need to seek professional help.

Trend #2: Knee-high boots

Knee-high boots are a timeless trend that reappears without fail every autumn/winter. It’s easy to see why — they’re practical, comfortable and sophisticated – yet many women are unsure how to style them. This is largely a result of their height.

One of the easiest ways to wear knee-high boots is with skirts and dresses. As a general rule of thumb, stick to hemlines that are above knee length. A mini skirt paired with chunky knit tights and knee-high boots is an ideal youthful style. For a more reserved look that’s perfect for the office, choose a skirt that ends just above the knee. It will create a more formal look and help show off your boots.

To wear knee-high boots with jeans, make sure they’re skinny or tight-fitting. Loose-fitting jeans will gather around the top of the boot, so show off your shape in form-fitting denim for the ultimate off-duty style.

Knee-high boots are perfect for a host of occasions — but you should also consider the material. Leather knee-high boots are the most durable and versatile, and will keep your feet dry in rain and snow.

With 60s and 70s styles re-emerging for 2016, suede is another popular choice. However, suede marks easily if it’s not properly treated before being exposed to rain and snow. Even if you have applied a protective spray, you should wear them with caution—it might be wiser to swap out the suede for your leather boots instead.

Knee-high boots are already a practical choice for winter, but you can up the warmth factor by wearing them with a cosy pair of socks — they’re so tall, nobody will ever know!

Trend #3: Macs & trench coats

The transitional period between the start of autumn and winter is tricky to master — it’s too warm for your winter coat yet too cold for thin cardigans or bare arms. That’s where mac and trench coats come in; both were popular at this year’s AW16 fashion shows.

However, you might not want to fork out for a thin transitional piece that you can only wear for a couple of months. There are ways to improve the wearability – you can combat the thin material by wearing lots of layers underneath. Pile thin layers under a thick jumper to enjoy warmth through winter.

Of course, the waterproof properties of the coats make them the ideal choice for rainy and snowy days, so they’re well worth the investment.

Trend #4: Sportswear

Trainers have been a popular trend for a while now and show no signs of letting up. However, while they may be regarded highly for their comfort, they aren’t always recognised as being an appropriate winter shoe.

They may not be appropriate for wet or snowy days, but on the drier days we do receive, your trainers are the perfect choice. This season is all about sports-luxe styles, so don’t be afraid to pair your running trainers with jeans and a woollen winter coat. Keep the rest of your outfit muted, like black for example, and wear with bright-coloured trainers.

Because the British weather is unpredictable, it’s wise to choose a pair of leather trainers. These will help keep your feet dry should you get caught in a sudden (yet all too common) downpour.

Trend #5: Biker boots

Biker-inspired boots are perfect for the winter. With their flat, durable soles and sturdy construction, they’re the obvious choice to tackle rain, snow and ice without compromising on your look — but when can you wear them?

Believe it or not, biker boots are incredibly versatile. While they’re a little too chunky and grungy for the office, they’re perfect for days off and evenings out. Wear them with skinny jeans for a laid back look. If you choose black boots, try to keep the rest of your outfit the same colour to unify your style.

For a fashion-forward look, you can also wear the boots with dresses and skirts. However, keep them casual — formal styles will juxtapose against the slouchy style of the boots. Choose loose-fitting, flowing styles and wear them with tights and a coat for extra warmth.

You don’t have to sacrifice fashion for practicality this winter. Rather, it’s about getting the balance right to keep you warm, comfortable and on-trend.