It's that time of the year again: office parties, family gatherings and general merrymaking. Many forsake style to dress in a Santa Claus hat or reindeer antlers or the clichéd Rudolph or snowflake sweater. But those costumes are best left to those who fall out of bars at two in the morning.

Whether you want a pair with rock-star attitude or something with an outdoorsy, rugged vibe, there are plenty of options to choose from this autumn.

This spring, step away from the black and brown and into shoes in cool hues.

Designer Hedi Slimane's penchant for the slender form is well-known, writes Blue Carreon.

Rock one of the season's biggest trends at work and at play, writes guest editor Blue Carreon.

This autumn is seeing the renaissance of leather. What was once associated with pimps, ageing rock stars and Shaft is now the height of sharp dressing, and it's a trend that will continue into next spring.

Shake up the boardroom with office bags that are far from boring.

This new breed of bags carries mega doses of style and swagger.

The best way to keep warm is through stylish layering. The operative word being stylish, meaning you don't just pile pieces of clothing on top of each other. Fit is key to achieving the layered style, so attempt this only with clothes that fit your body well.

"Florals for spring - groundbreaking," drawled Miranda Priestly in mock disbelief at the suggestion of a seasonal cliché in The Devil Wears Prada.

Saint Laurent would often be photographed wearing his safari jacket - long, touching the thigh, belted and with two breast pockets - paired with flared trousers.

Luxury brands are increasingly opening stores just for chaps, writes Blue Carreon.

That old, ratty holdall just won't do in an increasingly style-conscious world.