THIS autumn fashion has shifted from the whimsical girlie nature of the boho look, to one of understated elegance, with the focus on a sharp silhouette.

The key looks all retain the same sophisticated feel, best achieved through details that add an expensive looking touch.

This season's ladylike modesty is translated through longer hems, luxe fabrics and a rich colour palette using teal, copper and regal purple paired with black.

Hitchcock Silhouette

This femme fatale-inspired look was strong on the Paris catwalks this year, championed by Alexander McQueen, a designer in love with women's curves. The structured skirt suit clinches in your waist, giving your daywear a subtle sexual allure.

Ledbury boutique, In Stark Contrast, stocks Betty Barclay and this season's essential shift dress. A beautifully tailored pale brown tweedy dress with delicate chiffon trim and an elegant boat neck, highlight feline necks while accentuating curves. The feminine tulip cut hemline kicks out at the knee to balance out hips and add a wiggle to you walk.

On the high street, H&M has the widest range of Hitchcock skirts, with an affordable pencil cut light cord version available in black for only £14.99.

Russian

The Russian trend is an individual look, adding warmth and comfort through rich

l A Betty Barclay shift dress stocked by Ledbury boutique In Stark Contrast. 45204102

fabrics and elaborate embellishment.

More tsar than peasant, the sense of luxury is evoked through velvet, faux fur and chunky, ethnic accessories.

Kitten Boutique, in Ledbury, stocks a lovely brand called Custom More, whose claret, softly tiered skirt (£145) has an intricate leaf print and would be the perfect item to take you from autumn to winter with a pair of chunky boots.

With this in mind, Clarks has come up trumps in its boot range. From low, green suede wedges (Osmo £69.99) to the ideal leather equestrian boot, with turnover and tassel details, these flat chunky boots in brown or black will go with every skirt (Oringo £89.99).

For a smarter take on this look, Wallis has produced some of the high street's best pieces.

My favourite, a tailored mandarin collar jacket (£90) with delicate black embroidery, blends the natural outdoorsy feel of the trend with the practicalities of workwear.

Military

The military coat is the easiest to wear key piece of the season, a variation on the classic pea coat, it's Gilbert and Sullivan crossed with Napoleon. Easy because you only have to buy into the trend with one garment and also because of the wide variety on offer.

River Island has a very modern looking and simple cream version with the essential double breasted front and chunky buttons (£64.99), ending at the hip, it is also a classic and ageless cut.

For a more glamorous take, the Dutch label 'Pauw' (Kitten £375) has blended two trends into one with its short fitted purple velvet jacket.

This piece combines the looks of the season. Lush sensual winter colour, attention to detail through decorative trimmings and shapely feminine tailoring.