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We may have been enjoying an unseasonably warm spell recently, but with sweater season coming into swing – and a nip in the air when the glorious sunshine starts to fade, chances are you’re ready to cuddle up on the sofa. Especially with autumn leaves bursting into colour and fiery hues making us want to bring the outside in – and imbibe a homely cottagecore aesthetic. Here’s how to style the season with welcoming tactile elements and much more… 1. M&S Collection Cast Aluminium Casserole Dishes in Ivory and Charcoal, from £39.50 (3L), to £59.50 (7L), rest of items from a selection, Marks & Spencer. You can never have too many casserole dishes, especially with pumpkin soup, sausage and tomato casserole, and all that warming comfort food on the go. 2. Sophie Allport Hedgehogs Stoneware Small Side Plates, £12.50, Sophie Allport. A charming collection you can build on, these sweet side plates speak of woodland walks – and are perfect for farmhouse cheeses. 3. Recycled Faux Leather Set of 2 Baskets, £30, Habitat. Faux leather offers the illusion of warmth – and this smart pair look expensive without being spendy. Better still, you can fill them with woollens, as well as fireside logs for a cosy atmosphere. 4. Tortoise Shell Glass Table Lamp, £30, Habitat. The right lighting can be a game changer when the clocks go back. Time to switch out harsh bulbs and introduce some ambient low lighting… cue this trendy table lamp, which loves the spotlight. 5. Oyster Sheepskin – Super Soft Wool, from £60 (Regular), Jord Home. A Scandi-style sheepskin rug always promises a soft landing and will switch up the feel of a farmhouse kitchen or cosy corner, with its warmth and deep pile. It can be draped across a spindle chair, as well as placed underfoot. 6. Daughters of Gaea Osha 45cm Floral Silk Reversible Cushion, £135 (centre front), Arya Floral Silk Reversible Quilt, £335, rest of items from a selection, House of Woost. With winter florals and blooms in vogue, we’re loving this floral-print quilt and cushion made from ethically sourced heavyweight taffeta silk – a great styling trick for a tired sofa. One-of-a-kind pieces with slight variations in colour and finish, each item is block printed by hand and makes a delightful statement. 7. WoodWick Pomegranate Candle, £32.99 (609g), WoodWick. Think the sweet-tart scent of pomegranate with top notes of cassis and soft florals underlined by hints of rum and musk… with a gentle crackling sound from the wick when it’s lit. We’re in. 8. Yeti Faux Fur Cocoon Bean Bag, £119.99, Beanbagbazaar. Move over snug accent chairs… this season it’s all about cocooning yourself in a faux fur bean bag. With a portable faux leather handle, this stylish sphere is right on point with its soft, cosy shape ready for you to sink into. 9. National Trust Wool Throw, Vintage Fishbone Stripe, £45 (top), Chunky Knit Recycled Rust Throw, £50 (draped on chair), rest of items from a selection, National Trust. For some granny décor, you can’t beat a chunky knitted throw in autumnal berry shades and snug wools to layer up on chairs, benches and your bed. And when it comes to mixing textures and patterns, more is more. 10. APOTHECARY Meditate 100ml Diffuser, £17, rest of items from a selection, Marks & Spencer. Who can resist the calming scent of a reed diffuser? This one offers soothing aromas of cypress and cedarwood, lifted by warming tonka bean and amber. Definitely one to relax and unwind to. Read More 5 must-have bag trends for autumn Dawn O’Porter: ‘I fantasise about the other side of menopause’ Everything you need to know about bedbugs as increase in numbers is predicted PE ‘enjoyment gap’ widens for girls: Why it matters and how we can help The psychology of Big Brother: How to survive in the house How to support someone coming out in their 30s and beyond

When it comes to new season must-haves, a handbag is right up there. An easy style update without the fear of making a fashion disaster, whether you go designer or high street, you know you can bank on a bag being the one thing that’s going to look good – and boost your mood. And for a need-to-know, this season is particularly polished with ladylike top-handle bags to show off your nail art, reds to fire-up winter whites, double denim and black wardrobe essentials, silver silhouettes, and the oh-so larger-than-life XL tote. “While burgundy and deep autumnal reds are always apt for A/W, we predict that bold, fiery reds will be a handbag staple this season,” says Nia Davis, design manager at handbag and accessory brand, Fiorelli. “With many of us turning to darker palettes to match the weather, a pop of bright red is a great way to break up dark outfits and make a statement.” Moreover, designers are offering up moc-croc prints, supersized bags with enough space to carry all your hardware, and more. “Finally, bags are getting more practical and we’re seeing customers trade into larger bags again, especially totes,” opines Zoe Donovan, digital & marketing director, LK Bennett. “They are perfect for every day, and you can fit your evening bag in there for those day-to-night situations.” “And secondly, like all fashion magpies, we’ve fallen for all things metallic, in bags, shoes and clothing!” adds Donovan. Here’s our pick of the pieces to see you through all of the above, and proffer style with substance… 1. Red From practical, crossbody styles to slick, soft pouches, red is never too hot to handle. And the beauty of a red bag is that you can team it with a striking slick of lipstick in the same shade, to add a little bit of drama to those dark, autumnal evenings. Think matchy-matchy for a quick wardrobe and beauty fix. The Drop Women’s Avalon Small Tote Bag, £32.90, Amazon. Astrid Crossbody Red Croc, £59, Fiorelli. 2. Silver What’s not to love about something snazzy and sparkly, that’s both sophisticated and sexy? This season, silver bags have been reimagined for day and evening; what’s more, you can always pair two together… think a slim, silver crossbody for your phone and a squishy clutch for keys and other essentials, to style up staples such as classic knitwear. Naha Animal Strap Silver Crossbody Bag, £42, Oliver Bonas. Bonanza – Silver Diamante-Plait Metallic Clutch Bag, £95, Dune. 3. Top-handle There may be a removable strap or handy chain tucked inside, but it’s all about reaching for a top-handle this season. At first glance, it’s prim and proper, but a handle has its many virtues. Not only can they be placed on your wrist, leaving you hands-free for more shopping sprees, but they also look expensive. Beyond black, gold is a go-to ahead of the party season, while sugary shades channel a girly aesthetic. Coco-effect chain bag, £29.99, Mango. Mini Harbour Gold Leather Trapeze Tote Bag, £299, LK Bennett. 4. Moc-croc print The surprise hit of the season, moc-croc is a chic option – and the easiest way to buy into a designer brand when eyeing up their luxe accessories. Marrying form with function, these croc-effect handbags are having a fashion moment. As Davis puts it: “From old-money aesthetic with tan croc, to a gothcore take with black crocodile, this print can be played with to suit your personal style.” Making moc-croc handbags the perfect option if you’re looking for a timeless classic for your collection. Linden Gardens – Faux Croc Large Zip-Top Shoulder, Dragon, £259, Radley. Lauren Ralph Lauren Sophee 22 Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag, Vintage Brown, £349, John Lewis. 5. Supersized tote What’s not to love about a handbag in XL? Proving we all love to chuck everything in and don’t mind delving deep to find stuff, having room for all those extras is where it’s at with these supersized totes. Whether you go for over the shoulder option or scale up your handheld, the bigger the better, with the added bonus of being able to pop a smaller handbag inside. Vero Zebra Print Tote Bag, £55, Hush. Gwen Grey And Cream Check Fabric Tote Bag, £269, LK Bennett. Read More Dawn O’Porter: ‘I fantasise about the other side of menopause’ Everything you need to know about bedbugs as increase in numbers is predicted PE ‘enjoyment gap’ widens for girls: Why it matters and how we can help The psychology of Big Brother: How to survive in the house How to support someone coming out in their 30s and beyond Israel-Hamas conflict: How to talk to teenagers about distressing news stories

Anxiety is something that touches most of us, to a greater or lesser extent. Although it may just be a temporary blip for some people, for many, anxiety is a diagnosed condition that blights their lives. Indeed, Mental Health UK estimates more than one in 10 people in the UK are living with an anxiety disorder – that’s over eight million of us. And World Mental Health Day (October 10) is a chance to address the topic, agrees clinical psychologist Dr Kirren Schnack – author of the new book Ten Times Calmer: Beat Anxiety And Change Your Life. “It’s a reminder that mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health,” she says, pointing out that anxiety disorders are among the most widespread mental health issues globally. “Clinically, I’ve seen more and more people coming in with anxiety issue. The pandemic has played a significant role in this surge, introducing unprecedented levels of uncertainty, fear, and social isolation. At the same time, global economic instability and job losses have intensified stress and anxiety for many,” Schnack adds. “The widespread use of digital technology and social media has exposed people to a constant stream of alarming news and comparison-driven content that also feeds anxiety.” Schnack explains that anxiety disorders include generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), which causes chronic worry and hinders decision-making; health anxiety, where there’s an excessive preoccupation with diseases and illness; panic disorder, which is marked by sudden overwhelming panic attacks; and social anxiety, which leads to avoidance, isolation and low confidence. “They can blight daily life through physical symptoms, cognitive impairment, social isolation, disrupted routines, and emotional distress,” she says. Schnack suggests these five ways to combat anxiety problems and find calm… 1. Calm your stressed nervous system Anxiety places significant strain on the nervous system, Schnack explains, but there are simple daily practices that can help alleviate this stress. One is focusing on breathing, extending your exhale longer than your inhale. To do this, Schnack says you need to inhale gently through your nose, pause for a few seconds, then exhale slowly and deeply, ensuring an extended exhale. “A longer exhale helps by increasing the activation of the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts stress hormones, lowers heart rate, and reduces overall physiological stress,” she says. She suggests around three to five of the breaths are repeated on multiple occasions throughout the day, and stresses that consistency is key. “Recognise that if anxiety has been a longstanding presence, it will take time and patience to restore your nervous system’s sense of safety and stability.” 2. Address anxious thoughts Schnack explains that anxiety often generates anxious thoughts that can seem like undeniable facts that are often dwelled on and reacted to, thus intensifying anxiety. “To break free from this cycle, it’s crucial to consciously confront and process these anxious thoughts,” she says. To do this, write a simple record, noting the date of your anxious prediction, describing what it was, and then, after a specified time like a day or two, return to what you’ve written and confirm whether the prediction was accurate by marking it as ‘yes’ or ‘no’. When the prediction doesn’t materialise, make a note of the actual outcome. Revisit the record, especially during anxious moments, and count the yes or no entries to reflect on your progress. “This practice trains your mind to adopt a broader, less anxious perspective,” explains Schnack. 3. Stop over-focusing on anxiety“People struggling with anxiety often find it challenging to shift their attention away from anxiety symptoms, leading to a persistent preoccupation that can worsen their problems,” says Schnack, who explains that this preoccupation can lead to excessive self-analysis, fixation on physical sensations or repetitive thoughts, and being hypervigilant. To shift your attention away from overwhelming anxiety, Schnack suggests trying this exercise: choose a colour, such as blue, and actively seek out blue objects in your surroundings. Name them out loud, and count them as you move around, possibly describing the item too. “Strive to maintain this focus for a few minutes, switching to different colours if necessary. Again, consistency is crucial, so make an effort to practice this regularly whenever anxiety hijacks your attention,” she advises. 4. Learn to tolerate uncertainty Recognising and addressing uncertainty is vital when dealing with anxiety, Schnack stresses. “You can’t resolve every uncertainty in life – the key lies in enhancing your ability to tolerate uncertainty so you can reduce your anxiety,” she explains. “Being more accepting of the fact that things may not always go as planned or that the future is uncertain can be incredibly liberating.” To help build resilience against uncertainty, Schnack advises people to take a moment to slow down and not immediately engage in reactive behaviour demanded by uncertainty, such as checking, Googling or avoiding things. Instead, she says, note your feelings, observing what uncertainty is doing to your mind and body, and write out an affirmation such as: ‘I’m feeling anxious because I’m uncertain about… My typical response to uncertainty is to engage in… behaviour. I recognise this only worsens my anxiety. My goal is to distance myself from anxiety rather than gravitate towards it. I can sit with the feeling of uncertainty for as long as I can, and build on this time until I get better and better at it.’ 5. Gradually face your fearsConfronting your fears is an effective way to overcome them, observes Schnack, although this can often feel overwhelming. “When you confront your fears, you’re essentially acting in opposition to your anxious thoughts and what anxiety is telling you. This process weakens anxiety’s grip on you, and when the actual outcomes don’t align with your anxious predictions, your mind can naturally adjust its thinking.” She suggests starting with small steps and gradually building up. So, for social anxiety, gradually start by saying a simple sentence or asking a basic closed question, and gradually building up from there. For health anxiety, gradually reduce and eliminate excessive online researching about illness and diseases, starting with small-time durations and then building on that. For panic disorder, gradually spend more time in places you typically avoid, starting with short durations like 30 seconds, then a few minutes, and gradually keep increasing the time. “Remember to repeatedly face your fears to make meaningful progress – it’s not just a one time thing,” adds Schnack. Ten Times Calmer: Beat Anxiety And Change Your Life by Dr Kirren Schnack is published by Bluebird, priced £16.99. Available now. Read More Alternative veg to grow for next season How to spot if your child is struggling with their mental health – and what to do next Does your pillowcase make a difference to your skin and hair health? Sarah Jessica Parker channels Carrie Bradshaw on the red carpet in mismatched shoes Does your pillowcase make a difference to your skin and hair health? 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When it comes to transitional fashion, it doesn’t get much better than denim. Navigating that tricky time when it’s not warm enough for T-shirts, or cold enough for coats, is easy when you’ve got a capsule wardrobe of denim delights. And with tons of catwalk and celebrity inspiration around, this autumn/winter, you’re spoiled for choice in the denim department. From baggy jeans to retro skirts, these are the denim trends you’ll be seeing everywhere this season… 1. Wide-leg jeans As seen on the catwalks at Diesel, Coach, Jean Paul Gaultier and more, wide-leg jeans are an autumn essential. Take your cue from the likes of Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid with extra-long baggy jeans teamed with trainers or loafers, or opt for a cropped pair to show off a pair of statement ankle boots. Monsoon Lucille Print Blouse, £42 (was £60); Lara Wide Leg Jeans, £80 Crew Clothing Parker Wide Leg Jeans, £69 2. Midi dresses A denim midi dress is incredibly versatile at this time of year – especially if it’s indigo, as opposed to summery light blue. A sleek pinafore is perfect for layering with long-sleeved ribbed tops or rollneck jumpers, while shirt-dresses go well with chunky trainers or knee-high boots. Aspiga Trinity Tencel Denim Dress, £150; Montreal Trainers, £99 V by Very Curve Sleeveless Button Through Denim Dress, £38; Scoop Neck Puff Sleeve Jersey Top, £18; Adidas Originals Stan Smith Trainers, £61.20 (were £85), Very 3. Embroidered jeans The latest Noughties look making a comeback, embellished and embroidered denim was a major trend on the AW23 runways, and now it’s hit the high street in a big way. From cute floral motifs to cool graphic designs, these elevated jeans take denim to the next level. Lucy & Yak Olly Jacket with Daisy-Mae Embroidery, £70; Dana Mom Jeans with Daisy-Mae Embroidery, £65; JoJo Socks, £7.50 (vest and shoes, stylist’s own) Fanfare High Waisted Recycled Embroidered Faces Jeans, £159 4. Split skirts As summer’s micro minis take a back seat, Nineties split-front skirts are the style to be seen in this season. Try an indigo or black knee-length skirt teamed with ankle boots for a laid-back weekend look, or go full-on grunge with a faded, floor-sweeping maxi. Oliver Bonas Washed Black Scalloped Pocket Denim Skirt, £65 PrettyLittleThing Vintage Mid Wash Split Front Denim Maxi Skirt, £32 Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Doorscaping: How to create a fabulous front door display for autumn More than a quarter of middle-aged women living with ‘metabolically healthy obesity’ – study Jonnie Peacock on Strictly Come Dancing representation: ‘It’s important to break people’s perceptions’

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