Autumn is fast approaching, bringing with it the inevitable new season’s trends. The trends for Autumn/ Winter 08 are excitingly diverse, with structure, fabric and prints being the key defining characteristics. Accessories play a big part in A/W 08, get them right and you’re halfway there.

A practical but important accessory that can either make or break an outfit is the watch you choose to wear. Imagine the scenario – you’re dressed up to the nines heading out to a sophisticated ball. Every Cinderella needs to know when it’s that time of the evening to leave, so off you go in a little black dress, killer heels and fabulous accessories, finished off with your everyday well-worn watch… Not a good look! If you’re style savvy you’ll be the proud owner of a good selection of watches suitable for every occasion.

Buying a watch is as personal as buying perfume as everybody has their own taste, whether you prefer chunky to dainty, bling to leather, classic or trendy. Shade Station has a fabulous selection of watches and brands, so here’s a quick low down to guide you in choosing that perfect watch for A/W 08.

Black is Back

It’s a fashion cliché but there’s no escaping it this season – black is the new black! Autumn/ Winter 08 has an underlying dark romantic mood with a focus on black-on-black texture as sultry ladylike fabrics such as lace, ruffled tulle and sheer chiffon fuse with shiny patent, tough pvc and shimmering satin, killer heels and statement accessories. A classic black watch is a watch that can be worn anywhere anytime – fashion’s practical answer for stylish wrist wear making it the perfect investment for the forthcoming season.

Plastic Fantastic

With a backlash to S/S 08’s feminity, fashion’s fascination with all things hard and edgy doesn’t end there as goth and grunge goes glamorous for A/W 08. Patent, plastic, leather and rubber are key to this trend, whilst one of the season’s hottest prints – plaid – rebels against the darkness to bring that all important colourful punk influence to the theme.

Shade Station has some great transitional pieces to take you from summer to autumn, day to evening in style. (£60) – fashion’s practical answer for stylish winter cosiness.

When it comes to accessories, we’re talking robust! Think black leather and patent overloaded with studs, zips and buckles and chunky ankle length boots. Embrace your inner rock chick and toughen up any outfit with a chunky black leather watch. Gold and leopard print is also a must. This is fashion with serious attitude!

Party Pieces

But of course this is the season to party – and never before have we seen such a multitude of bold brights and jewel colours, high-shine embellishments, interesting structures and luxurious fabrics sashay down the catwalk. On the opposite end of the structure spectrum were clean lines and figure-hugging shapes, loosened with ruffling and gathered details. Opulent is the key statement to sum up evening wear for A/W08.

This is where the calling for bling comes in! We’re talking watches embellished with diamantes, chunky gems and shiny shiny metals – the perfect complement for an evening dress or a statement accessory when teamed with a more casual outfit.

Global Traveller

S/S 08 1970’s global traveller vibe brought us the freedom of loose tunic tops, flares and ethnic prints – a theme that continues through A/W 08 to bring the 1970’s bohemian spirit up-to-date for the noughties with a combination of vintage plaid, flared jeans, faux fur overload, dirndl skirts, bohemian accessories and rich exotic prints influenced by eclectic culture combinations.

As always when it comes to the boho look layering clothes is fundamental, so keep your wrist wear basic. Natural colours, brown leathers and interesting cut out details create the perfect finishing piece.