Key points
vintage styled clothing is still key.
Folkloric styles are staying; influences are now from Russia and Eastern Europe.
Long boots stay.
Add layers and then belt at waist to pull together.
Individual and embellished clothes create drama
Military touches are complimented with folk or Victorian styling touches
1960’s vintage styled clothing returns but is not boxy or unflattering.
After last season’s vibrant colour there is black by way of a change.

After you have read catwalk, select high street to see how the looks have filtered into everyday wear.

Catwalk report compiled by Melissa Dick

This winter fashion hangs onto bohemian and vintage styled clothing flavours, while peasant influence and historical reference remain at the forefront on the catwalk.

Here summer’s strongest looks move into darker and heavier themes but keep their vintage styled clothing edges as the ‘nouveau boho’ theme, looks set to continue through to next spring

For those of you who wore this look last summer, you’ll love autumn’s natural evolution of ‘hippie’ and ‘peasant’ themes into Folkloric, Russian, Victorian and Gothic stories. (These are basically peasant and ethnic looks made darker and heavier and more appropriate for winter weather).

Suede knee boots replace flip-flops and white, tiered skirts become black, embroidered and lacy. Edwardian blouses and shrunken doll-like 'cardies' and jackets stay. Just add another layer with a belted woven or tapestry overcoat inspired by the traditional national costume of Eastern Europe and Russia. Finishing touches are cameo brooches and pearls.

Others may be relieved to feel an air of change, as a new sleeker look emerges on the catwalks. It is minimal, sophisticated, tailored and possibly easier to pull off than the supposedly “casually thrown together” layers of ethnic looks.

It begins with winter’s march in a new direction towards all that is Military. But steer away from the ‘army surplus’ influenced trends of past seasons. It doesn’t mean we’ll be re-discovering parkas and combat trousers. When we talk of military now we’ll be referring to historical dress of guardsmen and soldiers. Think double breasted, gilt buttons, belted overcoats, contrast piping, medals and metallic stripes.

In addition military mixes well with retro 60’s themes creating a modern day ‘Sergeant Pepper’ story. The 60’s influence will also span other important looks this autumn such as Beat poets (think Parisian left bank student, 8 piece caps, skinny jeans and velvet blazers) and ‘Volume’ taking direct inspiration from 60’s designers Courreges and Balenciaga, famous for their tulip skirts and cape like coats.

Again it is a season of contrast and mixed messages, with decorative folk and nostalgic romantic themes, clashing with the new mood towards simplicity and restraint.

This attention to silhouette and integrity in design will probably mean a phasing out of faddy embellishment over the next few seasons, but for now all themes can easily mingle in an eclectic fashion - which is the way we dress today.

Gone are the days of wearing a ‘designer look’ head to toe, so this winter embrace the clash and have fun mixing vintage styled clothing, puffball skirts with military jackets, lacy blouses and capes with jeans, and lace up boots with everything.