If there is such a thing as 'must haves' in mens' fashion, here are five. . .

SLIM-FITTING SUIT: The new trend for tailoring means your best buy in work smartness is a narrow suit. This look can be jazzed up with personal twists . . . skinny belts and ties, scarves or plimsolls rather than work shoes. Break up the suit for weekend wear, teaming tailored jackets with jeans and smart suit trousers with a mac or parka. Shop at: BT, Alias Tom, Louis Feraud, Louis Copeland, Gentleman Please.

CARDIGAN: The retro mood in menswear continues and everyone from Jude Law to Pete Doherty is wearing a grandad cardigan. The high street has them in every colour, knit and pattern. Buy yours in grey, red or black and wear over clean white shirts or t-shirts. Shop at: Ted Baker, House of Fraser, Harvey Nichols, Topman.

LEAN TROUSERS: Skintight jeans should definitely be approached with caution but Mod-like skinny trousers are a whole other ballgame. Try soft wool or corduroy and wear them so they skirt the ankles.

Accessorise with belts, socks, loafers. Shop at:

Massimo Dutti, Zara, French Connection.

PEA COAT: Meet the new-season pea coat . . . autumn's answer to the trench and this season's alternative to the parka.

When temperatures drop, add fat sheepskin gloves and a hat and it's all very Gucci 007. Shop at: Burton, Zara, BT, Gentleman Please.

MOTORBIKE JACKET: James Dean Rebel Without a Cause apparel is back with a quiff but if you don't want to buy into the white tshirt, jeans and biker boots combo, a zippy motorbike jacket will do just fine. Shop at: BT2, River Island, All Saints, Topman.