Style guide: Fall favourites

September and October bring the chance to add a few well-chosen pieces to your wardrobe that will keep you looking good all the way through till April. We’ve cast an eye over the catwalk shows to see what’s wearable by those of us without a supermodel silhouette.

Let’s start with the bad news. The waist is back, so belts and corseted tops are big news, though thankfully the cooler months should witness the departure of the crop top. Vest tops are the new essential, paired with oversized knitwear with riotous patterns and sleeves that are often dramatic or over-long.

One of the key trends is length. Maxi skirts and wide legged trousers are paired with ankle length coats to create an elegantly stylish look. These ensembles are often in precisely the same colour from head to toe, including accessories, which creates an opulent air and adds height. They can be austere in all black, or incredibly striking in rich shades of emerald, petrol blue or naturals, with chocolate brown making a surprisingly flattering comeback. Any shade will work, but it needs to be closely matching.

Soft but structured leather and suede is also a standout this season, particularly in skirts and outerwear, and again in a wide range of strong colours. Look for oversized blazers with strong shoulders or oversized flight jackets. Evening wear seemed to be trending towards transparency, which doesn’t lend itself to the Scottish winter.

For the younger set, Y2K remains a source of fashion inspiration, but with a more preppy turn, with Clueless providing the style cues. Think flirty little minis worn with blazers, but this is one trend that’s best avoided if you can remember when the film came out!