We travelled to the cool coastal enclave of Broadstairs, Kent, home to a growing number of creatives and DFLs (that’s Down from Londoners) to explore the laidback spirit of the upcoming season.

Come January there’s strength in simplicity. Herald the new decade wearing hard-working pieces with a utilitarian edge, in a predominantly tonal colour palette with uplifting spring highlights of lime, coral and sky blue.

Being creative with styling means more mileage from your wardrobe building blocks; think heavier weight knits layered beneath this season’s sartorial power player – the boilersuit – or soft jersey roll necks that can be worn under almost anything, looking notably slick under linen suiting and military-infused shirt dresses.

A subtle western influence speaks to the optimism of the coming spring months. A prairie style belted skirt looks modern for 2020 in tactile terracotta leather, styled with a wonderfully detailed pintuck blouse in deep blue denim.

Frills and flounces on dresses remain, but in a more pared-back and retrained guise – adding a spark of interest to a monochrome floral printed midi.

Fluid suiting, smart indigo denim separates and a lightweight trench coat are commuter-friendly, comfortable hero pieces that always look polished. The cornerstone of the modern office wardrobe? The double-breasted blazer. Throw it over a t-shirt, jeans and trainers for a put-together outfit in an instant, perfect for a quick working lunch in town.

Longer commutes, flexible working, coastal living and a yearning for a simpler way of life lends itself to a capsule of adaptable, casual staples, a few smarter tailored pieces, finished with a handful of trend-led items with lasting fashion appeal.

This is a conscious way of dressing for the conscientious woman, ready to ring in the new decade in a thoughtful, stylish way.