As the washed-out summer disappears for good and the days start to get shorter again, it's time to splurge on a new winter wardrobe. Gladiator sandals and shorts are tucked away to the back of the closet to make way for rich winter wools and boots to keep out the cold and rain. Yet it can also be an expensive time – there's so much choice, which makes it difficult to know just what to buy. Here's a guide to the hot trends for autumn and winter 2009.

Rock Chic

Biker is back in a big way, so put away those floaty tea dresses and cute cardigans. This look is all about studs, leather, and attitude and black eyeliner by the bucketload. A pair of hardcore ankle boots and a leather jacket are essential – try Kurt Geiger and Topshop for some fierce boots and head to All Saints for a classic leather that will last for seasons to come. Add lashings of bold gold jewellery to complement the look. Ripped tights and chipped nail varnish are optional.

Tweed

If biker chic is too much, go ladylike instead with Chanel-inspired tweeds and suiting. Seen on the catwalks for this season at Burberry, Gucci and Luella, it's had an urban makeover which is sleek and sexy. Tweed also looks just as good with jeans as it does with an evening dress.

Hosiery

Plain black tights are so last season! Sparkles, stripes, fishnets – patterned legs are where it's at. Head to Accessorize for cheap high street versions, or go luxe with Henry Holland's new range for Pretty Polly. Alternatively, young Scottish brand Bebaroque stocks amazing hand-printed tights to really draw attention to those pins.

The Bold Shoulder

Power dressing has returned: YSL, Balenciaga and D&G paraded the catwalks with accentuated shoulders. Invest in a structured blazer, or a classic dress with shoulder detailing to really stand out from the crowd. This look is also great for those who want to proportion their body.

Purple

The colour of the season – from deep violet through to rich mulberry. it's tempting at this time of year to exist in a purely black wardrobe, so be brave and splash out on some colour – even if it is just as an accessory like a scarf or handbag. Gucci showed regal purple splashes on their collection, while Oscar de la Renta dazzled with floor-length evening gowns.

Eighties

While power shoulders and biker chic may have a touch of Eighties anyway, the look is extended with crop-tops, lace and stonewash, super-tight jeans. Not one to suit every figure, and certainly not one for the wallflower types, but this look always causes a stir as with an early-years Madonna as its poster girl.

Jewellery

Think big, think bold, and think bright. Gold, jewels, pearls – the bigger the better. Power earrings are back to match the power shoulders, and the rock chic look lends itself well to being draped in an excess of spiky studded gold. Massive statement necklaces also make an instant outfit when teamed with just a simple t-shirt. Go for broke with Armani, or save the pennies with Topshop.