It's been by far the biggest trend of the year, so it's no surprise the bohemian vibes that pervaded the spring/summer collections aren't going anywhere for autumn.

But how do the dreamy dresses and platform sandals of balmier days work now it's all doom and gloom in the weather department?

As a matter of fact, transitioning from sunny to snugly Seventies is actually a doddle - and we don't just mean by adding black tights.

These are the garms you need to get groovy this season...

PRINTS PLEASE

A dress emblazoned with a bold floral or paisley remains a key piece, but choose denser fabrics and moodier autumnal hues to better suit the season, and look out for fluted hems and sleeves for extra retro authenticity.

As for tights, rather than boring black, pick opaques that bring out the print - maroon, mustard or rust are ideal.

Skinny lurex dresses positively scream the Seventies. For evening, add strappy heels to hit that sweet spot between sexy and cosy.

:: Louche Meadow Vintage Print Dress, £59 (www.joythestore.com)

:: River Island Purple Knitted Stripe Metallic Dress, £40 (www.riverisland.com)

WOOLLEN WONDERS

Have you heard about the 'coatigan'? This coat-cardigan hybrid is warm enough for autumn but not as bulky as a coat, and it suits the Seventies trend superbly.

A longline cardigan works particularly well slung over a knee-length dress, and topped with an equally lengthy scarf.

Or, to offset the fuzzy feel, try cinching a brown leather belt over a cardigan and scarf to create a slimmer silhouette.

:: Limited Edition Cardigan, £59; Limited Edition Dress, £49.50; Rings, £12.50; Autograph Boots, £99 (available mid-October; www.marksandspencer.com).

:: H by Halston Silk Cashmere Longline Open Front Cardigan, £100 (QVCUK.com)

:: East Maxi Mohair Cardigan, £139 (www.east.co.uk)

GREAT LENGTHS

If the only time you usually wear a maxi dress is to the beach or ballroom, you're missing a major winter styling trick.

Try a long-sleeved maxi dress with a cropped waistcoat and skinny scarf, a la the Chloe catwalk, or pair a midi skirt with a fine-knit polo neck; a fringed saddle bag is the perfect finishing touch.

Velvet or corduroy wide-leg trousers are also a Seventies staple. Pair with a pussy-bow blouse or go the whole hog in a two-piece trouser suit.

:: Paisie Winter Floral Maxi Dress with Front Buttons, £68 (www.paisie.com)

:: Polo Neck Jumper, £49; Samode Print Midi Skirt, £89; Long Horn Necklace, £25 (www.east.co.uk)

BOOT UP

Summer's footwear fail-safe was the Studio 54-esque strappy sandal, and they still work for after dark. But for day, it's got to be boots - and they've got to be suede.

Choose from sturdy and fringed or soft and skintight, but make sure the heel is on the chunky side, or you risk veering into Eighties stiletto territory.

Finally, here's a bargain-hunting tip: with all that fabric, suede over-the-knees can be on the pricey side, so look out for affordable faux alternatives from your favourite fast-fashion outlets.

:: Office Elemental Over The Knee Boots, £130 (www.office.co.uk)

:: Aleni Mocha Suede Tassel Calf Boots, £50 (www.missyempire.com)

GET THE LOOK

There were pussy-bows galore on the Gucci AW15 catwalk, where head honcho Alessandro Michele ushered in a nouveau-nerdy aesthetic for his debut collection. Get the Gucci look by wearing a peachy blouse under a buttoned-up winter coat and letting the pussy-bow poke though the lapels - bobble hat and glasses are optional.

:: Striped Sheer Long Line Pussybow Blouse, £22, F&F at Tesco (www.clothingattesco.com)

BUY IT NOW

Trends may come and go, but denim will last a lifetime - as long as you choose carefully. Levi's new Lot 700 Series makes it easy to do just that, offering six classic cuts, from super skinny though to bootcut, in a range of washes. Style staying power is practically guaranteed, starting from £65.

:: Levi's 712 Slim Jeans, £80 (www.levi.com)

FASHION FLASH

:: E-SHOPPING WITH EASE

For the man who wants fashionable threads but doesn't have time to trawl through websites, let alone the actual shops, personal shopping tool Dappad could be just the ticket. Fill in a questionnaire online and you'll be matched with a stylist who'll select clothing from a range of chic menswear brands, to be sent straight to your door. You only pay for what you decide to keep, plus there's no mark-up on retail prices and no delivery charges. A doddle (www.dappad.com).

:: STYLE STEAL

Bonprix celebrates a decade in the UK this month, and to mark the milestone will be launching 10 days of birthday bargains starting on October 22. We're excited about October 31, when 10 dresses will be on sale for £10 each while stocks last (www.bonprix.co.uk).