An Expert Confirms the 8 Most Important Autumn Trends

As each new season comes around, the volume and variation of trends can be overwhelming to wade through. That's why we called upon the skills of our resident A-list stylist and monthly Ask a Stylist guru, the oracle that is Cher Coulter. If anyone is going to know how to sift the sartorial wheat from the chaff it's her—no doubt she's already been through the collections a thousand times to choose only the finest pieces for her starry clients and fashion editorials.

So with autumn/winter 2016 starting to show up in stores and on celebrities (many a high-profile girl is already on top of the new ankle boots and everything velvet), it's high time you initiated putting together a hit list of the essentials. Starting with… Well, you'll have to scroll through the gallery to see and shop Cher's key trends and buys for the season!

"Ideally with plenty of sparkle," says Cher. And we couldn't agree more. Marni had cracking pairs of earrings on every runway model and there are now plenty filtering into stores.

Shop our statement earrings picks:

"I'm talking about Emilio Pucci mustard chiffon à la Beyoncé's Lemonade video [pictured here] and as seen at the Chloé show too. It's best worn with tweeds and tall leather boots."

Shop our mustard picks:

"And particularly anything embroidered and Gucci!" says Cher. "Think embroidered clothing, shoes, bags… Think jaguars and bugs… The more the merrier."

Shop our embroidered picks:

As you already know, the 1980s are making a BIG return for the season. Cher recommends the one-shoulder dress as the best route in: "Channel your inner Studio 54 or go for your best updated Dynasty." Make like the Saint Laurent—belt it, add bling, low-denier tights and swagger.

Shop our one-shoulder dress picks:

Sequins come in a million and one ways for the new season, but Cher is especially into "high-neck slim sequin sweaters—to wear under dresses or solo with jeans for daytime Sex in the City sparkle." Sold.

Shop our sequins picks:

Of all the oversize boyish outerwear on offer, Cher's hot tip is Isabel Marant. Don't be afraid to match up the menswear-inspired coat with an equally masculine ensemble underneath.

Shop our masculine picks:

Vetements lead the way for the trend on the runway, but Cher has a more authentic take on the idea if you don't want to spend big bucks: "Use genuine skate brand sweatshirts and tees, like those from Supreme or Thrasher, and mix them with high-end feminine items," she suggests.

Shop our skate-inspired picks:

So you've got your mustard-coloured clothes sorted, but what of the accessories? Cher has cherry-picked burgundy leather as the go-to for directional girls—as fully supported by Demna Gvasalia at Balenciaga and Vetements. P.S. You can totally wear burgundy leather clothes too!

Shop our burgundy leather picks: