The sun has gone in and the hot weather is slowly disappearing, which, sadly for sun worshippers, means the end of another summer.

Fashionistas, however, are already happily looking ahead to the new season and the cool looks they'll be shopping for.

This autumn sees the continuation of several trends from last winter - like masculine styling and voluminous shapes - but also the return of styles like tartan and the 80s.

"We saw a distinct departure from the soft, pretty femininity of the past few seasons, as designers cut a cleaner silhouette and toyed with the concept of shape," says Alexandra Shulman, editor-in-chief at Vogue.

"The possibilities of texture and layering were cleverly explored, while the palette, though predominantly dark, was occasionally electrified with brilliant flashes of colour. It was a dramatic touch, and a sure sign that fashion is moving in an intriguingly new direction."

Big is beautiful

This doesn't mean that we'll all be donning fashion for larger ladies in the next few months.

We're talking volume, even more than last winter's tulip and puffball skirts.

The new cocoon shape, seen at John Rocha's catwalk show, features in most items, from skirts and dresses to coats and jumpers.

"Pinpointing a return to structure, the new voluminous silhouette hints at the sculptural forms of couture tailoring. Curving from the shoulders or waist, the 'cocoon' reflects an increasingly modernist mood," Alexandra says.

80s vibe

If you're old enough to remember the 80s, you'll cringe at this blast from the past - but whether you like it or not, it's back in fashion.

Leggings and footless tights, sweater dresses, all-in-one jump-suits and ankle boots are bound to be on your hit-list.

Play up the trend with jolts of electric colour in fuchsia pink, purple or electric blue, or stay safe with black.

Go grey

Shades of grey, from steel to silver, graced the autumn/winter catwalks, providing a softer alternative to timeless black.

The colour echoes the ladylike looks of the 40s and were among the most elegant on the catwalks, covered by Louis Vuitton, Marni and Giorgio Armani.

Grey coats - belted or voluminous - are one of winter's most stylish cover-ups, but tailored shift dresses and two-piece suits also embody its understated chic. Pintucks and pleats look sophisticated, or play with textures and colours by mixing shades up.

Highland fling

Once reserved for Scots and royalty, the traditional plaid pattern is making a bold statement this autumn, thanks to patriotic designers Julien Macdonald and Alexander McQueen.

Anyone can wear this versatile look with a tweed coat or a cute and chic tartan skirt.

If you want to make more of an impression, choose eveningwear made out of tartan - a bold look which only the confident can carry off.

"Whether inspired by romantic Highland notions, or London street style, with its overtones of rockabilly and punk, traditional British fabrics celebrate our heritage," Alexandra says.

Like a man

Bring out the wide-legged trousers that you wore last winter because they're back in again.

But dressing manly doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your girliness.

"It's a sexier take on menswear traditions - it's not just a girl putting on a man's suit," says Kate Phelan, Vogue's fashion director.

Trouser suits are back with a vengeance, inspired by feminine yet assertive women like Marlene Dietrich and the models at Gucci.

For casualwear, try swapping your skinny jeans for wide-legged boy-cut jeans.