Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol

Bit confused about the new season’s trends? Wondering how the hell to work them into your existing wardrobe? Yup, we hear you. So we enlisted fashion oracle Helen Spencer from chic <a href="https://nellieanddove.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nellie &amp; Dove</a>, for the lowdown on AW17 dressing. Just don’t wear all these six key trends at once. Actually – do, if you like. Fashion is about having fun and experimenting, right? (*waves affectionately at Su Pollard*.) Anyway, over to you, Helen – help us get dressed, please!
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Scarlet lady
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Red is the colour of the season and we can’t get enough of this winter warmer. Just as with red lippy, there’s a shade out there for everyone – from claret to coral, and everything in-between. It makes for a beautiful background for autumnal prints – at Nellie &amp; Dove we’re especially in love this Rixo London dress (FYI this new-ish pretty print brand is coveted by fashion editors and Insta-fashion types for its dress up/dress down frocks). And red works with a surprising array of shades – as well as your trusty denim and navy, try it with ochres, olives or even leopard-print.
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Eastern Promise
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Rixo Shen Yue Blouse (£175) &amp; Zena Presley Ukiyo Shift Dress (£295).
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Gucci and Prada are big on maximalist oriental prints right now, a penchant that’s trickled down to many other more affordable designers this season. And it doesn’t just have to be about pattern – you can nod to the trend with a mandarin collar, silky materials, or frog fastenings. Our picks include this gorgeous Shen Yue blouse (tuck into black tuxedo trousers for an LBD alternative) and Zena Presley’s deliciously wafty minidress.
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Wow-factor accessories
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Melissa Curry blue ivy earrings (£150), Iphoria iPhone 7 &amp; 6s ice lolly case (£45) &amp; Chie Mihara navy frill suede boots (£325).
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We’re spoilt for choice this season with bold, quirky accessories. If you’re bored of your trusty black ankle boots, may we suggest these unusual, chic navy suede stompers by Chie Mihara. They’ll look brilliant with your black opaques (forget the perceived wisdom that black and navy don’t work together) and the ruffle detail is exquisite. Meanwhile statement earrings aren’t going anywhere this season – check out these show-stopping Melissa Curry acrylic leaves, and, finally, we’re all coveting this clever, cute iPhone case with built-in mirror from iPhoria.
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Sexy ’70s
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Dig out the glitterball! There are so many slinky, sparkly disco prints, fabrics and shapes around that we’ve developed Saturday night fever. Our favourite? These sexy monochrome Anima Pop trousers in super-soft neoprene – they’re reversible, with an abstract symbol print on the reverse, so that’s two pairs for the price of one, basically. Chilly? Chuck a fun faux-fur over the top to ramp up the ’70s vibe.
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Suits you, madam
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Chinti and Parker Cherry Silk Trousers (£295), Zena Presley Japanese Letter Trousers (£265) &amp; shirt (£265).
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Trouser suits are back – but think Bianca Jagger slinking around Studio 54 rather than a provincial bank manager vibe. The question is, which silhouette would you prefer: sharp-cut power suit or floatier PJ style? Both are in abundance this season. If you just can’t choose, compromise by trying Chianti &amp; Parker’s cherry print black silk PJ-style trousers with a sleek black tux jacket.
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Knits with wit
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Iphoria cashmere ice cream pom pom jumper (£375), Intropia jade jumper (£109) &amp; Stella Pardo flared sleeves jumper (£265).
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Banish any idea of jumpers being boring with the new crop of AW17 knitwear. You can play around with proportion – for example, this Stella Pardo cropped length/ oversized sleeves beauty or plump for a luxe, irreverent version of the Christmas jumper – winter ice cream, anyone? Just add jeans for the most simple outfit ever.
All pieces are available online at <a href="https://nellieanddove.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nellie &amp; Dove</a>

6 hot-to-trot AW17 trends

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