Jumper and Jeans, Done Properly: Why the Laziest Outfit Is Also the Chicest

Start with the jeans. A straight or slightly wide leg in a mid or dark wash is the most versatile, and it should hit just above the ankle or skim the top of the shoe. Skinny jeans with a chunky jumper make the top half look enormous. Very baggy jeans with a big jumper can swamp you entirely, so if the jeans are wide, the jumper should be neater, and the other way round.

Then the jumper. Natural fibres make the outfit. Wool, cashmere and cotton hold their shape, and acrylic pills, bobbles and goes shiny within weeks. A good knit doesn't have to be expensive, but check the label before you buy.

The front tuck. Tuck just the front of the jumper into the waistband. It defines the waist and shows off a good belt in two seconds.

The shirt underneath. A crisp white or striped shirt with the collar and cuffs showing. Instantly smarter, and the most office-friendly version.

The shoulder drape. A second jumper tied loosely over the shoulders. It sounds a bit Sloane Square, and it is, but it adds colour and looks considered.

Tonal dressing. Cream jumper, ecru jeans, camel coat. Or navy on dark indigo. Same-colour outfits always look more expensive.

The smart shoe. Swap trainers for loafers, a slingback or a heeled ankle boot. The shoe decides whether this is a Saturday outfit or a dinner one.

The statement earring. Big gold hoops or a sculptural drop with a plain crewneck. The simpler the knit, the harder the jewellery can work.

A crewneck is the classic and works with everything. A V-neck lengthens the neck and suits a larger bust, and looks great over a white T-shirt. A polo neck is sleek and very French, best in a fine knit so it doesn't add bulk. A cardigan buttoned up and worn as a jumper is the current favourite among stylists, and makes the outfit look deliberate.

For knitwear, Uniqlo merino is hard to beat for the price, and M&S cashmere is consistently good. COS does the best chunky shapes on the high street. At the top end, Totême on Net-a-Porter is the Scandi standard. For jeans, the Levi's Ribcage Straight suits a lot of figures. And check Vinted for secondhand cashmere, which often costs less than new acrylic.

Fold jumpers, never hang them, or the shoulders stretch into points. Wash wool and cashmere cool on a wool cycle and dry flat. A fabric shaver removes bobbles in minutes and is the most useful five pounds you'll spend this autumn. Cedar balls in the drawer keep moths away.

Length. A jumper that ends at the widest part of your hips is the least flattering cut there is. Either go cropped to the waistband, or long enough to tuck or half-tuck. Fix that and the rest takes care of itself. For the smarter version of the same idea, see how to wear one pair of black trousers five ways.