With New York Fashion week over, we now have a good six months to plan out our autumn/winter 2011 wardrobes, but for some of us, that wait is far too long. We are already dying for jade dresses and floor length coats, polka dots and bold stripes. Never fear, with the still-chilly weather there are plenty of opportunities to incorporate Autumn/Winter 2011 trends into our Autumn 2010-cum-Spring 2011 wardrobes. Many of the trends that are big for the spring season repeat themselves for the winter season, so investment pieces now could last you all the way into next year.

Trends for autumn/winter were unusual for winter, with bold colours, patterns and combinations. The runways didn't feel heavy or drab, but full of life and excitement. They were full of new and unexpected pairings, new evolutions on our favourite trends and fun, exciting new colours and prints.
Here are five of my favourite Autumn/Winter 2011 trends that you can wear right now...

1. Midi skirts
Midi skirts are a huge trend for the Spring season and don't seem to be going anywhere for Winter. They usually extend mid-calf, or just below the knee, and were paired on the catwalks with belted chunky knits. For extra style credit, chose sheer styles.

2. Lace
Yep, lace is still not going anywhere for seasons to come. If you don't already own some lace pieces, this is a great investment. Lace dresses can be girly and feminine in white, or sleek and sexy in black. Layer underneath if you don't want to go bare.

3. Capes and ponchos
As much as we all want to be parading around in tea dresses at this time of the year, the fact is that we have another couple of months of layering to be had first. If your winter coat is starting to look a little dated, rest assured that this season's fancy capes are still set to be popular for the winter season.

4. Leather skirts and shorts
Perfect for winter with chunky knits for a perfect volume contrast, or for summer contrasted with something super-girly for a bad-girl edge.

5. Stripes and polka dots
Something about stripes and polka dots just screams youthful fun. Spots came in all different sizes and patterns on the catwalks, and striped ranged from horizontal to vertical and diagonal on the catwalks. Play outside of the black-and-white box for a fresh, new take on simple, easy-to-wear prints.

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