As the temperature drops, our thoughts turn to rugging up in our winter woollies. Before you go into hibernation mode, take advantage of the milder Autumn weather to enjoy the great-looking contrast of tights and short skirts in this season's favourite pattern - check.

Checkminiskirts
Left to right, top line: Everyone keeps telling us that grey is the colour of the season, but I've always been a fan of brown for autumn. This skirt is from Dorothy Perkins and a bargain at only £20 especially as it comes with a textured skinny belt. A bonus in my book is that it's machine washable too!

Also with a belted look is this £35 preppy style skirt from Oasis in grey and light pink with a lovely brown grosgrain ribbon tied across the hips. You'll need some toasty thick tights with this one as it's cotton.

Left to right, bottom line: Go for the back-to-school feel with this dark grey check skirt from Monsoon. The blue stripe breaks up the darker more muted colours to add a bit of interest, and at £30 it's not a bad deal considering it's mostly wool.

With a sweet button detail at the hip, it's not surprising there's only one size left online in this red and charcoal check skirt from Warehouse. So if you're a size 16 and have £35 to spend, be quick!

The blue and green pleated skirt is a great colour and a really cute flippy style. It also comes with a grosgrain ribbon belt and is £38 from Oasis.