CULT designers would be falling over themselves to dress the presenter of one of America's highest-rated TV shows.

But for Cat Deeley, MTV's girl-next-door turned So You Think You Can Dance host, she's more at home flying the flag for British-born label French Connection.

Browsing through the store's latest collection, it's easy to see why it has the glamour appeal to wow over 10million US viewers - but without the blockbuster pricetag to match.

The decadent glitz of the 80s continues to have a major influence on autumnal shapes, fabrics and colours. We've come to know, if not all love, the thigh-high hemlines, the body-conscious cling and the unadulterated ritz of its pleasing, eye-popping colours.

The arrival of oversized shoulder pads and statement sleeves are the stuff of Crystal Carrington or Alexis Colby's 'noughtiest' dreams. The power dress, already modelled by Cheryl Cole in the X Factor publicity shots, gets a metallic, batwing treatment at French Connection.

Ms Deeley, whose wardrobes must be bursting at the seams with FC labels, has already sported its boldest scarlet Sweets dress on her Fox dance programme.

The popularity of the mini skirt shows no signs of abating, although it's easier to wear as the days become cooler and shorter, especially teamed with opaque tights, killer heels and under a full, feminine coat. Outerwear harks back to the 60s in oversized buttons and bracelet-length sleeves.

The colours have a pure, primary appeal - true blues, reds and yellows are worn with monochrome shades to give a simple but stunning palette.

Key items in the new range include a highly-collectable studded white leather Betty dress; the return of the Wiz dress beloved of Kate Middleton; and its bottle green Dream dress, a stunning, one-shoulder, one-sleeve satin pencil dress that looks like it was delivered straight from red carpet heaven.

Sharp tuxedos, meanwhile, echo the masculine tailoring that stalk the style radar recently, accompanied by a wave of trilby hats and brogue shoes. A proliferation of ankle boots and some of the biggest clutches known to womankind also break the traditional wardrobe mould.

Bighair, kohl-lined eyes and vampish lipstick completes the look for foxy ladies everywhere. FOR INFO: 0207 036 7200, www.frenchconnection There are standalone French Connection stores in Princes Square (0141 248 7565) and East Kilbride Shopping Centre (01355 230994), plus a concession in House of Fraser on Buchanan Street (0141 221 3880). Gold dress £65, ruffle heels £120 Black and white tux £150, skirt £60 Cropped tux blazer £120, trousers £75, Burnt out vest £30, Snakeskin box clutch £55 Lunar knit jumper £110, midnight shine trousers £70 and black ruffle heels £120 Blue body con dress £95, blue clutch £45 Red dress £85, Gladiator platforms £140 Moonscope dress £180, gladiator platforms £140 Left: Yellow coat £185, white leather dress £295, flat studded ankle boots £110. Right: Black dress with white embroidery £110, grey suede ankle boots with bow £150