This autumn the fashion merry-go-round brings with it an Eighties body-con revival and return to the silhouette, while. shock of all shocks, our Fashionista advocates recycling last season’s wardrobe

In the spirit of the current cultural climate, this column is about updating your winter wardrobe with a few key items. Yup, I’m no longer advocating replacing your entire last year’s winter wardrobe but bringing it into the here and now with the requisite must-haves of the season. And, I would also like to encourage you to recycle a piece of your old A/W stock for every new piece you buy.

Where to start, eh? Well, it has to be with the most fundamental thing about you: your silhouette. It had to happen and I have to admit, I’m not that sorry. Call me cold-hearted, rude and opinionated (I am, of course and proud of it) but I am dancing on the grave of that truly awful fashion essential that has dominated our lives for too many seasons to remember. Yes, readers I’m referring to the demise of the smock! No longer do we have to give in to our inner Earth Mother, hard to summon as she is.

This winter it’s all about body-con. So, unlock your latent dominatrix because we’re starting with the King of Cling, Herve Leger. He’s back from the Eighties and, notwithstanding a wobbly moment when a certain Mrs Beckham was seen in nothing but his bandage dresses, he’s top of the frocks this A/W. Yes, ladies, you need a Leger in your wardrobe. I don’t care what it takes or how many pairs of Gwyneth Paltrow-endorsed Spanx undies it takes, you must shoehorn yourself into one of his numbers. Preferably in black.

With the dress covered, we’re onto the trousers where the body-con takeover continues. The equestrian theme was a stand out on the runways. Jodhpurs, don’t faint, were everywhere. They are a surprisingly flattering, rear-hugging, thigh-supporting garment. And you don’t have to spend a fortune to be bang on trend with this look. High-street store, Gap, has produced the most photographed jods in town. So ride on into town and pick yourself up a pair. You faithful followers of this column will have already taken my advice and bought yourself a day coat. So, I’m going to suggest that for an extra treat you allow yourself another one for evening use only. This will be your big investment buy this season and the only way to cope with the imminent big chill. Counter all that black and inject some colour with Matthew Williamson’s purple wool coat with hot pink stitching. Or Burberry’s to-die-for lilac satin Milthorpe empire-line version.

The shooboot is still around from last season. But I’m trading mine in for a pair of S&M Christian Louboutin studded black Ariella ankle boots. Perfect for rebuffing any unwanted suitors! For those who prefer a knee-high boot there are plenty of longer options around. But bear in mind that the flat-heel biker look rules and these are the only pair to purchase if you want to keep your best foot fashion forward.

Finally, remember that a leopard never does change his spots. Especially not in sartorial circles. Still fashion king of the jungle, accessorise with a lick of leopard print. A sheer blouse from D&G, a Mulberry Bayswater bag, or a pair of Repetto ballet pumps; all have been given that big-cat treatment. Don’t get carried away though. Do not wear this look headto- toe. It’s a strictly one-piece-at-atime scenario.

ZOE MANZI is a London based editor and fashion writer