FASHION is heading for a distinctly purple patch this autumn. As summer officially comes to an end, there is a definite twilight feel to everything from frocks to footwear.
Autumn's colour palette is more refined and sophisticated than the bright jewel tones of summer, with deeper regal hues featuring prominently in designer and chain store collections.
Shoes from towering platforms to sensible pumps are appearing in deep fruity shades of mulberry, raspberry and plum. Even the season's must-have ankle boots are available in tints of purple.
Another summer favourite, the maxi-dress, will carry you into the new season in pretty floral purples and pinks teamed with a cute warm knitted vest and chunky beads in autumnal browns.
Tops with floaty capped sleeves and frills take on a classy grown-up look in deep violets, while tunic tops in everything from grape to wine make the perfect accompaniment to black leggings, still tipped to be a dominant trend this winter.