If black and navy are the fallback colours for autumn/winter, then grey is the new neutral on the block.

Banish visions of starchy school uniforms. It may not be the most exhilarating hue on the colour spectrum, but design houses upped grey's cool factor by turning the catwalks dove, slate and charcoal.

Need convincing? "Grey is less harsh against most complexions than black and there is a shade to suit everyone," says Colour Me Beautiful's Fiona Wellins.

There's no need to go to Fifty Shades extremes, but to stop grey looking bland, the key is to layer different tones and textures together. Time to meet the new black...

MINIMALIST MODE

Go cold turkey on your summer brights and prints with the complete antithesis - super-strict and restrained grey.

"The best description of the grey trend this season is 'off-duty chic'," Wellins says. "The look is effortlessly stylish and understated."

This is minimalism in it's purest form. Think unfussy details and straight lines that will elongate your silhouette. If you're not quite ready for the influx of luxe grey coats on the high street, ease your way into autumn with a longline wool waistcoat or sleeveless jacket.

Create a streamlined, tonal look by layering multiple shades of grey together to add interest to your look.

FURRY MONSTER

If you're more about texture and cosiness, give grey instant depth with this season's fuzzy and furry statement pieces.

The number one rule for voluminous fabrics is to balance out your proportions with a contrast. Go for a double grey hit by teaming a big, fluffy knit with a slick A-line leather skirt.

If you're unsure about combining grey tones and fabrics together, the high street has plenty of ready-made contrasts with jumpers, coats and tops featuring furry panels.

Gargantuan faux furs are huge for autumn, but if you want to wear a strokeable texture now, try a faux ponyhair boxy top in grey.

GLAMOUR GREY

With a little boost, grey can be just as dazzling as black for eveningwear.

Look for a jacquard top or dress with a grey backdrop and a hint of metallic, that will transfer easily from desk to dancefloor.

If all-grey still feels too drab, inject a shot of contrasting colour into your outfit. "Grey is a great foil for bold colour; pick just one shade to keep it elegant," Wellins advises. "P ink is grey's perfect match this season, unless you have warm skin tones, then opt for coral or orange."

Give grey accessories a boost with a touch of metal hardwear to add some gloss to your outfit.

GET THE LOOK

Block brights are still big for autumn. Make an impact in hot pink, like Gwen Stefani at the MTV Video Music Awards. If matching separates feel too much, go fuchsia with Joanna Hope's Slim Leg Trousers, £22 ( www.jdwilliams.co.uk).

BUY IT NOW

Bookworms rejoice. Stash your library card and Waterstones vouchers in the British Library's range of statement book cover clutches. There are eight pretty editions available, priced from £25, and every purchase supports the British Library (www.bl.uk/shop).

FASHION FLASH

:: COUTURE TAKEOUT

Forget fast fashion, the industry is currently gorging on fast food style. Thanks to the likes of Moschino's catwalk homage to McDonald's and Anya Hindmarch's Frosties-inspired bags, Brits can't get enough of kitsch foodie chic. S ales of similar women's apparel have risen by 119% on eBay.co.uk over the summer. eBay spokesperson, Laura Wilkinson-Rea says: "The catwalks have sparked a taste for all things food-inspired this season, from dresses to smart phone cases."

:: RECESSIONISTA ALERT

Go on a Lidl trolleydash to snap up cut-price clothing in the aisles. The store has launched a new range of womenswear, with star buys like a leather-trimmed jacket for £14.99. Shoppers can also pick up stretch jeans for £6.99 and shirts for £5.99, along with their groceries. The range is available now and in stores while stocks last.