Bowling bags, belts and beige are big trends for autumn. MAXINE GORDON reveals the coolest looks for the chilly season.

HERE'S some news to warm your heart as the temperature drops: autumn fashions have rarely been so hot. Fun, funky and feminine... that's the style story for the new season. Scarves and belts are back, as are handbags and heels - and look out too for colourful knits with giant roll-necks, sometimes falling off the shoulder.

Think Audrey Hepburn and Cyndi Lauper and you're getting the picture.

The revival of the house of Burberry is having an impact too as checks and colourful tartans abound on trousers and skirts.

Leather, suede and faux fur continue to make their presence felt. Look out also for mock-croc and fake snakeskin in shoes, boots and handbags.

The cropped, round-neck biker-style jacket is still in favour, but with a softer look. Gone are the excess zips and the ubiquitous black has been swapped for blue and lilac or red and beige.

Burberry again has influenced the surge of camel this autumn, which is undoubtedly the shade of the season.

High street shops are crammed full of camel-coloured knits, trousers, coats and jackets. But if beige equals boring in your mind, there are plenty of other colours to choose from.

Autumnal plum, mauve and purple are some of the hottest hues around with turquoise, brown and green putting in a good show too. Red and black are popular again - harking back to the Eighties.

Accessories are vital to the autumn look, with bowling bags, skinny belts, square scarves and gold jewellery all the rage.

But prepare your feet for some bad news: heels are back - on boots and shoes.

York image consultant Sally Ely says: "The look is very feminine and retro. If people don't want to buy new outfits, they can go for a suede jacket or silk scarf tied around the neck."

Prettiness gets a look in, she adds, with tie-neck blouses and velvet trims on sweaters and cardigans.

Belts are back but, assures Sally, this time everyone can wear them.

"There are lots of skinny belts, tiny snakeskin ones, or leather shoestring ones and what's great about them is that you don't have to have a tiny waist to be able to wear them."

Sally suggests putting together a pair of straight trousers with a biggish top and a belt slung around loosely.

"Wear a loose-fitting soft suede jacket over the top and look fantastic," she advises.

Coats are long and straight and when worn with heels and a handbag, complete the new season's look.

New labels make their debut

SEVERAL new labels are making their debut at Browns of York this autumn.

Joining the latest collections from firm favourites such as Olsen and Gerry Weber are new lines including Alex & Co from the Alexon Group.

Featuring fashions to take you from the week through to the weekend, Alex & Co - which sits alongside the existing Alexon department at Browns - offers smart yet versatile clothing.

Highlights of its mix-and-match range include knitwear in cable, fairisle and jersey, leather pieces in oak and black, and fabrics such as wool plaid, boucl and herringbone. Key colours are scarlet, black and cream.

Alex & Co is one of a number of new labels arriving at the Davygate store earmarked for fashion-conscious women aged between 35-50.

Look out too for Taifun from Gerry Weber, Offshoot, Gina B by Heidemann and the fabulously funky Italian styles of Sisley from Benetton.

Browns will be hosting a charity fashion show to show off its new collections on Thursday, October 19.

Tickets cost £5, which will be donated to Yorkshire Cancer Research. They are available from the women's fashion and lingerie department on the ground floor at Browns or by telephoning 01904 611166. The ticket includes a glass of wine, canaps, a goody bag, entry to a free prize draw, plus hair and beauty offers. The ticket will also entitle you to £5 off anything you might buy on the night, which will run from 7-9pm.