Relief at last! No need to trim down, shape up, or work out this season as the great fashion cover-up is here. Autumn has ushered in a mood of modesty as hemlines descend from a thigh-rise level right down to the mid-calf; necklines are chinning up with bow ties; polo-neck tops and turtle neck knits have even covered up necks while toned bare arms so beloved of Michelle Obama are hidden under voluminous sleeves with bell-shaped cuffs. The body-con, clingfilm micro-sized dresses adored by cocoa-brown teenagers with girl band aspirations and dreaded by the majority of grown up girls with extra blubber baggage – are being rapidly replaced by longer, looser styles. Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham and Valentino – key fashion influencers – have put substance back on the catwalks as disposable incomes rise and more expensive tailored items return to form.

The key puritan trends include long-sleeved dresses with mid-calf hemlines; longer skirts in flared or pleated styles; turtle necks and polos under tailored jackets; blouses with pussy-bow ties under the chin; wide legged wool trousers with cropped ends; extra long puddle pants; textured tights to cover up legs, over the knee baggy boots. In fact there is precious little flesh on offer at all! We can save a fortune in fake tan; plunge bras, personal trainers and body waxing for a start as the underworld gets to hibernate for the autumn season and we can let it all hang out. What lies beneath you can keep all to yourself.