We are heading for a very somber new season. The autumn/winter 2006/2007 catwalk collections were as dark as the ace of spades. Where white was the biggest fashion colour for Summer; black will be its counterpart for the 6 months that follow. My best description for the new autumn/winter season at the moment is “dramatic gothic glamour meets ‘80’s urban punk chic”.

If you love colour, get the most out of your pretty summer colours while you can. Prepare yourself for a season of theatrical ladylike refinement mixed with lots of urban cool. New Yorkers and Londoners will be in their element. You’ll see strong military influences, equestrian sophistication, skirts that swing and faux fur embellished coats cut in unusual shapes. Fortunately, they’ll still be lots of metal around to soften an otherwise very hard look.

There are rules that will help you look better in a dark palette (e.g. the only way to wear black from heard to toe successfully is with lots of texture). And there will be solutions for those of us that don’t fancy looking like gangsters all the time. I’ll be posting some targeted new season shopping suggestions for The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale next week – stay tuned!