Follow these rules for a stylish AW 2016 wardrobe (hint: most of these trends are timeless)

What’s not to love about autumn/winter style?

Hallelujah – autumn’s nearly here! It’s the best time of year for fashion: gone are the days of trying to look effortlessly cool in the (British) summer.

Nobody can look easy-breezy when we’re lurching between heatwaves and downpours, trying to keep frizzy hair at bay on humid days and preparing for all weathers – flip flops, coats, umbrellas, sunglasses, sweaters, sun cream – we can’t carry it all!

Stop trying to look unruffled – ruffles are back, baby!

Hurrah for Autumn, when trends become more timeless than transient. Layering up is actually chic, not merely necessary to survive British summertime.

Everything becomes more luxurious, warm, earthy and comforting, with deep colours, textured fabrics, leather and lace embellishing our looks.

Not quite ready for Autumn? Float into fall by sticking with summer’s boho vibe

Ease yourself into the new season by clinging onto summer’s hipster standbys – paisley, ponchos, gemstone jewellery, floral prints, fringes and tassels.

Channel catwalk beauty with Chanel’s smoky eye – it’s the drama we’ve been missing while we were trying to look sun-kissed and carefree.

Get your fall fix from these four fashion houses

So what’s in store for AW 2016?

Here’s a flavour of the wardrobe updates to look out for:

• Textures – fur, patent leather and lace
• Statement earrings for added drama
• Ruffles and frills – but not as we know them

Romance is here, but it has an edge. Summer’s prom dress has grown up and gone to the ball – it’s the season of the gown. Velvet and embroidery are back. So are chunky boots and studs. Time to indulge your gothic, vampy side.

At last!

Wave goodbye to summer’s prom theme

Oscar de la Renta’s pre-fall 2016 collection features the statement earrings, fur and luxurious sheer fabrics that we can expect to see throughout the AW 2016 season – as well this year’s structured ‘new wave’ ruffle.

Mulberry is clashing utilitarian with Victoriana: heavy-duty studs and chains on bags and shoes contrast with floaty fabrics, frilly blouses and ladylike lace.

Prada’s Cahier bag is ‘inspired by ancient books or a precious private diary’. It’s time for fairytale fashion – but with a twist. In the FW2016 ad campaign Prada’s models resemble elf-warrior-punks against their backdrop of stars.

Burberry’s iconic trench coats have already taken on a military motif, with bold brass buttons, sharp pleats and double-breasted designs imprinting their classic shapes.

The frazzled fashionista’s way to an AW wardrobe update – fast!

Our top 3 investment ideas for a flawless fall:

1.      Statement earrings

If you’re on a budget or short on time, statement earrings are your key investment piece for AW 2016. They add instant glamour to evening outfits – simple!

2.      A timeless coat

Another option for a quick and easy wardrobe update is a timeless trench. Patent leather is in. If you choose a heavy-duty coat, opt for an on-trend military style. Or, try a puffa jacket (yes, they’re back!) over eveningwear – at least you’ll be warm!

3.      Fall frills

Finally, look for ruffles – but reinvented for AW 2016. Wear them on everything from skirts to this season’s statement sleeves.

So there you have it! Don’t be sorry to say goodbye to summer. Amp up your existing boho looks with some carefully chosen pieces that hint at AW 2016’s vibe: fairytale glamour with a military edge.