In the battle between the Great British weather and our wardrobes, sudden rain showers and unexpected heatwaves usually win. We’ve all been there: layering up for our morning commute under grey skies only to find ourselves sweating on the Central line or shimmying into an optimistic satin skirt that ends up dragging through puddles.

So how do we crack the dress code when the weather is so unpredictable? The answer is more chic (and certainly more sustainable) than you might think. Fashion insiders call it seasonless style: the art of investing in a handful of key pieces that work hard no matter the forecast.

From an oversized shirt you can dress down with shorts to the perfect all-purpose trench coat, here are the items to shop now and rely on for seasons to come.

Struggling to get dressed? These 5 key pieces are perfect come rain or shine