Julie's style secrets

The nights are drawing in so we look ahead to winter fashion

THE summer holidays are almost over, and the kids are kitted out in their new school uniforms – so isn’t it about time mummy got a wardrobe refresh too?

With the new autumn/winter ranges starting to arrive in stores this week, I can’t wait to get started with the biggest trends. So what’s on the fashion menu this winter? To start with, suiting is going to be huge for both work and weekend.

Sharp, tailored trouser suits in textures and colours are an easy way to get started on AW17.

Suit jackets look fab with jeans, so even if you don’t want to wear trousers and jacket together, you’ll find plenty of flexibility. Belted jackets and coats are another of my favourite new trends. I love the way these create an hourglass shape – it’s much more feminine than all the boxy coats around last winter.

Midi dresses in prints and patterns add a hint of retro to the season – these work well with shoes or knee high boots, so they work all year round. And colour-wise, tan, rust and khaki are taking-over from neutral beiges and blacks.

If you’re going to invest in a new leather bag this season, make it a tan one.

And come December, evening wear is going to be sparklier and spanglier than ever, with plenty of shimmery fabrics and glitter details I can’t wait.