But boho haters can breathe a sigh of relief. This season, thanks to major catwalk players like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and DKNY, folk fashion is back in vogue with a seriously glam makeover. Madonna was quick to sport a Gucci paisley dress hot off the runway back in April, while the rest of us were still working last winter's togs.

The fact the trend has made a comeback for the A/W season instantly gives folk a newer, grown-up feel. Bright paisley prints look dark and moody against black backgrounds and key detailing like silky scarves and leather fringing give the look a luxurious edge.

So forget notions of Sienna Miller circa '05 and go for nu-folk. Here are the key pieces and styling tricks that will make you fall back in love with boho.


Paisley

It's 'the' key print for folk A/W 08. You'll find bold paisley swirls on black background or ditzy multi-coloured sprigs for a more subtle look.

TRY: Orion London paisley Liu dress, £62; ASOS chiffon folk skirt, £30; Red Herring at Debenhams paisley print tunic dress, £30 ; Matalan chiffon paisley blouse, £12.

Fringing

Not to be confused with the flapper girl fringing, also big this season, boho fringing is bolder on tougher fabrics like leather and suede.

TRY: Rare fringed waistcoat, £59; Topshop fringe leather waistcoat, £65; Office Bambi fringe knee boot, £105; F&F at Tesco fringed saddle bag £10.

Gilet

This is one cover-up comeback you may still have hanging around. Faux fur and shaggy sheepskin gilets are ideal for winter layering if you want to channel 70s chic.

TRY: Evans faux fur gilet, £40; Betty.Jackson.Black at Debenhams purple faux fur trim gilet, £250; Miss Selfridge grey faux fur gilet, £45; George at Asda faux fur gilet, £20.

Accessories

If you love accessorising, folk is the look for you. Go boho overboard and play around with a mix of scarves, bags, belts, necklaces and bracelets. It's the ideal way to work the trend without changing your wardrobe.

TRY: Accessorize multicoloured folk bag, £35; Internacionale paisley satin scarf, £6; Upper Fifth black fringed scarf, £20 at ASOS, Miss Selfridge studded tassel hipster belt, £20.


Folk style

Credit crunch shoppers take note. Yes, you can rescue some hippy chic pieces from the back of your wardrobe with this season's styling tips.

Hoist in that waistline. Skinny belts are key to keeping your folk silhouette band up to date. If you prefer a lower slung look, head for wider embellished belts – Gucci worked gold disc styles on the catwalk.

Opulent prints are all important. Keep to autumnal tones like fiery reds and oranges if you like warm tones, or rich purples and blues if you favour cool shades.

Lose the wool this winter. A silky print scarf or long fringed shawl is an instant style updater for hippy deluxe.

Stark black is the perfect contrast for all those prints, fringing and faux fur. DKNY, Gucci and Hermes let the folk creations do the talking by teaming their creations with black tights or tailored black trousers.