Every September of my school-going years, like clockwork, I would have an argument with my mother. It was time to buy back to school clothes. And I wanted sparkle, style and big spending. She had different ideas, which involved practicality, proper and pennies. We have all been there, lusting after those heeled patent courts, while our mums direct us to brown lace-ups; bound to attract mockery from the other kids in the shop, never mind our pals at school. Luckily those days are no more. Leaving school didn’t just mean no more packed lunches, oh no, it also meant that we can embrace the September style stakes on our own terms. Now we have our own pocket money, it’s time to invest in a fabulous fall wardrobe that, funnily enough, takes inspiration from school style. Blazers, knee high socks and satchels all take on a new meaning; no more starchy frump, it’s time to make school-going sexy. We have rounded up the best back to school items from www.netaporter.com, so grab your satchel and get shopping.

Brogues may have seemed boyish when you were 12, but now they’re bang on trend and briliant for autumn showers. Think Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire and tap your toes as you go. Naturally, the Lord of the Shoes, Christian Louboutin has created the perfect pair – the red soles will add that rebellious detail you were always looking for as a teenager. These shiny patent numbers will put you at the top of the class during the day and would make great dancing shoes too – forget about heels!

Luella has managed to do the impossible, and make school blazers chic. A traditional colour palette is styled up with sleek brass buttons and a deliciously fitted cut. The red accent will spruce up any jeans and shirt ensemble and the wool-blend means you’ll stay warm whatever the weather – your mother would be proud! Just don’t buy it a size bigger so that you will grow into it- those days are long gone.

L’enfant terrible of British fashion is a perfect label to turn to for roguish schoolgirl charm. Always one to stand out from the crowd, McQueen has, nevertheless, chosen a traditional English design and colour palette to create the essential scarf to wrap up your style. You’ll be wearing this one for years to come.

No more polyester purses with popper fasteners attached to your belt, it’s time for a grown up place to put your pennies. Nothing wrong with enjoying a little old school charm though, with dusty leather hues and traditional buckles. Miu Miu has produced an incredibly sleek version reminiscent of this season’s Mulberry line; either will up your cool in the playground. In supersoft leather with just the right amount of functional pockets, this is a practical purchase that just screams investment buy!

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel has created every little girl’s dream: the sparkly school dress. Unbelievably chic, and undeniably glamorous, this sexy shift will help you outshine the star pupil. Plus the dress is 100% wool, so it’s practical as well as totally sexy – an almost unheard of concept in the fashion world! Pair with flat pumps and a casual jacket during the day or for super chic Parisian style at night, add killer heels and a slick of red lipstick. If you’re going to buy one dress for the Christmas party season, this should be it.

Nothing says schooltime like a crisp white shirt, but you won’t have to worry about this one coming with cardboard inside the colllar. A relaxed smock style will erase any memories of starchiness, and this Paul and Joe version brims over with school girl candour. Wear with dark blue skinny jeans and a tailored jacket at the weekend for the ultimate classic dressed-down look. Wearing an tie is optional…

Miu Miu have really gone all out on school yard chic.  Their shoulder bag with girly bow detail is made in this season’s must-have fabric, velvet. Sling it over your shoulder to add an on-trend accent to evening outfits, or if you’re willing to downsize on your daytime bag, this is a pretty alternative. The brand’s knee high cashmere socks, complete with jewels and gems, break those uniform restrictions with gusto. This is hosiery you’ll be happy to show off.

Milly‘s tweed mini is the perfect twist on traditional; its itsy bitsy length would be cursed by your headmistress, but luckily you don’t have to listen to her anymore! It’s high-waisted cut means that it’s just the righ amount of prim and proper in contrast to the highrise hemline. For a traditionally chic workwear outfit, add one white shirt or plain cashmere sweater and wear with brogues for a sensible contrast. Tweed works well during the evening too – pair with something black and sparkly and create your sexiest smoky eyed look to wow the boys on the back of the bus.

If you’re anything like my mother, who sent me to a particular school simply because she liked the hat, you will know that millinery is an all important aspect of the overall aesthetic. Eugenia Kim has created an edgy fedora that boasts slinky chain mail to liven up your look. No more straw boaters for you!