Stylist’s A/W catwalk report

Pumpkin, russet, tobacco, copper... Shades the colour of fallen leaves lifted the sober mood of the shows with a welcome pop of colour. As with every shade this season, the essential way to wear them is head-to-toe but we recommend starting with an on-trend kitten heels before you graduate to a full orange outfit. Which you will.

On the catwalk at:

Sophia Kokosalaki

Paul Smith

Stella McCartney

Matthew Williamson

Miu Miu

Oscar de la Renta

Vivienne Westwood

Peter Pilotto

Miu Miu

The ultimate colour for channelling Autumn 2010's restrained mood, camel is the shade of the season. The neutral appeared on every item of clothing – and accessory. Wearing the colour head-to-toe will give you the most on-trend way of working it but otherwise a luxe, camel coat is the item you should invest in.

On the catwalk at:

Nicole Farhi

Michael Kors

Prada

3.1 Phillip Lim

Marni

Sophia Kokosalaki

Tommy Hilfiger

Stella McCartney

3.1 Phillip Lim

The glossy influence of the Seventies was a big hit on the catwalks. Want to work the trend this season? You’ll need to start with the right trousers. High-waisted, flattering pants made a welcome return after seasons of scary hareems… but A-line skirts are equally important. Wear both with a silk blouse and the perfectly blow-dried ‘do.

On the catwalk at:

Aquascutum

Zac Posen

Saltavore Ferragamo

Emilo Pucci

Marc Jacobs

Chloe

Tommy Hilfiger

Michael Kors

Pucci

Designers decreed that it’s time to dazzle as gold shone from almost every catwalk. Gold looks best worn as an accent colour during the day (try combining a Lurex knit with camel tapered trousers) then unleash a gold minidress at night. Wear yours with autumn’s essential skinny belt and bare legs to make the trend modern.

On the catwalk at:

Balmain

Maxamra

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Michael Kors

3.1 Phillip Lim

Salvatore Ferragamo

PPQ

Paul Smith

Balmain

This season, designers in the four fashion capitals decreed that grey is officially gorgeous as an array of smoky shades were shown on the catwalks. But it’s not enough to pull out any old grey pieces lurking in the back of your wardrobe. The shapes need to be fuss-free and in keeping with the minimal, pared-down mood of the season. A sharp blazer or chic dress is the piece to pick.

On the catwalk at:

Antonio Beradi

Gucci

Stella McCartney

Pringle

Marc Jacobs

Lanvin

Tommy Hilfiger

Paul Smith

Gucci

Femme turned fatale with the arrival of lace as the most seductive fabric on our fashion radar. Add edge by teaming it with leather (Christopher Kane) or try layering black lace over a bold contrasting colour (Dolce & Gabbana). A lace top is the most versatile way to get an instant fashion update this update.

On the catwalk at:

Anna Sui

Dolce & Gabbana

Erdem

Miu Miu

Stella McCartney

Christophe Kane

Oscar de la Renta

Christopher Kane

In a season that was as much about how your clothes feel as how they look, supple chic leather was a hit on the catwalks. Mix it up with tweed, lace and chunky knits for a contemporary twist. Meanwhile biker jackets got an update as they morphed into the aviator. Burberry Prorsum's was the most desired but every label has their own version.

On the catwalk at:

Celine

Proenza Schouler

Ralph Lauren

Balmain

Burberry Prorsum

Moschino

Pringle

Thakoon

Diane Von Furstenberg

Burberry Prorsum

Moving on from summer’s tiger prints, leopard is the big cat motif to covet for autumn. Designers mixed it up with military shirts, polka dots and Crayola colours for a playfully sexy effect. For day, a silk-print blouse adds allure. Wear with a pencil skirt and perilously high heels to be totally on-trend.

On the catwalk at:

Dolce & Gabbana

Dries Van Noten

Balmain

Etro

Gucci

Moschino

Rochas

Gucci

Fashion hits the floor this season as elegant column skirts became the newest way to dress for evening. But unlike summer’s maxi, this season’s skirts are worn with grungy glamour. Pair with a casual top or chunky knit for an unpredictable angle – Marc Jacob’s mix of cable knit and sequins has floored us. In a good way.

On the catwalk at:

Michael Kors

Marc Jacobs

Philosophy

Emilio Pucci

Roland Mouret

Sonia Rykiel

Marc Jacobs

It's the perma-trend that refuses to go away without a battle. Once again, khaki parkas, double-breasted details and gold buttons featured in the front line. The military jacket is the only way to take on the trend. This season's way to wear it? With an eclectic mix of lace (Burberry Prorsum) or ruffles (Ralph Lauren.)

On the catwalk at:

Burberry Prorsum

Marc by marc Jacobs

Oscar de la Renta

Ralph Lauren

Aquascutum

Celine

Dries Van Noten

Vanessa Bruno

Oscar de la Renta

Many of a/w 2010’s looks were severe, simple and devastatingly chic. Minimal looks stormed the catwalks and this restrained aesthetic looked fresh and new after a summer of ruffles. Pare down your look with plain pieces: sharp-lined blazers and straight A-line edged skirts. It’s the ultimate trend for city girls.

On the catwalk at:

Celine

BCBG Max Azria

Stella McCartney

Balenciaga

Gucci

Marc Jacobs

Pringle

Tommy Hilfiger

Stella McCartney

Get involved in a dark romance this autumn as full-length chiffon dresses in faded floral prints contribute to a maverick catwalk trend. Unlike summer's carefree, hippy style, this season's light, floaty fabrics have eccentric, intellectual appeal. Best worn layered over knits or under shaggy faux-fur or a sheepskin gilet.

On the catwalk at:

D&G

Kenzo

Anna Sui

Roberto Cavalli

Philosophy di Alberta Ferretii

Ralph Lauren

Erdem

Erdem

Inspired by couture details, and intricate embroidery, bejewelled brocade and sumptuous damask set the tone for the season. After-dark dressing turned ultra-desirable as dresses bedecked with sequins appeared at Balmain, while MaxMara’s gold-thread encrusted coats took the fashion-pack’s breath away.

On the catwalk at:

Mary Katrantzou

Matthew Williamson

Alexander McQueen

Sophia Kokosalaki

Balmain

Maxmara

Mulberry

Emilio Pucci

MaxMara

The reign of waif is finally over as curvier models stormed the runways in the most feminine fashion we’ve seen for several seasons. Prada even sent Victoria’s Secret models down their catwalk to showcase a delectable selection of nipped-in waists. Evoke Mad Men glamour with an essential full skirt, long leather gloves and a neat handbag.

On the catwalk at:

Dries Van Noten

Paul Smith

Alberta Ferretti

Victoria Beckham

Bottega Veneta

Tommy Hilfiger

Prada

Louis Vuitton

Prada

Velvet was one of autumn’s stand-out fabrics. It’s the perfect material for glamorous eveningwear but try layering a velvet dress during the day for a modern take (Ralph Lauren). Deep blood-red velvet is particularly key (and will be perfect when winter sets in) but right now? Slip into a flirtily indulgent skirt.

On the catwalk at:

Antonio Beradi

Pringle of Scotland

Ralph Lauren

Anna Sui

Dolce & Gabbana

Givenchy

Richard Nicoll

Zac Posen

Ralph Lauren