Article: Tracy Gold from women24
Image: Fairlady

If I think back to the 80's, I cringe at the thought of the things I wore for the sake of fashion (those of you who grew up in that same era know what I'm talking about).

Fashion is a wonderful source of inspiration when it is used as just that. So to avoid fashion slavery, learn how to be selective about which trends to follow according to what suits your body shape, colouring and personal style.

Here are a few tips on which autumn trends to embrace and which to flee from:

The 1940's chic:
I love this look as it is filled with structured, tailored pieces teamed with soft feminine blouses.

Embrace: This look suits a lot of women as the emphasis is on "well fitted" rather than baggy.

Flee: Be aware of the new high-waisted pants look if you have a tummy you are not keen to accentuate. Rather wear a fashionable pair of wideleg trousers with a lower-waisted waistband that will cut the tummy in half. Wideleg trousers are great for de-emphasising hips, wide thighs and saddlebags.

Exciting Colour:
This season is filled with a wonderful array of colour. Colours range from the rich jewel colours of ruby, emerald and amethyst to the bold and bright colours of coral, orange, pink, red and purple.

Embrace: Have fun with colour this autumn, There is enough variety available to find your perfect striking colours to brighten up the cooler weather look. Since purple is such a big colour this season, find your best purple shade and wear it with pride.

Flee:I'm hearing that 80's fashion warning ringing in my ears again: beware of wearing too many colours together at once. Wear one strong colour at a time or combine two very carefully so that the colours don't wear you.

Black on black:
This season introduces a different way of wearing black. While in previous seasons women have been nervous to combine different blacks, this season encourages it.

Embrace: Play with a variety of black textures. Wear a black satin blouse with a pair of matte black trousers.

Flee: In my experience, women tend to wear too much black, particularly in the colder months. If you wear all black, make it interesting by mixing textures. Better yet, wear black with striking colour close to your face to avoid that pasty winter look.

Metallics:
Metallics seem to have been in for forever and a day, but they are stronger than ever this season. You will find everything from your bling metallics to muted shades of gold, silver, copper and bronze.

Embrace: Have fun accessorizing in fun metallic colours. Bags and shoes are a wonderful way to "enrich" your look this season.

Flee: Avoid looking like a walking disco ball. Metallics need to be worn in small amounts unless you are going to a dress-up disco party.

Chunky knits:
Oversized, chunky knits in a variety of textures are hot this season.

Embrace: Knits are a wonderful way to keep the autumn chill at bay. Select them in bright, bold colours to brighten your look.

Flee: Beware of the oversized look. Big chunky knits can make you look bigger than you are. Rather select finer textured knits with shape. When buying knits, consider that they often stretch and can become bigger. If your knit is oversized to begin with, with a few wears down the line, it will begin to look three sizes too big for you and possibly leave you looking three sizes bigger.

With Autumn offering such a wide selection of inspirational fashion items, I hope these tips will assist you in finding your "fashionably fabulous" look this season.

Tracy Gold is Women24's Fashion Expert. Click here to ask her a question.