How to dress like a fashion editor

As anyone who works in fashion will attest, there is a uniform. Which is a good thing as it makes it very easy to copy (although it doesn't matter how good your Céline high street copy bag is, no fashion editor will be convinced). There are some editors who are known for their brilliantly bold style (Vogue's Lucinda Chambers for example); it's a form of self-expression.

Some are known for looking chic, which is a different thing entirely. To be chic you have to be understated and elegant - you're allowed to wear a pair of statement heels, just so long as you keep the rest pared-down.

Black and navy are the two colours most fashion girls opt for - Alexa Chung says unless she has an event, she rarely wears any other shade. Apparently, her friends can't understand why she keeps winning so many style awards. A merino wool navy jumper is key, as are a pair of skinny black jeans or cropped chinos. They just need to fit impeccably.

"I'm loving navy right now so head-to-toe in that colour will be the way I will go for the shows once again," said Glamour's fashion director, Natalie Hartley. "Plus, I'm having a moment with brown and tan too so that might appear throughout the weeks too."

Leather trousers are another classic, just watch out for any potential Ross from Friends moments and try not to rub your legs too much even though the leather feels quite nice as it looks quite creepy.

Invest in a roll neck - chunky styles are good. They can be worn over the aforementioned cropped trousers or over a pencil skirt. Tighter styles can be tucked into A-line skirts for a 70s look.

Tailoring is important. A military shirt goes with a lot and you'll need a good coat and a blazer. In fact, if you're going to splash out on anything go to Zara and All Saints and find a mannish wool coat. You can wear anything under that and still look chic. Just throw a chunky scarf on over the top.

It's a myth that fashion editors constantly wear heels - most are on the go at appointments, shoots and conducting interviews, so a comfortable pair of boots is essential. Celine brought back Vans a couple of seasons back, and they're still going strong among fashion circles.

Show season is a different situation altogether. You'll hear many a fashion editor discuss the lighting; catwalk shows tend to be very bright before they start, then dark as the action kicks off. Then you have to go outside again and this throws people (really, it does and people moan about their skin constantly). Also, you're going from inside to outside so finding clothes to wear that suit every temperature is also a consideration.

"It fully depends on the weather what I wear during the shows, so during New York I need to take lots of layers for the cold as it's baking hot inside and freezing outside," said Hartley. "I will have my full knitted Marques Almeida matching trousers and jumper combo that will be a staple for me for the shows, plus my Levi's that will go with a good simple roll neck under a great coat."

The irony is that the women who tell you to wear different clothes every couple of seasons really just wear the same thing with just a few new season nods thrown in. So, follow their lead and do the same.

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