The front row trends from New York

After all, despite appearances, the editors, buyers and rent-a-crowd celebrities are here to work and need to find that balance of wowness and workability everyone craves.

Of course, there are crazy statements being made by a handful of eccentrics, thank goodness, but the following trends seen at New York Fashion Week look like a jolly good remit to live the season by.

Eveningwear at 10am, flats by 7pm

Yes, reverse dressing is a trend we don't know why we didn't think of sooner. Leaving the house fresh and groomed is when you rock the killer heels and knockout cocktail dress to ball-break confidently throughout the day. Worn out from the day, dinner with friends is when you relax the aesthetic and are fully mobile to walk home.

Neutral knitwear over bright flirty skirts, similarly plain t-shirts over punchy-coloured trousers

This is the way to introduce colour to your winter wardrobe. The catwalks may be awash with print on print, but a grey cashmere knit over raspberry trousers is the way it's done on the street.

Lots of Kane SS 11 neon

Who would have thought this most directional of trends from a year ago (in fashion terms) would go the distance? Being worn as above, it's reassuring to know that even editors recycle and are getting wear out of costly pieces.

Cigarette pants

Every wardrobe needs some. They can't fail to look elegant when you feel anything but.

Lady heels v. Platforms

Lady heels are the season's preferred style but old favourite platforms are proving hard to let go of.

See the front row looks from New York fashion week here