Five hot fashion trends for autumn

Summer is nearly at an end and it's time to put away the bikinis and start thinking about autumn wardrobes. Luckily, the world's top designers have been busy coming up with lines that are sure to inspire fashionistas everywhere as we head into September.

From cosy autumnal palettes to platform heels, here are the top trends for the coming months…

(Pumpkin) spice it up

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Dark orange features prominently in many of houses' collections, seemingly inspired by Starbuck's signature autumn drink, the pumpkin spice latte. At New York Fashion Week, "nearly every collection featured the muted orange colour", notes Glamour. Add a touch for instant fashion cred.

Shabby chic

DKNY and Alexander Wang have taken the increasingly popular trend of "athleisure" for everyday-wear one step further. Forget cheeky "off to the gym" workout gear and think full-on 1990s-style baggy hoodies and jogging bottoms. Finally, a fashion trend that most of us can participate in without having to buy anything.

Retro officewear

Get ready to channel your inner Sigourney Weaver in Working Girl – retro-look power suits and long, belted dresses are back. Loose-fitting and broad-shouldered, the pinstripe suits featured in the autumn collections of Calvin Klein and Max Mara, among others, are comfortable as well as elegant. Get a big mobile phone with an antenna and start shouting: "Buy, buy, buy. Sell, sell, sell."

Cross-body handbags

If, as Vogue has it, "three's a trend", then wearing your handbag across your neck is the hottest new styling craze as Valentino, Prada and Proenza Schouler all featured bags strapped over the collarbone and nestled snugly between shoulder and elbow. It's a swish mix of classic over-the-shoulder handbag and the cross-body satchel - although whether it's as glamorous when you're trying to take it off is another matter…

Glam it up

Pay tribute to a music legend with "Bowie boots". Kate Moss and Beyonce are among fans of the iconic glam-rock footwear that has graced many a runway this year. The revived interest in 1970s styles is a hot new trend that "moves away from the Mad Men-style fashion that dominated the catwalks a year or so ago", says the Financial Times. Pair super chunky-heeled boots with shiny drainpipes and a leather jacket and you're all set.