Black is back in pinstripe suits and stretch boots

Two fashion shows have taken place, and both Penneys and Sasha are heading in the same direction

Two fashion shows have taken place, and both Penneys and Sasha are heading in the same direction. Black is the prime mover, the cropped legged trouser and long jacket are essential, and ankle boots the required accessory.

Apart from some gorgeous furs that would fool nobody about their being real, and a great many lacy twin-sets, there is not much else to say. Expect an almost uniform approach to dressing this season. Anyone daring to veer from the narrow path could feel out on a limb. That said, there is a tiny interest in red, quite a lot for grey and an occasional daring dash of burgundy. This is a rerun of The Avengers. Nothing new at all.

Penneys and Sasha have a string of pinstriped suits priced at between £60 and £80. And Penneys has the stretch ankle boots (£20) that are all the rage. The alternative favourite colour of dark grey is on offer. It could catch on.

How simple dressing has become. It is now just a matter of a dark suit, a coat that tones, a few twin-sets and a nearly nothing dress. The new high-heeled boots and shoes are the only problem on the horizon. Are women prepared to teeter again? We shall see.