Aug 21, 2003/ FW/ --- Stylish gloves are the latest must-have accessory to complement autumn/winter wardrobes in 2003.

Why spend those cold months with your hands hidden in your pockets when you can add that finishing touch to your outfit just by donning a pair of chic gloves?

From the designer catwalks of Milan and Paris, to the local high street retailer, gloves are going to be everywhere and anywhere this year.

So the message is; don't leave home without them!

Either raid your grandmother's wardrobe for a retro pair or take inspiration from the world's greatest fashion designers.

For autumn / winter 2003, the classic leather glove is set to make a big come-back.

Gucci Fall 2003

Marni Fall 2003

Gucci is leading the way with an elegant range of daytime and evening leather and satin gloves. Styles range from wrist-length to three-quarter and elbow in chocolate browns and blacks. Dress and coat sleeves should be worn to the elbow to show off the glove.

For night time glamour, elbow-length black satin gloves adorned with black fur to the wrist or petite brown satin gloves will add a touch of class.

Sophisticated chic will combine '60s retro gear with stylish black leather gloves.

The Marni girl will be teaming brightly coloured dresses with black knee-high boots and matching wrist or elbow-length leather gloves.

If you want to get noticed, combine Chanel's pseudo-rock chic haute couture with black studded leather gloves.

For a more sophisticated look, the Gaultier range will combine elbow-length white or blue cotton gloves with loose slacks and embroidered tops.

Prada has taken the floral print influences of William Morris to create a range of wide trousers and knee length dresses, accessorised with luxurious alligator skin gloves.

Green and mustard suede items contrasted with plain black clothing and thick red and white striped gloves are an essential look for the Prada girl.

The discerning male will take the classy influences of Burberry and Mugler and accessorise sharp sophisticated daywear and countryside chic with wrist-length black leather gloves.

Burberry Fall 2003

Thierry Mugler Fall 2003

For the more outlandish and brave individual, Christian Dior's kitsch red rubber gloves are worn so tight they look like the wearer has dipped their hands in liquid.

Clubwear essentials

'80s retro is back with a vengeance and this time around it's all about doing it properly.

Forget conservatism, it's getting yourself noticed which counts. Fashionistas shouldn't hit the town without a pair or just one glove, and no fingers is even better.

Take a leaf out of Anna Sui's book; it's all about '80s sweatbands, visors and driving gloves.

Gloves should be brash, in your face, bright lights a go-go. Vivid reds teamed with racing stripes and neon are all the rage.

If you're feeling brave, gloves in leather or cotton which just cover the thumb and two fingers will make you stand out in the crowd.

21st century '80s babes, decked out in polka dot ra-ra skirts and neon leg-warmers, should make the fingerless lace glove a vital part of their wardrobe.

The Action Teen range from Morgan combines turquoise fishnet mittens with white sweatbands.

Wear rings and bangles over the top and get hacking with your scissors to create a unique Madonnaesque look.

So the message to the world's 'à la mode' of 2003 is clear - don't get left out in the cold.

Become part of the cutting edge glove craze which is sweeping Europe and make sure you take a look at the profusion of glove styles presented on the EGA website - www.glovestory.com

Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2003

Givenchy Fall 2003

Alexander McQueen Fall 2003

Lanvin Fall 2003

Paco Rabanne Fall 2003

Louis Vuitton Fall 2003

Versus Fall 2003