The cape is a huge ladies fashion trend for autumn/winter 2010, and is a great alternative piece of outerwear to the winter coat. The idea of wearing a cape can see a bit daunting, particularly because you don’t want to end up looking like a superhero character! If you pay attention to your body shape, you can style the cape to make it a fabulous choice for any occasion.

The cape gives you more freedom with your arms, and can look much more chic and classy than a normal jacket. There are all sorts of styles of capes, from wintry wool to silk. Military is another key trend which you can find in capes. Colours to look out for this season, are the illustrious camel, bold black, rich red and charcoal grey. The short style of cape, is known as a capelet, and is ideal for wearing on top of your party dress, over the festive period. There are other longer versions, which sit at thigh length. It is best not to wear clothing which is too bulky under your cape, as this can make you look heavier than you are and there are options which also have a hood, to keep you warm and protected during the winter months.

You should always take your body shape into consideration before you purchase a cape, as this will help determine which style will suit you best. Capes can be worn by any body shape, from slim to plus size. If you have a slim and slender figure, you can pretty much wear any style of cape you wish. Styles with a slight flair will suit this body shape best. An ideal way for slender ladies to wear their cape, is with a pair of skinny jeans, and heels or boots, for a look you can wear out shopping with friends.

If you have a pear shaped figure, then you should wear a cape with a belt, as this will accentuate your waist and give you a more hourglass appearance. Without a belt, you can find a loose fitting cape, which is great for hiding any lumps and bumps, particularly for all the festive over-indulgence. It is advisable to stick to light layers under your cape, particularly if there are areas you want to hide, as this heavy layers will just make you look bigger.

Ladies who are plus size, can also wear capes and look as fabulous in them as any other shape will. It is, however, better to stick to a cape which sits at thigh length, and wear a pair of jeans or trousers underneath, to get the most out of the style.

If you have quite a small frame, then a cape with a short skirt, tights for the cold weather, and a pair of ankle boots, will elongate your height, and make you appear taller. It will also help give a slimming appearance to your shape.

If you want to show off your cape at the office, you can team it up nicely with a pencil skirt and a crisp, white blouse. It should also be worn with minimal jewellery, as it is a statement all of its own.

Image- black knit panelled fringe poncho

The snow has arrived early this year and is set to continue for weeks to come, so you need to make sure you are dressed up warm to brace the change in weather.

Layering

The first thing to do is create some comfortable layering, which will keep you warm as the temperature continues to drop. Start with your underwear. They may not be the most attractive, but thermals are a good way to keep you well insulated, and they will also last for a long time. The next layer should be a t-shirt or top in a light fabric, which will make you feel comfortable and will stop moisture getting to your body. You should then add a chunky knitted jumper over the top of this. Choose one which will keep you warm and cosy, but won’t irritate your skin. Lastly, you should put on a well insulated winter jacket, to keep you adequately covered, and protected from the winter weather. The good thing about layering is that if you get too warm, you can simply remove one of your layers.

Winter Accessories

Winter accessories are extremely important to keep you protected from the cold, and the areas which we tend to forget about. A hat will keep your head warm, and keep the wind and snow from your head, preventing the moisture from reaching you. There are lots of stylish hats to choose from, including beanie hats, cable knit and those which have flaps to cover your ears. You can also add ear muffs for further protection. A scarf is another important winter accessory, which will keep the cold and wind from your neck and prevent it getting to the rest of your body. If you want to splash out, then a cashmere scarf is a good choice, however, there are many other styles, such as woollen and silk, which are a less expensive alternative. The mustard and black luxury pashmina picture above makes a stylish addition to any wool coat.  Wrap the scarf around your neck loosely for a casual everyday look, or tighter for a style to wear for a night out. Lastly, you want to ensure your hands are kept nice and warm, by adding a pair of gloves to your outfit. Knitted or thermal gloves will give good protection, and stop the moisture getting to the rest of you.

Boots

When the conditions are freezing, you need to swap your heels for a pair of comfortable boots for everyday wear. Some of the important trends for Winter 2010, are biker boots, aviator and long length boots, which will ensure you still look stylish. When the snow is falling, it’s always best to wear boots with a small heel, and a sole which will create a good grip on the surface.

Winter Coat

The winter coat is by far the most essential investment for your wardrobe, during the freezing cold weather. Some styles to look out for this season, are the aviator and military trends, duffle coat, parka and fur coat. The winter coat is the final piece of your layering, so should be heavy enough to make sure you are kept warm and well insulated.

Brown soft leather look jacket

This winter one of the most wanted items of clothing is the leather jacket. From aviator styles to biker styles and minimalistic styles there is a leather jacket to suit all tastes and for those that don’t want to wear leather there is also the leather look jacket which looks almost the same. The beauty of a leather jacket or leather look jacket is that it goes with almost anything from jeans to a party dress. They are also incredibly hard wearing an durable. So which style of leather or leather look jacket will you be wearing this winter?

The Aviator

Possibly one of the biggest trends of the year, the aviator jacket was seen at Burberry as well as countless other catwalks. The Burberry version has a huge collar and is lined with thick shearling for an incredibly warm jacket inspired by those worn by pilots during world war 2. On the high street there are a range of different versions of the aviator style, many with smaller and less exaggerated collars for a much more toned down and subtle but still very warm look. Dark brown is the most common colour for the aviator jacket making it the perfect cover up for the seasons must have camel clothes.

The biker

The biker jacket is almost always in black leather but recently there have been some other options around including  grey and red . The secret of wearing a biker jacket is for it not too look too new. In fact the more battered the better. The biker jacket can add a bit of rock chic to just about any outfit. Studs and tassels are both optional extras for a biker jacket depending on the look that you are trying to achieve. The biker jacket has become  a really classic piece of clothing that never really goes out of fashion, it has so much history and it just keeps on coming back year after year. It has become so immensely popular that recent seasons have even seen the biker style of jacket translating to softer jersey and fabric versions but none really match the leather or leather look jacket for durability and staying power.

The minimalist

The minimalist look is very much on trend at the moment. Clean lines with no fuss or detail rule and neutral shades are very popular. The key looking good in the minimalist trend is to keep it simple but very luxurious. A good quality soft leather jacket is probably one of the most luxurious pieces of clothing that you can get. A minimalist style will usually have no colour and no pockets, gathers or embellishment. Black, grey or camel colours all work particularly well with this style of leather jacket. Wear your minimalist leather jacket with a pair of tapered trousers or contrast with an elaborate party dress. A minimalist style of jacket is also great for showing off interesting outdoor accessories including snoods and scarves.

Camel is one of the most popular trends for autumn/winter 2010 and has been regularly seen gracing the catwalk over the past few months, by designers including Burberry, Stella McCartney and Gucci. Camel is such a fresh and neutral colour, that it can be worn with many other colours and styles. It is also a colour which can instantly make an outfit appear more expensive, as it will give a more luxurious feel to your look.

 An essential piece of ladies fashion this season is a  jacket, and will be instantly more stylish if you wear it in a gorgeous camel shade. A military, duffel, cape-style or oversized camel jacket, are all key trends at the moment, and will look good over almost any outfit. Unlike many other colours, you can wear an outfit which is completely camel coloured, from head to toe, including your shoes.

If you are looking for an outfit to wear to the office, a crisp, white blouse with a camel leather skirt and camel shoes will keep you stylish and is a good alternative to wearing the standard black colour we normally associate with work. You can also wear a stylish blazer over your outfit, to make your look even smarter. Update this with some costume jewellery, for an even more expensive looking outfit.

You can also mix camel up with another key trend; animal print. An animal print blouse with a camel coloured skirt or trousers is a great look, or accessorise your outfit with an animal print handbag. A pair of shoes in this trend will also go well with camel.

Figure fixing a-line or shift day dresses in camel, with a pair of camel heels is a look which you can wear almost anywhere, whether it’s for work, a night out or for shopping at the weekends. You can adapt your outfit with some costume jewellery, to suit the occasion.

 Camel goes extremely well with denim, so a denim blouse with a pair of camel trousers or skirt is a good style choice, or a pair of blue jeans and a camel top. Jumpsuits are also very stylish this season and if you wear these in denim fabric, with a camel jacket over the top, you will look instantly more fashionable.

Another great everyday look, is a camel mini dress with a pair of camel knee high or ankle boots. Wear a black belt with your dress to accentuate your gorgeous curves, and some costume jewellery to suit the occasion.

If you opt for a plain styled camel top, then make the most of your look with a textured skirt. This will make your look more vivacious, and is a style you can wear for those special nights out.

 When you are choosing jewellery to wear with your camel outfit, you should be aware that gold goes extremely well with this colour. Gold is also quickly taking over from silver as a key trend for this season.

The winter weather has make an unwelcome return, so it’s now time to start dressing appropriately for the conditions, and the best way to do this is by using some protective layering. The more layers you wear the better, as the the air will be trapped between each piece of clothing, keeping you warm and snug during the cold weather. It is a good idea to consider the temperature before you start your layering, but remember it is always better to be too warm than too cold, and you can remove pieces of your layering if you start feeling the heat.

You should also consider where you are going, as this will help determine how many layers you should wear. For example, if you are shopping indoors, you can choose to wear less layers than if you are spending the day outdoors. Similarly, if you are going hill walking or in other conditions where you are likely to face freezing cold conditions, you want to have as many layers as you can comfortably manage.

Automatically, we think of layering as making us looking dowdy and unattractive, but if you select your choices of layering carefully, you can still look stylish and trendy during the autumn and winter months. You can start your layering with your underwear, long underwear will be beneficial to keeping you well insulated, as will a pair of thick socks or tights. The next layer would be a top or t-shirt, which should be made of material which feels nice and cosy against your skin. Knitted jumpers or cardigans over the top of this will keep you fashionable but will also ensure you have an extra layer of warmth. Fleece jackets are also really good for keeping you well insulated, and you can choose warm colours which are stylish, and which will keep the heat in your body. You should keep a thin layer between each item of your clothing, as this will ensure as little as possible air will escape, keeping you warm and comfortable. It’s best to choose layers which are not too tight or too baggy.

A stylish winter coat is a great investment for the autumn/winter seasons to wear on top of your layering, and most coats will last for several years. A sheepskin aviator jacket, duffle coat, quilted or padded jacket are all very fashionable this season, and will keep you very well insulated. It is even better if you wear a jacket with some fur around the collar, or with a hood, as this will stop the cold getting to your neck.

After you have chosen your layering and winter coat, you can wear extra accessories which will further keep you warm. An orb style or woollen scarf is a great choice for the winter months, or a cable knit snood will also keep you stylish and cosy. A hat is also a must for this season; cable beret and beanie hats are choices which will be sure to keep you looking fashionable. Add a pair of gloves to your outfit to keep your hands insulated.

Take your pick from florals, animal prints and checks. Whatever you choose you are sure to make a style statement. A little trick when you have been around the house all day in your ‘relaxed’ clothes and you need to pop out to the shop. Don’t worry about getting changed just keep a fabulous coat to hand that you can throw on over anything for some instant glamour and style. You will never feel a mess popping to the shops again.

Here are some of our favourite patterned coats for winter 2010.

Red Floral Printed Single Breasted Long Coat

Not only is this coat super cosy but it is also super stylish. It has a striking floral print but the column look created by the patterned panel also has a really slimming effect. The long style of this coat and single breasted design looks great on all body shapes including petites. On a really cold day you could try picking out the red of the floral print with a scarf or beret.

Long line Animal Print Coat

For the ultimate in glamour and luxury, this animal print coat is just what you need. Soft and warm to wrap up in and keep warm on even the coldest of days, this coat would work equally well for both daytime and evenings. The black and white colour scheme is incredibly versatile and it goes with almost anything from a black evening dress to a red jumper.

Floral Flocked Short Brown Coat

For an elegant and light weight choice this winter, this coat would be ideal. It looks great with both smart and casual outfits and goes particularly well with the seasons neutral palette. The double breasted style and epaulets give it a slight military feel which is also very on trend this season.

Purple Checked Coat

The blanket style of coat is also very on trend this year. This purple checked coat is really warm and practical and perfect for wearing with casual outfits. The biggest benefit is that it is machine washable so you can wear it where you like without worrying about getting it dirty.

Short Grey Checked High Collar Coat

For work or casual this coat is a great choice. It has a neutral colour scheme and so goes with almost anything and the small scale checks give it a very stylish look. Accessorise with neutral and grey scarves for a really on trend look.

The temperature is definitely starting to drop outside, so it’s time to think about wrapping up warm for the cold weather. There’s no need to let your style suffer as a result though, there are plenty of stylish clothes which will also keep you warm during the winter months.

Knitted Jackets

A cross between a cardigan and jumper, the knitted jacket is chunky and stylish and will be sure to keep you warm during the winter months. Styles include biker, boyfriend and longer, more fitted options. Knitted jackets are not only great insulation for the cold, but they also look really fashionable too, and are a great alternative to cardigans.

Lined Dresses

If you enjoy wearing dresses, then make sure they are lined, as this will create extra warmth and comfort. Lined dresses can be worn during the day at the office, as well as for special nights out and occasions. Try the empire line dress for a classic style which will be sure to look fantastic and flatter any body shape.

Winter Coats

A nice, warm winter coat, is a must for the cold season. There are loads of gorgeous styles on the high street, which will keep you looking fashionable and trendy over the autumn and winter. Faux fur coats are an especially good choice, as they are very much in style at the moment, and are great for keeping you warm. Other trendy styles to look out for are aviator, macs, boyfriend blazers, duffel coats and anoraks. Choose a winter coat which will work well with your body shape, and will leave adequate room for your knitted jacket, cardigan or jumper.

Boleros and Shrugs

Boleros and shrugs are good options for wearing over a top or dress, particularly for a special occasion, when you might not want to wear a heavy jacket. Boleros are short, light jackets which tend to sit just above the waist and are ideal for occasions such as weddings, whereas shrugs are longer, heavier jackets which are more suited to everyday wear. They are also great choices if you want to cover up your arms and shoulders. Both come in a range of styles, colour, prints and patterns.

Jumpsuits

If you are looking for a warmer alternative to a dress or skirt for those festive nights out, then a jumpsuit is a stylish option for the oncoming season. Jumpsuits cover the whole body, but still look glamorous and there are lots of different styles around, including tie die and leopard designs. Jumpsuits are also made to to suit a range of body shapes with wide leg and slim leg designs available. Other styles to look out for are one shoulder, open back, tie waisted, cowl neck and strapless designs. These will all look great in popular autumn colours, including black, white and the more daring metallic colours. Team your jumpsuit up with a pair of glamorous high heels, for a look which will be the envy at any party or nightclub.

The nights are getting colder, and the mornings, darker which can mean only one thing, winter is upon us. No matter how used to the cold we are, we always seem to be completely unprepared for the winter, with a wardrobe devoid of proper winter coats. This season there are plenty of trendy styles of jacket and coats to choose from to keep you warm and cosy for the winter.

Leather jackets are very stylish this season, with various styles being showcased on the catwalk by top designers. Some styles of leather jackets can be quite expensive, but they are guaranteed to keep you on trend this season. Mainly available in classic black and brown colours, leather jackets come in various styles including bomber jacket and quilted, which are good for keeping you well insulated against the elements. Leather jackets tend to last a long time too, and never seem to go out of fashion. Popular lengths of these jackets include full length, three quarter and those which sit comfortably on the hip.

The aviator jacket is also a really on trend style for this season. A real shearling coat will be a very expenxive choice but there are plenty of more cost effective options like this 3/4 length coat in suedette (pictured above). The longer style and hood make it a really warm and cosy choice for even the coldest winter day.

Fur coats are also highly fashionable this season, and some cropped styles are great for nights out, teamed up with a gorgeous dress and heels. Coats with a fur collar will keep the wind from your face, and keep you warm in the winter. Types of fur include cashmere and camel hair, which are both extremely soft materials. Fur coats also come in a variety of colours, with black being the most common as it will go well with most outfits.

Military style jackets are also extremely stylish for winter 2010, with styles varying from short, long and with the trendy high collar look. Models the world over are seen sporting these types of jackets, which not only look great, but will keep you well protected from the cold. Depending on the style you opt for, these jackets can be worn night or day.

Anoraks and parka jackets are heavy, casual jackets which are designed for freezing conditions. They can be lined with fur, for keeping you well insulated in the later months of the year. If you enjoy activities such as hill walking, you will not feel the cold if you wear a parka or anorak style jacket. These jackets are available in lots of different colours, and bright colours are highly popular.

Duffle coats are also very trendy for autumn and winter, with or without hoods. Large stylish buttons are usually situated down the front of the coat, which can be worn for everyday wear or for those special nights out. Charcoal grey, camel and checked designs are ideal for these styles of coats.

Camel Coat

The camel coat is one of the most talked about pieces for the autumn and winter. Part of the beauty of it is that it is so flexible and goes with almost anything.  A camel coat is also timeless, it is worth investing that little extra money because it will last you for many winters to come. This double breasted stylish high collar coat is incredibly stylish and also really warm.

Chunky Knit

A chunky knit cardigan is  a great way to add texture shape and volume to an outfit. You should balance the look by wearing slim cut trousers or a skirt on the bottom half. Wearing a belt over an open cardigan also looks really stylish. This grey chunky knit cardigan with 3/4 length sleeves will go with almost anything and has a really stylish shape.

Cropped Cardigan

A short or cropped cardigan is the perfect way to keep warm when wearing a dress or tunic style top. This sty;e of cardigan is really flattering and helps to make the body look longer. It also does not affect the way that a dress hangs. This eye catching thick knit short purple cardigan with a floral popper is perfect for wearing with both smart and casual clothes. It has a very stylish collar and tab detail on the cuffs.

Scarf

A luxurious scarf or pashmina is not only a great way of adding a bit of colour to an outfit but it is also perfect for adding a little extra warmth to an outfit in the winter. This luxury red pashmina with fringe detailing will look great with any of the seasons neutrals including camel, black or grey. A scarf is also incredibly versatile and can be worn in multiple ways to create all different outfits.

Jersey Dress

A jersey dress is warm, comfortable and easy to wear. It is also quite thin and perfect for wearing under cardigans and jackets. A jersey dress with a bright pattern makes a really stylish outfit which is suitable for all sorts of occasions. Try wearing your dress with opaque tights and boots for a practical winter outfit that looks great. This long sleeved twist front black and magenta dress is really flattering, the twist detail at the front is perfect for covering any lumps and bumps.

On a day like today when it has just rained and rained non stop, there can be a temptation to batten down the hatches and not leave the house for fear of getting wet. Whilst there are plenty of worse things in life than getting soaking wet in the rain, it can be cold and uncomfortable especially if you have to sit in wet clothes all day. The other thing about getting soaking wet in the rain is that you can end up looking a bit of a mess or even worse like a drowned rat. Straggly wet hair, muddy water up your legs and clothes that look like damp rags are not a good look.

 There is an  easy answer though, dressing in appropriate clothing for the UK autumn weather will ensure that you arrive at your destination dry, happy and just s stylish as when you set off. A ladies rain coat is a  must in the wet weather. It is by far the easiest way to keep yourself warm and dry. By choosing a light weight option in neutral colour, you can ensure that you always have it with you and it goes with any outfit. You could also make a style statement whenever it rains by choosing a brightly coloured rain coat. This is the perfect way to cheer yourself and everyone you meet up on a dark dismal day.  Choose a rain coat with a hood for keeping your hair dry and on those really wet days it is well worth carrying an umbrella too. You can get some really beautiful umbrella either vintage in style or with great patterns on them.

If you are going to work, you might want to choose a classic trench coat style to wear but for those that have to walk a long way or wait outside for buses, a  more casual style with a hood may be more practical. Whilst an anorak may not fit in with the kind of image that you are trying to project at work, you can take it off as soon as you get there and be perfectly dry. The other option would be to wear a less practical rain coat that looks better for the journey to and from work but be soaking wet all day. I know which I would prefer and there are some really stylish anoraks available that are both stylish and on trend.  The brown contrast detail coat with detatchable hood (pictured above) is the perfect combination of style and practicality.

Finally a pair of ankle or knee boots will protect your feet and ankles from splashes of muddy water and shoes full of water. It might be an old girl guide saying but being prepared really is the best way to be when it comes to wet autumn weather. You will feel and look so much better if you arrive at your destination dry.   For the colder weather you can also add a warmer fleece jacket underneath your light weight raincoat to add some additional warmth.