(That's shanghai)
Updated: 2006-10-05 14:16

As winter approaches, our thoughts turn to cooler climes and, increasingly this season it seems, to Britain.

British fashion designers have a reputation for being eccentric, thought-provoking and boldly innovative. Over the past 40 years, they have put London on the world fashion map, and the city has become renowned for creative dressing as well as traditional fabrics and fine tailoring.

Indeed, British elegance and eccentricity is more evident than ever this year, from 'Highland romance' to 'London street' (with its overtones of rockabilly and punk); UK styles and fabrics are splashed across designer catwalks and filtering through to malls and department stores worldwide.

Kenzo, Moschino and Alexander McQueen have all gone to town with tartan this season, with tribal tartans, mini kilts and skirts the way to wear it.

Another British classic, the trench coat, reappears with an updated look. While still recognizable by its traditional belted and double-breasted details, the modern variations, by the likes of Hermès, Burberry and Bottega Veneta, play with a variety of fabrics and shapes. Wear a beautiful Burberry trench coat in camel cashmere with a tweed handbag, classic English court shoes and hair in a headband for a modern Sloane Ranger look.

Of course, no British trend would be complete without a dash of tweed. This distinctive fabric is best worn in small doses: a close-fitting jacket, a cute pair of pumps or a bag. To soften tweed’s somewhat staid look, play with other textures. With a tweed jacket, for instance, pair a silky camisole or skinny denim. Or wear tweed pumps with a gossamer skirt.

Finally, don’t be afraid to splash in plenty of colour: tweed carries lots of hues in its weave, so pick an accent and go with it as a top, scarf or accessory. Jolly good.

Burberry, Sogo Department Store, 1618 Nanjing Xi Lu (6288 2747)
Kenzo, Sogo Department Store, 1618 Nanjing Xi Lu (6288 2769)
Hermes, Plaza 66, Nanjing Xi Lu (6288 0328)
Moschino, Plaza 66, Nanjing Xi Lu (6289 0659)