What's hot and what's not for Autumn/Winter 2008

How many of you (like me) have been hanging around wet and freezing in our summer frocks and flip flops, refusing to accept that this year's non existent summer is truly over? I finally gave up hoping for a glimmer of sunshine and booked a holiday in Crete!

But I digress....October is here - the Autumn leaves are dropping from the trees, creating a beautiful carpet of shades of brown, gold and terracotta (though it feels more like Winter right now), so what better time to look at what's hot and what's not for the new season.

Shades of the Country
And talking of shades of brown, gold and terracotta, the country look is still with us. Two weeks ago I went to The Frampton-on-Severn Country Fair, the sun almost shone for a couple of hours and just about everyone was wearing a pair of Dubarry (or imitation thereof) boots, with shorts, with breeches and even with dresses. Houndstooth, tweed and textured wool are big for Autumn, as is tartan, which can be more versatile than you imagine, for a shirt or even a dress. Key items include breeches, flat knee length riding boots, high lace-up Oxfords and leather gloves.

Bohemian rhapsody Has it ever gone away? Ever since Sienna Miller (pictured left) made hippy chick into hippy chic, the boho look has been with us. However, boho is more glam this time round. Just add some sparkle with lots of accessories. The look is very retro 70s, key items include woven headbands, floaty dresses, tassels, paisley and boots with thick tights (yes, worn with the floaty dresses - though maybe not for the over forties). Autumn colours again are chocolate brown, tan and cream. Go to our shoe department for great boots like these.

Biker Chick The biker chick look is fun, carefree and comfy. Lots of leather, what else?, in black, cream or brown and one key item for this look is a hooded leather biker jacket. No hood? Just make sure you wear your collar up. Another key item is flat boots, but make sure they're trimmed with laces, zips or buckles (but not all three), unless you want to look more Goth than biker-chic. To go with your cropped leather jacket you need skinny jeans, jodhpurs or leggings and finish the look with a long scarf worn casually and tied with a thick knot. You will find lots of items to create this look in the ladies section.

Full on elegance For full on elegance this year, get out that pencil skirt and wear it with a nifty little jacket nipped in at the waist with a belt on the outside. Choose black, white and grey, but if you want to add a touch of colour do so by choosing bright shoes and handbag. Lace up ankle boots are bang on trend as is the great Gatsby look - brogues and a Fedora hat. Looking ahead - that all important winter coat Invest in something eye-catching like the superhero look. Capes suit all ages, shapes and sizes and are the next big thing, worn with jeans and heels to complete the look. But if you are not that courageous and don't plan to fly, shin up the side of a skyscraper, or rescue anyone from a plummeting aeroplane - then something more traditional will do. Cream is this season's hottest colour for coats, so sophisticated worn with the hood up. You can find beautiful coats like the one on the right in our coat department. The trench coat is also a winner in leather, patterned or beige.

Accessorise! Costume jewellery is hot right now, especially gold rather than silver (Oh no! - that's me out then - I swapped all my gold for silver years ago), also wooden bangles and even wooden heels. Patent is also huge for shoes and bags and adds a touch of glamour to any outfit. And if you've never worn a hat, now is the time - especially if it's a Fedora or one like this perky little number with its oh-so-demure veil (pictured left). Finish the look with a patterned scarf. For a selection hats visit our hat department, while for other accessories go to Accessories or Jewellery.

So, if you are still wearing your summer clothes and living in hope, it's time to go shopping. Whether it's country girl, biker chick, boho babe or elegant lady, click here to browse the ladies department and create your own autumn look.

Bye for now.




Serena
Fashion Editor

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