Here are some pointers on the three hottest new looks for the new season.

TAILORING: A key look for the new season is the '40s and, this is one area where either designer or vintage . . . as opposed to highstreet copies . . . will come into its own.

Not only will you look the real deal, you'll also be setting yourself up with some great wardrobe staples. Shop at: designer boutiques, department stores, swapshops. Look for: Key pieces such D&G's velvet dinner jacket (try Harvey Nichols or BT) and secondhand '50s tweed skirt suits. Save on: white and pinstripe shirts at Gap, trilby hats and leather gloves at Accessorize and River Island and shiny loafer shoes and patent cinch belts at Zara, Reiss and Office.

DENIM: Jeans are hotter than ever and the good news is the expensive designer label thing is over so get to Gap where you can pick up everything from 'boyfriend' cut to highwaisted for around 70.

Shop at: Topshop, Pepe and River Island. Look for: the '70s 'waisted flare', 70, Gap (pictured). Spend on: Team your best highstreet denim with soft layered knits and layer a plush cardi-coat over the top.

LAYERING: As with last year, the new season is all about playing with proportion and this year's look is 'urban warrior'.

Think mini-dress with oversized parka and skintight jodphurs with earthy biker boots. Avoid highstreet cheapies and buy one good luxurious coat or jacket in leather or shearling to complete the look.

Shop at: The Great Outdoors, Topshop, Gap, French Connection, Warehouse, H&M and Massimo Dutti. Look for: Utilityedge functional separates such as drawstring hoods, zippy over-the-shoulder bags and mini smocks with deep pockets.

HIGHWAIS TED FLARES, 7 0, GAP