London fashion week style briefing

Look of the week Carey Mulligan unveiled a new hairdo at the Oscar-nominee lunch last week – the short crop she’s been sporting was sharper, and now blond. This severe fashion look, only livened up with a slick of matt-red lipstick, surely has something of the edgy Tilda Swinton about it? Last night, Mulligan will have been one of the most studied stars at the Baftas, where she was tipped to take the best actress prize for her role in An Education. This sleek black dress, with a flattering peplum waist detail, is by Prada, a label she has consistently worn on the red carpet since her raise to fame. The restrained coordinating black accessories might be a safe bet, but they’re perfectly in keeping with this non-showy ensemble, which is more catwalk than red carpet.
Photograph: Kyle Rover / Rex Features/SRK

Shoe of the week Fringing goes in and out of fashion like a yo-yo, but these Mulberry heels are for keeps. Suede with a wooden heel, they come in demure navy, spicy orange or this yellow hue. Mulberry’s autumn/winter collection, shown yesterday in London, also boasts a pair of cobalt ankle boots, which look set to get any next season lust list off to a flying start. £450, mulberry.com
Photograph: PR

Finishing touch Earrings are meant to be mega-dangly this season, so these lovely crystal and perspex numbers are a good halfway house. They are designed by Richard Nicoll – his latest collection for autumn/winter 2010 was unveiled yesterday – whose spring jewellery includes medal-like military brooches and a ribbon tie pendant. If you’re looking to invest in Nicoll’s clothes though (and you should), spring 10’s slouchy blazer in soft blue or lilac is a winner. £285, brownsfashion.com
Photograph: PR

Front-row body armour James Long’s spring/summer 2010 collection was a highlight of last season’s LFW. The menswear designer showed gold foil trousers, brilliant leather jackets and a great selection of bags. He also collaborated with Fabris Lane on aviator sunglasses, with protective leather shields on the side arms. Whether you’re front row or hanging off the back of a jeep, these frames, available in black, green and orange, will protect delicate eyes. £135, asos.com
Photograph: Teri Pengilley/PR

Buy it now Holly Fulton was a star turn for two seasons on the trot at LFW’s Fashion East, the initiative orchestrated by the influential Lulu Kennedy. Her current spring mainline collection mixes graphic skyscrapers, futuristic jewellery and punchy yellow. This mini shift dress, part of her debut collection for Asos, is selling like hot cakes. If the length puts you off, wear with slender slacks and boots. £80, asos.com
Photograph: Teri Pengilley/PR