Like a great hair cut and finding the right shade of foundation, some items of clothing can change your life. Seriously. For me, there have been a few.

A Natasha leather and elastic corset belt is top of the list. Bought on sale last December, it renders sack-like dresses saucy with its waist-cinching power. Trying to emulate its success in various colours and textures, I’ve bought similar pieces from other brands to no avail – they’re either not wide enough, too wide or just plain uncomfortable.

Next up, Ginger & Smart dresses. I know I’m not the only one to have fallen prey to the charms of their sundresses suspended from silken cord straps and slinky print shirtdresses. Summer or winter, these are my go-to staples: I could happily wear one most days. The fabrics are lovely, the prints unique, they’re ideal for layering and my favourite styles work with the afore-mentioned belt. Genius.

My coatigan. OK, so it’s not a real word but it’s the perfect term to describe the Marcs long-line cardigan I bought last winter and reach for as soon as the temperature drops below 20 degrees. It’s a heavy black knit with hood, matching belt and two-way zip. What’s more, it’s warm and somehow simultaneously shapely yet loose enough to feel cosy. Plus it goes with pretty much everything – from a silk dress, tights and heels midweek to jeans and boots for a Sunday matinee. And if the weather turns I can always squash it into my bag knowing it will spring into shape again.

They’re not the only pieces I won’t be letting go of for all the Prada in Italy. There’s a black silk fringed scarf from Lisa Ho that I refuse to travel without regardless of destination or climate. And I’m equally committed to my selection of Mimco patterned headscarves that render bad hair days a thing of the past.

So, what wardrobe wonders have changed your life?

Where do I get these? Top two catwalk shots from Ginger and Smart Summer 2007 collection; Knit now in store at Net-a-porter; Bird brooch from ModaMuse.com; Goorin hat found at MyCatwalk.com.au; Divine bag from Pink Corporation; Belt from Urban Originals.