HAVE you got the date marked in your diary? It's not long until the clocks go back (on Sunday, October 30), signalling the start of depressingly dark mornings and almost imperceptibly lighter evenings.
So why not cheer yourself up with a new watch – because the changing of the fashion seasons is something to be celebrated, not mourned.
From gothic glam to lavish florals, these are the timepiece trends to try now...
THIS BERRY MINUTE
A major beauty trend on the autumn catwalks, berry lipsticks were favoured by a whole host of designers, and now watches are getting a plummy makeover too.
From darkest damson and deep burgundy, to grape and ultra-violet, a juicy hue will help you transition from the bright fashions of summer to a more wintry palette.
:: Michael Kors Ladies' Autumn Lux Chronograph Watch, £199 (WatchShop.com)
:: Storm Ixia RG-Purple, £139.99 (www.stormwatches.com)
:: Kate Spade Ladies' Metro Watch, £179 (WatchShop.com)
GOING FOR ROSE GOLD
The rose gold jewellery trend has been around for a while now, but it's still got legs.
If you've yet to invest in a pinky-gold watch to match your stacking rings and bangles, now's your chance, as styles from the chunky and mannish to the delicate and dainty are reimagined this season in fashion's favourite metal.
:: Owl Ledbury Rose Gold Watch, £115 (www.owlwatches.com)
:: Coach Tatum Rose Gold Watch, £225 (ShadeStation.co.uk)
:: Boss Classic Women Sport, £249 (www.bosswatches.co.uk)
:: Folli Follie Watchalicious Watch, £225 (www.follifollie.co.uk)
THE VICTORIANS
The perfect match for this autumn's gothic glamour trend is a Victorian-inspired watch, the key components being a white face, black leather strap and Roman numerals.
Whether square, round, or something in between, this classic style will see you through this season and beyond.
:: Marc Jacobs Ladies' Vic Watch, £165 (WatchShop.com)
:: The Camden Watch Company No.27 Black and Gold, £108 (www.camdenwatchcompany.com)
:: Links of London Driver Ellipse Black Watch, £295, House of Fraser (www.houseoffraser.co.uk)
FRUIT OF THE BLOOM
If you're loving the abundance of embroidery and embellished fabrics in the shops right now, you'll need an equally opulent watch as the finishing touch for the fancy florals trend.
Let wallpaper be your inspiration – think photographic flowers, lace detailing and embossed straps; the more intricate the better.
:: Olivia Burton Lace Detail Black and Gold Watch, £75 (www.oliviaburton.com)
:: Ted Baker Kaalia Porcelain Rose Print Strap Watch, £145 (www.tedbaker.com)
:: Orla Kiely Women's Nemo Olive/Cream Leather Strap Watch, £99.95, John Lewis (www.johnlewis.com)
GET THE LOOK
Not quite ready to bust out the black opaques yet? Take a tip from the Burberry AW16 catwalk and pull on a pair of herringbone tights instead. Jonathan Aston Boho Herringbone Tights, £8, Very, are just the ticket for transitional autumn dressing (www.very.co.uk).
BUY IT NOW
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which is why 10 per cent of RRP of Folli Follie's Heart4Heart jewellery collection will go directly to the Breast Cancer Care charity. The collection includes the pretty Heart4Heart Classy Watch, £150, available in brown, black, pink and white (www.follifollie.co.uk).
FASHION FLASH
:: AHEAD OF THE CURVE
Bringing together a range of brands in sizes 18 to 36, eBay has just launched its new Curve Fashion Hub with a campaign fronted by plus-size model sensation Tess Holliday, alongside the columnist Callie Thorpe and Britain's first Asian curve model, Bishamber Das. Head to www.ebay.co.uk/curve to find boutique sellers and well-known labels like Boohoo, Figleaves, Littlewoods and Very.
:: IT'S A NO BRA-INER
Kicking off a year-long partnership with Breast Cancer Care, Boux Avenue will donate £1 for every customer who has an in store bra fitting throughout Breast Cancer Awareness month. Customers will also have the option of adding a £1 donation to their purchases during October. Head to www.bouxavenue.com to find your nearest store.
STYLE STEAL
Building on his previous shapewear offering, Gok Wan has designed his first full lingerie collection for Tu at Sainsbury's. The affordable 24-piece range goes up to size DD+ and launches in store and online on October 2, with prices starting at £8 for briefs and £14 for a bra.
:: Gok for Tu Navy Natural Cleavage Push Up Bra, £16; Navy High Waist Brazilian Underwear, £8 (tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk)
