The leather forcast

However, this is actually quite a wearable look, and not at all sticky this time around, thanks to the gorgeously soft and fine leathers now available, even on the High Street.

It's all about minimalism, which is a defining theme for autumn/winter 2010, as sleek, well-cut, tailored pieces take centre stage, offering grown-up, wearable and luxurious looks.

First, colour, and this season's love affair with camel definitely extends to leather, with lots of lovely jackets, trousers, shift dresses and tops available in this buttery nude shade that flatters so many skin tones. Look out, too, for caramel, taupe, black, navy and cream.

Biker jackets emerge as strong key pieces again this autumn, hardly surprising as they make perfect transitional pieces and go with just about everything, from jeans to your evening gown (mixing casual outerwear such as biker jackets and parkas with formal wear such as draped evening gowns is very this season). Remember that the key to looking good in leather this time around is to use it judiciously and certainly do not dress head to toe in it.

Take one statement piece – a tan blazer, or a black, sleeveless shift dress, or a pair of taupe slim-fitting trousers, or a full leather skirt (check out M&S) – and dress the rest of your look around it.

Remember that toning looks work very well for this season, so team your caramel skirt with a cream cashmere jumper and wool camel jacket or coat, for a beautifully luxurious and expensive feel. This is quite a clean and sophisticated look, so non-fussy high heels in a toning nude shade would work beautifully.

Black leather works well with this season's lace look, so try teaming a knee-length black leather skirt with a navy lace blouse. Chiffon and silk look good, too.

Leather is also used very much as embellishment this season, as a trim and on collars and cuffs. Look out for leather necklaces and bracelets and, of course, there's the shoes, the bags and the belts – seek out colour where you can, for a leather look twist.

Finally, if you don't want to wear real leather, there are plenty of high quality faux leather options available (check out Next), but for the key luxe look for this season, it's probably best to go for the classic, genuine article.