While the looks strolling down the catwalks at London Fashion Week may dictate what will be in our wardrobes come fall, it's the uniforms of the front rowers that tell us what's hot right now.
Front row at Twenty8Twelve last season. Models, celebs, designers, buyers, bloggers and editors - what they're wearing is as fascinating as what's on the catwalk. Getty Images
As Clothes Whisperer Kristin Knox explains: "Fashion Week is time to pull out all the sartorial stops, but it's also a time to be practical. So that's when the cult labels, the so-called 'uniform of the fash pack,' come out to play, the Margielas, Wangs, Langs and Acnes of the universe."
"Those cool cult labels that never go out of style and give you that edgy model off-duty look fit in seamlessly in any of the fashion cities, and are easy to mix and match, which can help limit your luggage! The biggest challenge in preparing for fashion week is managing to squeeze your wardrobe into a suitcase or two!"
Designers will go for comfy and classic - they are often working through the night up until showtime, after all. Designer Caroline Charles says: "Every designer will wear a practical staple from their latest collection. For me it is always black - this season a neat tunic with narrow trousers and leather brogues."
Pulling off the "fashion week look" isn't easy: You want to look like you're starring in a magazine editorial without being too try-hard. The first step? Stick to a basic colour palette. Blacks, nudes and greys are all chic and timeless.
The fashion week ensemble isn't too fussy - or revealing (it is the middle of February, after all). Good staple items are boyfriend blazers, well-cut jeans, LBDs, and a stylish coat (or fitted leather jacket if you prefer).
The golden rule? Accessories are key. Whether it's a fabulous pair of shoes or a statement bag, a basic outfit can get a high-fashion update with the right pieces. Just make sure your handbag is big enough to hold some front-row swag.
And of course, let's not forget the boys. LFW is also the moment for men to show off their sharp, tailored dressing (or trendy hipster-wear, depending on style). Esquire editor Alex Bilmes tells us that he'll be wearing: "A Burberry suit, Church's shoes, Thomas Pink shirt and Ralph Lauren tie."
Shop the front row editor look with our guide to what fashion insiders will be wearing at the shows, from the high end to the high street...
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"London in February is cold and so its really all about the coat - I have two that I rotate - Betty Jackson balloon grey wool which I belt with a brown leather skinny belt from Uniqlo and a Burberry pale grey pea coat," says Victoria White, editor of Company.
Wool trench coat with frilled hem, £650,
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"My body shape doesn't suite the new soft relaxed trouser shapes, but I love Gap's bootleg high-waisted jeans, which have just enough of a kick to feel on-trend," says Harper's Bazaar's Lucy Yeomans.
Indigo high-waist flare, £45.95,
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"Killer Acne wedges" is what Clothes Whisperer Kristin Knox will be rocking on her feet.
Suede wedge ankle boots, £430,
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"I've always loved bold statement jewellery and this season I will acessorise with gold, chunky cuffs and necklaces. Topshop has some really great pieces," says Yeomans.
Lace effect mega-cuff, £25,
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"I'll be wearing my favourite Jaeger black silk tunic dress," says Cosmopolitan editor Louise Court.
Hazy striped dress, £299,
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"J Brand Agnes trousers will be my staple for the daytime shows," says White.
Black Agnes zipper jean, £240,
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White will dress up her denim "with Kurt Geiger heels." Eden shoe, £150,
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And she'll finish off the look with "a black Reiss jacket (a silver Reiss vest underneath goes with everything").
Paige Angled Seam Tailored Jacket, £179, Reiss
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"I'll be carrying my invites and press pass in my amazing new Mulberry Tillie bag," says Court. (Knox says she'll be using her Mulberry Edie this season). Tillie bag in black soft matte leather, £812,
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"I loved the return of lace this season - as seen on the catwalk at Dolce & Gabbana - and will mix in some white lace pieces," says Yeomans. "Alberta Ferreti did beautiful off-white shirts with lace detailing - which will add a soft romantic hippy feel."
Three-quarter sleeve lace dress, £1,270, Dolce & Gabbana at Matches