Sneak Peek! Penneys Autumn 13 Fashion Collection

Autumn fashion is probably my very favourite – any excuse to swaddle myself in layers and buy beaucoup de boots – and Penneys offerings next season are some of the strongest we’ve seen from them yet.

Big stories include the androgynous trend –  masculine, slightly retro tailoring softened by floaty blouses and a feminine colour palette of cream, powder pinks and dove greys.

Grunge is also a huge trend and the glossies are already full of too-cool-for-school slebs rocking a checked shirt around their waist.

Penneys is the place to go if you want to get in on the action – there are more plaid shirts, biker jackets, slogan print tees and slouchy 90s knitwear than you’d have found on the Pearl Jam tour bus.

For a more subtle nod to the trend, how about a knitted or pleather pencil skirt, teamed with this cosy jumper and boots in the heel height of your choice? That's pretty much my autumn uniform, right there (I'll take the biker boots, thanks).

Accessories are fan-feckin-tastic; think handfuls of stackable rings, plus statement necklaces a-go-go - like this gold spike number, €5, from August.

And as you’d expect, there’s loads of brilliant, affordable bags, too - from this studded tote (€14, July), navy barrel bag (€13, August) to the dotey wee suedette clutch (€7, August).  Some badass Limited Edition Chain Clutches, in cream and black, also hit stores at the end of this month (€11).

What do you think, are we liking?