Fashion commentator Glynis Traill-Nash tells how to refresh your wardrobe this season. With new season styles dropping in store, there’s no better time for some fresh inspiration. Whether you’re looking at the international spring collections or our very own autumn/winter lines, both in store now, there are a few key trends that are just the ticket to breathe new life into your existing wardrobe.
Checks, mate
Marc Jacobs was clearly in a graphic mood before his Spring 2013 collection, as he is responsible for two of the biggest trends this season: checks and stripes. For his collection at Louis Vuitton, Jacobs sent out huge checkerboard prints that have already become red carpet hits. Black and white checks are particularly pertinent this season, with Marni, Sportmax and Topshop Unique also checking in (ahem) and featuring variations on the theme, which includes black and white tartans, Prince of Wales, boxed and line checks. This example from Country Road is especially good, and also ticks off the clashing print trend that’s still having a moment.
Stripe me
Those stripes I mentioned previously in Jacobs’ hands are oversized, something Jean Paul Gaultier also tapped into for his recent haute couture show in Paris. Michael Kors offered up sporty examples while Balmain paired stripey trousers with embellished jackets. Christian Dior’s black and pastel stripes (pictured) are pure delight, and for Sydneysiders you can see just how beautiful they are up close in their new store at the corner of Castlereagh and King Streets.
Leather love
This heavy material has, perversely, become a favourite in spring/summer collections, and no more so than this season. In the right hands it can create anything from bow-front bustiers and peplum tops (Pierre Balmain), slouchy sweat-style tops and loose trousers (Mulberry), flippy skirts (Just Cavalli), slashed dresses (Mugler), sexy pencil skirts (Loewe) or embossed biker jackets (Christopher Kane). If you want to start easy, try a simple shell top or tee in soft leather, which you can wear with anything from jeans and pencil skirts. Or, why not try a pencil skirt – this one from Oroton will look fantastic with blouses, tees, knits and blazers.
It’s the bomb(er)
It’s always good to see a truly fresh new must-have, and this season it’s the bomber jacket. This harks back to the sports luxe trend that’s been sending the wary back to the gym. Stella McCartney, Christopher Kane and Jonathan Saunders have all jumped on this one. Sydney’s Josh Goot was an early adopter of the trend, and this season he’s got this fabulous floral print jacket to get fans excited.
Accessories
There are two key trends in accessories that will give you an instant seasonal lift. Frame handbags hit catwalks of Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu, Marni and Christian Dior, and can be found right up and down the high street now. This one from Marcs still has a ladylike look, but that doesn’t mean it won’t work well with jeans and flats.
Shoes, meanwhile, have taken a step down in the heel department, which will have women the world over breathing a sigh of relief. Kitten heels and “granny” heels at Louis Vuitton, Anna Sui and Marc Jacobs are just the ticket for feet tired of those towering heels of recent seasons. These from Nicholas Kirkwood at Net-a-Porter.com look classic from the front and quirky from the side.
by Glynis Traill-Nash
Twitter: @GlynisTN
