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Trends come and go, but if you had to bet all your chips on one colour never going out of fashion, you can bank on black. And as designers ditch colour in their collections and crave the fluid, liquid lines of fashion’s darkest and most addictive shade, you can embrace mood-boosting monochrome and jet black without any fear of making a fashion faux pas – or bad buy. From a showy shoulder at Balmain – who would have thought that a PVC maxi dress could look even more sultry? …To sexy, slinky sequins at Michael Kors; tailored, long black coats (LBC) at Max Mara, Dolce & Gabbana, Victoria Beckham and Prada, black is more than a shot in the dark this season – and the devil is in the detail. To get the catwalk look, here’s what’s hot on the high street and will make a great first impression… Black blazer Call it the power blazer, Le Smoking, or straightforward tailored trouser suit, this is your wardrobe staple to look sharp. “The trouser suit is an icon of sophistication and confidence,” says Zoe de Abreu, co-founder of Ro&Zo. “A black blazer matched with trousers will be the perfect companion for all occasions, as it transcends perfectly from day to night.” For a dare-to-bare aesthetic, go topless underneath – apart from a sexy black bralette – and accessorise with a cosmic choker or pukka set of pearls. Ro&Zo Black Belted Blazer, £129; Black Pleat Detail Trousers, £109. Reiss Alia Slim Fit Single Breasted Satin Suit Blazer, £268; Alia Flared Satin Waistband Suit Trousers, £178. Showy shoulder “The off-shoulder trend takes on a new dimension this autumn, adding a feminine touch to seasonal wardrobes,” opines de Abreu. She says this trend is elegant and feminine, and can be worn in a range of textures, such as jersey, velvet and Merino wool. Moreover, baring a shoulder is very flattering – the neckline lengthens the neck, frames the face – and is a great transitional, versatile piece with a good measure of va-va-voom. Ro&Zo Black Jersey One Shoulder Top, £49; Ombre Sequin Skirt, £129. Reiss Adele Velvet Off-The-Shoulder Jumpsuit, £178. Luxe lace Ladylike lace has been reimagined with trims adorning jersey and velvet – and it’s made a beeline for the little black dress. Whether a flattering midi dress is crafted from a luxuriously soft jersey that contours your curves, “A delicate lace-tiered hem adds a dramatic finishing touch,” says Karen Peacock, chief creative officer and co-founder, Albaray. Or embellished on the neckline and hemline of velvet, sheer lace channels some vintage charm with the X-factor. In fact, if you’re feeling thrifty, be inspired by ribbon and trim shops and think about sewing a lace trim on an existing black dress for an instant update. Albaray Jersey & Lace Mix Dress, £89. LK Bennett Anouk Black Velvet And Lace Dress, £429. Sparkle Whether you go full-out sequins or dazzle in rhinestones, a sexy shimmer is where it’s at. “For autumn, sequins really capture the essence of festivity, allure and drama,” notes de Abreu. “Sequins are all about adding a touch of glamour to your look, and letting your outfit take the centre stage.” Moreover, “A flattering silhouette is created with a sequin halter top and matching flared trousers,” says Peacock. “Wear together to make a statement, or dress down and style with jeans or a simple T-shirt,” she adds. Next Flutter Sleeve Tie Waist Mini Dress, £60. Albaray Sequin Top, £69; Sequin Trousers, £99 – available mid-October. Long black coat A long black coat may not set your pulse racing, but the LBC took to the runway in its droves, with designers making it a key piece in their collections. And let’s face it, nothing looks more elegant or grown-up than wrapping yourself in wool. Just make sure it’s calf-length or longer. As Peacock puts it: “A sharply tailored black coat is a true investment piece, which is both functional and stylish.” “With the ability to style casually or formally, it will be a go-to during the colder months for years to come.” Next Belted Long Coat, Black, £62. John Lewis Hand Finished Robe Belt Wool Blend Coat Black, £159; other items from a selection Read More How to prep your home for when the clocks go back Menopause campaigner Mariella Frostrup: ‘I look forward to a future where women gradually stop feeling so ashamed’ More girls miss school and college due to their periods than colds, survey finds More girls miss school and college due to their periods than colds, survey finds How to look after your immune system as the weather changes How to protect your plants as the first frosts arrive

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England face hosts Australia in the Women’s World Cup semi-finals as the Lionesses come up against not just the Matildas but an entire nation in Sydney, with a place against Spain in Sunday’s final up for grabs. The stage for the latest chapter of England and Australia’s historic rivalry could not be bigger as both teams aim to reach their first-ever Women’s World Cup final, with the hosts gripped by Matildas fever and set for their biggest sporting occasion since the 2000 Olympic Games. The Lionesses rode the wave of home support as they won the Euros last summer but will now look to spoil the party as Sarina Wiegman’s side look to make history of their own. England have overcome several challenges to reach the semi-finals now faced with their biggest yet as they take on a near-80,000 capacity crowd at Stadium Australia. Follow LIVE: England face Australia in World Cup semi-final clash Tensions are set to be high as the Lionesses face the Matildas, although players from both sides played down the traditional rivalry that is played out across sports like cricket and netball. I wouldn’t say this is a major rivalry in football,” England midfielder Keira Walsh argued ahead of the match. “They are a great team and it is a semi-final. Whoever you’re playing it is going to be an intense game. So for us that is one of the last things we’re thinking of.” Who is the referee for England vs Australia? England’s semi-final with Australia will be refereed by American Tori Penso, who is one of the leading officials in the game. Penso regularly takes charge of Major League Soccer matches in the United States after becoming the first woman to referee in the US top-flight in 20 years when she officiated a game between D.C. United and Nashville in September 2020. The World Cup semi-final will be Penso’s fourth match of the tournament. Penso, who has been a Fifa-rated referee since 2021, took charge of Germany’s 6-0 win over Morocco and Switzerland’s 0-0 draw with New Zealand in the group stages, as well as France’s 4-0 win against Morocco in the last-16. Penso only gave out two yellow cards across her first three games at the tournament. When is England vs Australia? The Women’s World Cup semi-final will kick off at 11am UK time (BST) on Wednesday 16 August, and will be played at the Stadium Australia, Sydney. How can I watch it? England vs Australia will be shown live on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer, with coverage getting underway from 10am. Read More Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today England and Australia’s old rivalry on a new stage for World Cup semi-final Who and when do England play next? Lionesses’ route to the World Cup final

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