How to wear the autumn trends at any age, any size and on any budget

The new season trends have hit stores, meaning it's finally time to start embracing autumn winter style.

Don't be overwhelmed by the inundation of new products hitting the rails, a new season is a great opportunity to update your style and introduce elements of the latest trends into your existing wardrobe.

If you're over 45 and feel like often your age demographic isn't well represented within fashion media, you're not alone as 8 out of 10 of you feel ignored by fashion trends.

But with the right guidance, it can be easy to pick and chose what styles and shapes work for your age and body shape, rather than following the trend too literally and choosing styles that don't work for your needs.

This season, the main trends you need to know about are: Dark Romance, 70s Chic, Autumnal Tones, Heritage, and Leather.

So scroll down to see our top tips, styling inspiration and the trends explained in more detail...

Dark Romance

Moody blooms, touches of tartan and black are a grown-up take on the punk trend (but still a bit rebellious)

Shop the look...

Marina wears:

Roll neck, £18, M&Co;

Cardigan, £10, Primark;

Skirt, £79.99, H&M;

Belt, £8.99, New Look;

Boots, £70, Head Over Heels

Nicky wears:

Dress, £49, Topshop;

Headband £6.99, New Look;

Lace-up boots, £89.99, Zara

Evon wears:

Top, £19.99, Zara;

Velvet trousers £79.99, H&M;

Shoes, £49, Wallis

1970s Chic

The 70s trend never fades away – turning flares and corduroy into staple items for your wardrobe.

Shop the look...

Nicky wears:

Blouse, £32, Evans;

Trousers, £35, M&S Collection;

Earrings, £12.50, White Stuff;

Bag, £25, Topshop;

Shoes, £59.99, Mango

Evon wears:

Polo neck, £5, Primark;

Dress, £39, Topshop;

Boots, £70, Red Or Dead at Schuh

Marina wears:

Polo neck, £25.99, bag, £49.99, and shoes, £69.99, all Mango;

Cord trench, £99, Monsoon;

Flares, £40, Topshop;

Style tips:

■ Keep it tonal – you can tap into this trend simply with your colour choices i.e. burnt orange, ochre and rich burgundy.

■ Bring your flares bang up to date by mixing with Western inspired accessories like a fringed bag or cowboy boot.

■ You don’t have to be too literal with this trend. Take one piece, like the wallpaperprint dress, and modernise with a chunky boot.

Autumn Colour

Wearing colour is easy and chic if you stick to these three autumnal tones: forest green, ochre and neutrals

Shop the look...

Evon wears:

Coat, £119, Autograph at M&S;

Dress, £120, Modern Rarity at John Lewis;

Boots, £59, Miss Selfridge

Nicky wears:

Coat, £119, dress, £59, boots, £79, all from Autograph at M&S;

Leather bag, £140, French Connection

Marina wears:

Coat, £260, French Connection;

Trousers, £49, Topshop;

Trainers, £49.99, Mango

Heritage

Below-the-knee skirts, checks and Argyll knits are HERITAGE your style shortcut to ladylike dressing this autumn…

Shop the look...

Evon wears:

Blazer, £38, Dorothy Perkins;

Cardigan, £28, Very.co.uk;

Skirt, £48, River Island;

Bag, £39.50, M&S Collection

Nicky wears:

Blouse, £45, suede skirt £55, both from Monsoon;

Marina wears:

Blazer, £49, shirt, £15, check trousers, £39, all from Topshop;

Bag, £4, Primark

 

High Shine

Don’t be afraid of leather-effect fabrics – they look great whatever your age...

Shop the look...

Evon wears:

Jacket, £40, River Island;

Trousers, £25.99, Stradivarius;

Boots, £89, John Lewis

Marina wears:

Dress, £49.99, Zara;

Roll neck, £20, River Island;

Boots, £73, Head Over Heels by Dune

Nicky wears:

Shirt £32, River Island;

Skirt, £60, Monsoon;

Boots, £65, Next

Style tips:

■ When looking for leather, go for darker tones as they look more expensive.

■ Don’t over-accessorise or add glitz, and offset with matte fabrics like cotton shirting or knitwear.

■ This versatile fabric can be styled for day or night – and it’s waterproof too, so it’s practical for winter.