How to update your work wardrobe with just one new piece

I can???t be the only woman out there who, when arriving at a meeting, plonks her bag to mark her territory before moving it quietly under a chair.A bag is part of your corporate armour, but the right one can also be a talking point or an ice breaker ??? a nice change from discussing the weather before you get down to business.

In-between seasons is a great time to invest as a new bag ??? especially one in an unexpected colour ??? can create a multitude of fresh outfit options from your wardrobe.I???m not a pastels girl, preferring bolder tones, but I have been seriously considering a pale pink bag, especially in this weather.Top of my wishlist is the Hex bag from British brand Ennigaldi, which is the perfect shade of rose with a white flap and strap; it would look lovely with grey and navy now and even better with warmer weather gear.

High street favourites from Zara to Dune have also picked up on the pastel trend, and The Cambridge Satchel Company, another excellent brand produced in Britain, has some lovely options.

Leather backpack, ??125,John Lewis; Wandler medium leather tote, ??580, Net-a-porter;Braided tote, ??29.99, Zara;Crossbody bag, ??180,Cambridge Satchel;Hex bag, ??350, Ennigaldi

If pastels aren???t for you, a navy bag is a really useful wardrobe tool in these transitional months.Navy doesn???t look too heavy, like black can, and works with paler colours.Wandler???s Mia tote is beautifully simple and modern, or look at Strathberry, a favourite of the Duchess of Sussex.Hobbs also has a chic mock-croc tote.

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Finally, don???t rule out the backpack option as too casual: it has been given a makeover in recent years, and there are some very office-appropriate versions that can be worn beyond the commute.Invest in a hard-wearing style in a colour that can work all year round ??? you can always carry a smaller bag as well for easy access to your phone and wallet.

I prefer the most minimal of styles that don???t interfere with what you are wearing ???Smythson???s Burlington range wins the cost-per-wear argument for me, and John Lewis and Partner???s Harper style is as classic as you can get.