It only comes once a year but it’s an event in the style calendar that has every fashion editor, photographer, designer, hair stylist and general fashion junkie’s ear pricked as next season’s hot looks and fashions are revealed on the catwalk.

London Fashion Week follows the New York sister event bringing us two weeks of fashion forecasts that heavily influence what we’ll be seeing on the high street and in our style magazines next season. Revealing their Autumn/Winter 2007 collections, highly acclaimed designers from around the world take centre stage in the British capital offering the fashion world a generous sneak peek at what colours, styles, accessories and looks we’ll be donning once the Summer season comes to a close.

Traditionally many of the outfits that are paraded up and down the runway will never completely translate on to the high street due to their “I’d-never-go-out-in-that” effect on us normal jeans and t-shirt folk, but what is important about these shows is how the mainstream high street stores take inspiration from high fashion and how we as consumers accept certain aspects of it.

Famous designers from around the globe have introduced a very wide variety of looks during London Fashion Week and here’s a guide to what particular aspects may just creep into our wardrobes come September…

Pump Up the Volume!

In both New York and London the catwalks billowed with flowing fabrics in the form of swishing tunic tops, trapeze skirts, jumper dresses and blouses over wide leg boyfriend trousers. Volume is key next season and for those of us who like to keep warm and covered up, this is the trend for you. Designer Todd Lyn sported this androgynous look at his show dressing female and male models in the same trousers and jackets for a very uniform parade. The slouchy boyfriend look has been around for a while and frankly isn’t too flattering on, well, anyone. But one major change we’re seeing on the catwalks is the teaming of slimmer fitting, skinny jeans and high-wasited trousers with slouchy knits, which works on feminising the look, drawing out curves. If you like the sound of this trend try combining a 60’s inspired mini tunic dress with an oversize woollen jumper/cardigan for fitted, relaxed glamour.

Prints & Patterns

This is already a hot look for Spring/Summer and if you buy only one item of clothing to get you through the season, a printed dress should be your investment.

But some of the designers at London Fashion Week have ditched the pretty floral/exotic animal patterns for more architecturally inspired, sharp graphic prints. With an almost 80’s vibe, this print follows the uniform, robotic trend we’ve been seeing in all the fashion rags as the next big thing to hit our high streets. Fashion house Basso and Brooke introduced this look on the catwalk, again challenging our expectations using flowing shapes and voluminous bubble-hems – a contrast to the fitted printed tunics we’re seeing in the shop windows at the moment. For those of you who like the sound of this why not think about looking out for a flowing blouse with drape-sleeves (and remember, geometric block-shaped prints are what you should look out for). Whereas svelte models at London Fashion Week can carry off wearing these billowing kaftans-like dresses and nothing else, you might want to team this look with a pair of jeans and tame your billowing top with a thick leather belt to give you a nice waist and a little more shape.

And Finally…

If there’s something every fashion-forward lady should know about next season, it’s that texture and feel are to be mixed up and played with. Ever thought of teaming PVC with faux fur, leather with velvet or sequins with satin? Next season it’s time to be brave and brighten up with clashing textures and bright, sparkling accessories - London Fashion Week saw formal, soft winter coats teamed with huge buckles, big bright buttons and jewel-decorated collars and cuffs, so prepare to add a little bling to your winter wardrobe! This trend is great for those of us who can’t quite afford a new wardrobe for Autumn/Winter – customising is king when you’re short of pennies. Invest in glittering brooches to brighten up old coats and use thick ribbon belts tied in a big pussy bow over blouses round the waist or neck if you’re keen to sport the soft 60’s look that will hit the high street later in the year.