Top ten pre-season classics

Thanks to the success of pre-collections, or 'pre-colls', which give a diluted taster of the new season in easy to wear pieces, we are all changing the way we shop to suit a pattern once reserved for globetrotting fashionista-types.

"Today's international and multi-tasking lifestyles means that the traditional 'seasons' don't really hold any value for customers," explains Patrick Couderc, UK managing director of the Herve Leger by Max Azria boutique in London. "Pre-collections reflect that in their versatility, and their ability to easily blend in to your wardrobe."

"Pre-collections have evolved to become a formidable area of the business," agrees Averyl Oates, the esteemed buying director of Harvey Nichols, who puts it down to their 'buy-it-and-wear-it-now' option. Ruth Runberg, buying director of the London boutique, Browns, believes you can be the success of the pre-collection down to our very modern need for "instant gratification. Customers are less willing to wait. If a piece proves irresistible, even the heaviest coat will sell in the dead of summer."

So who buys pre-colls? Yvan Mispelaere - the Frenchman at the helm of Diane von Furstenberg, one of the standout pre-collections of the moment - believes their appeal stretches far wider than the stressed-out executive or bored, rich housewife.

"Pre-Fall is indeed for a woman on-the-go who travels a lot. But it's also about the balance of practical and glamour - it is absolutely not 'just' a "pre-collection" but a real collection with a strong identity. As Diane often says, 'When you open your closet, you have to feel that your clothes are your best friends.'"

"The importance of pre-collections took off just prior to the recession," says Browns' Ruth Runberg. "There was a demand for luxury-price products in very commercial, easily digestible styles. Post-recession, pre-collections offer more wearable, lower-priced products and, for those reasons, have become big business."

"Catwalk shows provide the brand with its dynamic aesthetic and creativity," agrees Harvey Nichols' Averyl Oates. "This leaves pre-colls to demonstrate how individual pieces can be worked into an everyday wardrobe."

Here's our compilation of the top ten pieces Pre-Fall pieces that should be in yours.

The longer length skirt kicks off the the most important trend of the season This either has a nipped in 'hobble' feel evocative of the Forties, or is high-waisted and flares out Seventies style. Watch out for pleats, which can be unforgiving. Fenwick are eagerly awaiting delivery of a Paul Smith floral style, whereas Harvey Nichols are touting a canary yellow knife-pleat midi by Chloe as a possible best seller.

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