I love dresses. It’s as simple as that. On a fat day, I relish in my body shape’s anonymity under a smock’s billowing volume, on a lazy day, there’s nothing easier than throwing on a cute vintage dress with oversized shades for an instant outfit. You can wear them grocery shopping or for weddings, you can have them for day or for night, with skinnies or tights and if you haven’t gathered already, I love dresses. Did I say that already?

Personal preferences aside, with the line up of Autumn/Winter attire hitting the fashion circuit, a look at what the new season has in store for my favourite garment beckons. Dress trends have been split into two styles this season and one is not to be combined with the other. On one hand is the frothy cocktail dresses that you’ll have familiarised yourself with last season and on the other is the more unorthodox floor-sweeping gown that oozes elegance.

Divine cocktail dresses accommodate infinite embellishment, ruffles and frills were made for this style of dress. Extra lacy details and layers of tulle only enhance this style of dress and will ensure a flirtatious yet stunning party ensemble. Shoulders are currently having a fashion moment and your evening cocktail dress is the perfect tool for showing them off. Strapless designs are always sexy yet retain that air of poise and when fused with the eternally popular high hemlines, your classic cocktail dress just got a whole lot sexier. Hidden underneath the deceptively innocent ruffles, frills and subtle flash of shoulder, it exudes chic, certainly not cheap.

Above from left to right clockwise: Anna Sui, organza cocktail dress £1,010.00, Vera Wang Lavender full length V neck dress £380.00, Matthew Williamson Kandi green beaded column gown £1,200.00, Sparkeling shift dress from French connection £160.00 Rachel Roy Layla grey plaited strap dress £490.00, Haniiy Wool grey shawl dress with bow£345.00 and blue puff ball off the shoulder dress from Oasis

If you feel dressing along the lines of “flirty” and “frilly” will transform you into something resembling an adolescent Barbie fan, you’ll be consoled by the emergence of the long, flowing gown. Fulfilling the embodiment of Hollywood glamour, there is nothing remotely cute about this style of dress. The trend appears as summer’s maxi dress evolved, as though the lightweight, breezy fabric of summer has matured into a luxurious satin gown for autumn. Again, boast alluring shoulders in a one-shouldered gown for a subtle provocative nod. Steer clear of anything over-embellished as the generous length of a gown such as this doesn’t carry fussy detail well. Keep lines clean cut, it’s the fabric that is of weighty importance here. It is vital to employ a flowing fabric, satin in particular will move effortlessly with your body as you glide along radiating desired poise.

Above: Bottega Veneta intrecciato box clutch, £755.00. Robert Cavalli Satin Serpent Clutch £550.00. Fendi Mini B Clutch £565.00 all available from Net a porter. Metallic Plaited body bag £12.00 from Asos.com. Way Folded Clutch in the style of Sarah Harding £12.00. Crystal stone ring £6.00 from Doherty Perkins, Statement circle necklace £14.00 Oasis. Double brand ring crystal £6.00 Oasis. Faceted round ring crystal £8.00 Oasis. Wide black wood bangle £6.00. Anaconda Ali Baba Ring $2,650.00 from Barney’s NY Anthony Nak White Agate Arc Earrings $2,075.00 from Barney’s NY.

As ever, accessories here are key. Short cocktail dresses require little accessorising. A dainty clutch and metallic bangle will finish it off perfectly. If you opt for a floor length gown, accessories need to make more impact. Go for statement pieces, a bold necklace or oversized clutch are flawless. The simplicity of your dress is insignificant when you can make it as glamorous as you wish with accessories.