So into autumn we skip.

After the less-than-glorious summer we’ve had in the UK this year, it’ll be nice to stop pretending to ourselves that the sun might come out and just embrace long sleeves, jackets and boots.

It can be pricey entering a new season, if you want to buy some of ‘what’s in now’.

Going on an autumnal spree to update your wardrobe with on-trend pieces will be a lot easier on your wallet if you look for classic, investment pieces. Hunt for clothes that will last you into winter and beyond, rather than 'flash in the pan' trends that you can only wear occassionally and won't stay in vogue for long.

You don't need a whole new wardrobe... just a few key pieces to update your favorite outfits. And even better, there's loads that will be perfect for autumn/winter in the highstreet sales at the mo.

Here are my favourites:

FRENCH CONNECTION

Verushka Knits Dress WAS £97 NOW £24

Josephine Silk Tie Dress WAS £97 NOW £77.50

Perfect Pleat Skirt WAS £62 NOW £24

Luna Wool Pencil Skirt NOW £27

WHISTLES

Cable Handknit Jumper WAS £90 NOW £70

Fitted Fisherman Jumper WAS £45 NOW £35

Belted Peg Trouser WAS £55 NOW £45

RIVER ISLAND

Dark Red Fringe Brogues WAS £30 NOW £20

Brown Print Pocket Blouse WAS £30 NOW £20

Red Mid-length A-line Belted Skirt WAS £30 NOW £20

OASIS

Linen Mix Turn Up Trouser WAS £45 NOW £20

60s Pocket Mini Skirt WAS £38 NOW £25

Frill Front Drape Leather Jacket WAS £165 NOW £100

Bouquet Ditsy Maxi Dress WAS £30 NOW £20

URBAN OUTFITTERS

Silk 3/4 Sleeve Shirt WAS £55 NOW £30

Collared Smock Dress WAS £55 NOW £25

Beige Suede & Leather Tassel Loafers WAS £65 NOW £35

ALL IMAGES GRATEFULLY COPIED FROM COMPANIES' RESPECTIVE WEBSITES.

The hightstreet summer sales are coming to an end, before summer has even gotten into its swing.

Although one wouldn't necessarily think it at the moment, what with all the rain and wind and general chilliness that we've been experiencing (did no one tell 'them' it's the end of July??), there are a few weeks of British summer time remaining.

There are still some great bargains to be picked up in the sales to enhance and update a warm weather wardrobe.

Below is my round up of the best that's left - and all items are under £30!

MISS SELFRIDGE

Petites rose cupro shorts WAS £32 NOW £17

Straw preppy boater hat WAS £18 NOW £5

Leather tooled satchel WAS £50 NOW £20

Oriental print blouse WAS £28 NOW £16

DOROTHY PERKINS

White lemon print dress WAS £25 NOW £17

Indigo denim prom dress WAS £35 NOW £20

ACCESSORIZE

Contrast weave zig zag floppy hat WAS £22 NOW £11

ALDO

Zickler WAS £45 NOW £29.98

Crowthers WAS £60 NOW £27.99

FRENCH CONNECTION

Fiona denim shorts WAS £57 NOW £28

Perfect pleat skirt WAS £62 NOW £24

OFFICE

West end wedge denim canvas WAS £58 NOW £20

Have it black/bronze WAS £65 NOW £20

Hot stuff pastel multi WAS £65 NOW £20

None of that choc leather WAS £50 NOW £25

TOPSHOP

Fluro stripe vest WAS £16 NOW £5

Contrast zip holdall WAS £40 NOW £25

ALL IMAGES GRATEFULLY COPIED FROM THE COMPANIES' RESPECTIVE WEBSITES.

PICTURE EDITING BY BECKY DARKE.