We may only be just starting to get our teeth into spring and summer styles – weather dependent, of course – but in the crazy world of fashion the autumn and winter clothing collections are already being unveiled.

Just when you thought it was safe to turn your thoughts to all things bright and bold – not to mention flesh baring – the high street stores reveal their offerings for the chilly season.

But bearing in mind the world’s top designers showed off their winter collections for this year at London Fashion Week in February, the high street stores have done us all a favour by holding off for a few months more.

Debenhams is one of the first fashion chains to reveal its new styles for autumn and winter – and here’s a sneak preview of what the department store, which has branches in Merry Hill, Walsall and Birmingham, will be filling its shopping rails with in around four or five months time.

You can wave goodbye to bright and breezy as classic black and darker shades on the palette are the colours for the coming winter style season.

But ruffles, which have been a big romantic trend this season, will still be in style later this year as will layered chiffon.

Debenhams has a host of trends coming up, including Wartime Glamour which takes inspiration from the fabulous 40s.

‘Bonnie and Clyde’ and Alfred Hitchcock’s heroines provide stylish reference points with tweeds and faux fur trim featuring alongside formal day and eveningwear accessorised with minimal jewellery and skinny belts.

Minimalism was seen on the catwalks earlier this year and it’s one of the definitive looks for Autumn/Winter 2008. Debenhams delivers the trend with a strong focus on manipulated shift dresses and separates with smart tailoring.

The Folktales trend consists of layered printed chiffon teamed with chunky knits and velvets combining to form this boho influenced look.

A black and cream palette with lace, ruffles and chains combine to create the Dark Romance look which has strong tudor and gothic influences.

High neck dresses and tailored suits make up the daywear while vampish eveningwear comprises layered lace dresses with feather trims.

By Maria Cusine