What better way to kick off a new column than with a new season? This week we have a sneak peak of what’s hitting the shops and what should be gracing your wardrobe this autumn/winter — get saving those pennies because it’s time to start shopping, starting with what to wear on top Gothic Romance You would be forgiven for thinking there has been a goth vibe explosion on the high street this season. There has been, but this time it has been mixed with floaty fabrics; chiffon, pussy bow blouses and big cuffs. We’re not talking studs through the nose, we’re talking blends of girly chic with tough wardrobe staples. This blazer has got to be one of the best examples on the high street. Coming in at £28 from Dorothy Perkins it is certainly worth the price tag and will take you right through until spring 2009. The structured tailoring is androgyny at its best but the frill at the front gives it a soft edge. Brilliant to boost flat-chested ladies. Top tip: Add a broach like this one from Freedom at Topshop for a macabre mix. Grab this red bug broach for £10 and the green bug broach for £9.

Beautiful Blouses You will not be able to walk into a shop without tripping over a blouse or two this autumn. If you only buy one item this season, let this be a blouse.

Team it with pencil skirts, under high-waisted trousers, or with waistcoats and blazers. Nip in that floaty fabric at the waist with a belt or let it hang loose. Whatever way you wear it, this is a wardrobe staple.

This blouse from Principles at £45 is high-end budget but is bang on-trend. Purple was all over the catwalk this year. This blouse packs so many style statements you can’t go wrong. Frills — check, Victoriana gothic glam — check, cute cuffs — check.

Top tip: For daywear, whatever you do, wear underwear — preferably a camisole. A black bra under dark fabrics or colours and nude underwear under white and cream shades. At night, throw out all the rules and wear what you like.

70s chic Hippie utopia and subtle 70s influences are sweeping in from all angles this season. A new wave of summer’s folklore theme. It’s all about effortless dressing. Team florals with simple denim dresses, tan accessories and a faux fur gillet. Pretty florals are also appearing across mini skirts, lace trim day dresses, and grand-dad collar shirt dresses. Try this pussy bow shirt from ASOS.com. At £25 it has the ever so ‘Little House on the Prairie’ stitching and would sit perfectly with this season’s big-hit, the flared jean. Whack on some wedge shoes to complete the look. Top tip: Keep it simple. You want a hint of the 70s, not like you’ve stepped into a time machine.