A NEW school term is about to begin. It's time to do your fashion prep girls. Those of you who have been doing your homework will know there is a new feel to fashion this autumn and here's the equation: simple lines + neutral tones + texture = elegance. Simples!

After a summer of festival boho and ripped jeans this new simplicity is flattering, easy to wear and age appropriate. Think Faye Dunaway in the Thomas Crown Affair mixed with 1970's Charlie Girl chic. These are clothes that are on our side.

So how to get the look? The neutral colour palette is key to getting it right. Think winter white, cream, camel, chocolate, mink, all shades of grey and, of course, black. Wear neutrals tone on tone, then add texture with luxury fabrics. This is what lifts neutrals away from the boring. Mix silk, fine Merino wool, cashmere and cable knits with suede, leather, boucle, feathers and fur.

These are clothes to have and to hold: the lines are simple and the fabrics wonderfully tactile.

You can start with a beautiful blouse. In my opinion See by Chloe do them best, but most of Barnstaple High Street stores have done their versions. And please forget the Thatcher connotations. Wearing a real girl's blouse defines power dressing for this season. Try cream silk tucked into a grey or black pencil skirt for a real lady-like look. Wear with pointy shoes with a medium heel (yes they are back on the fashion radar). New Look have some great styles (they are dead ringers for Jimmy Choos).

Trousers are very strong this season. Not that they ever went away. It's just that there really are no "wrong trousers" this autumn. From ankle skimming cigarette pants to high waisted and wide, it's all about what you like to wear but the look has to be razor sharp.

Dresses are also key. Try wearing a silk tea dress or an A-line knitted dress with a soft sleeveless cable cashmere and over the knee boots to add glamour. Pennyblack have done a wonderful pair in the softest calf leather that can be worn pushed down or over the knee (Private Collection: £199).

Alternatively wear skin tight grey cigarette pants that finish just on the ankle with a black cashmere cowl neck and an elbow sleeve feather effect cape style jacket. A short one for dress-up days and a long one to wear over the body for the more casual school run. Add a structured bag (the best have two handles).

Punctuate the neutrals with flashes of leopard print, the cat motif to covet this autumn. River Island have a wonderful leopard print bag for £24.99. Add masses of pearls and chunky vintage style jewels to give even more texture. And try wearing sheer tights. After years of wearing opaques this really does feel grown-up. (Beware, pointy kitten heels only work with sheer and nine denier is best). As a rule of thumb (or should that be leg?) avoid anything labelled tan or you could end up doing the American cheerleader look. The good news is that from September you will be able to get them in Barnstaple at the wonderful new shoe shop Hattie Bs in Holland Walk. Check out the website www.hattieb.co.uk

This autumn is all about good grooming. You will be high maintenance women. Say goodbye to boho bed-head hair. Sleek, glossy, blow dried loose hair is where it's at. Create a flawless face with the new Lancôme foundation Teint Miracle (let's hope it is one) available from Banburys.

Earth tones on eyes work best with all the neutrals. Maybelline Eye Studio Mono in Chocolate Chic (£4) from Boots will make you a brown eyed girl. Mix with Lancôme's Precious Cells mascara in Brown (Banburys again).

Short, well manicured nails in dark or neutral colours complete the look. Chanel's Paradoxical is the colour to nail but if you didn't get your name on the waiting list then Estee Lauder's Surreal Violet is the nearest match and their Blue Dahlia is stunning on toes.

At catwalk shows I heard the phrase "comforting retro femininity" being used. No, I'm not sure what it means either. All I know is that I'm going to enjoy being a woman this autumn.