Autumn Trends

Summer has yet to grace our shores and the magazines are already reporting the trends to hit the shops come September. Across the board, voluminous silhouettes are taking over the ladylike look of the 50s and bringing us back to the 40s, a time where elegance was sleek and glamorous.

Colourful palettes have made way for subtler tones and black has made a comeback, which at houses like Prada and Marni made for a bold statement away from previous seasons. The frivolity of accessories has been given a sharp makeover to lend to a more cleaner and sober look.

For a good investment, you can't go wrong with pleated or folded skirts, bell-shaped dresses and velvet jackets. Coats are luxurious and belted - think Prada, Sinha Stanic and Missoni - and pare-down on embellishment that is so popular this season. Divert from high-octane glamour and think about simple luxury.