The six pieces for spring you should consider buying now

The six pieces for spring you should consider buying now

08/04/2019

Neon queen … actress Eva Longoria.Credit:PA

Believe it or not, this week marks the start of a new fashion cycle, when the coats are cleared out and lighter fabrics start appearing with words such as “bright”, “breezy” and other things beginning with “B”. Someone pass me a hot water bottle – brrr.

But if you are clever, you can lean in to spring now without giving yourself hypothermia.

David Jones' womenswear buying manager Teneille Oakley says many trends coming up for spring are “move ons” from existing trends, with one notable exception: neon.

I've always been partial to some “highlighter dressing” but it is one of fashion's more obnoxious looks. Oakley says the trick to styling it for today is to pare it back with neutrals, or opt for an accessory, such as a Balenciaga-inspired mini-bag; the bolder the hue, the smaller you should go.

“It's one of the more directional trends that will never go full mainstream but it's the most exciting in terms of this season – everyone has had a crack,” she says.

Her favourite item is a neon yellow shirt by Acler or a Jac & Jack knit, or a By Johnny dress in hot pink. “Wear [the shirt] to work with a neutral pant or denim. For high summer, neon will be everywhere, you can wear it more casually.”

Here are five other things to consider buying now.

The onesie: While boilersuits aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, Oakley can't go past a denim onesie for a statement piece. “It can be quite scary to look at but it's one of those ones that once you try on [you'll love].” She says accessories are key; she likes a strappy sandal (more on that below). But she isn't a fan of the “undressed” look of tying the sleeves around the waist when it's hot. “I am a traditionalist. Wear it how they intended it; if you trick it up with styling too much, it can limit its appeal.”

The barely-there sandal: For some, the ’90s are the decade fashion forgot but it left behind some gems, including the “string” sandal, which Oakley posits as the “move on” from the knife-point mule. Look at By Far, which Oakley says are a more contemporary (and affordable) version of the cult style by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's brand, The Row. “They're comfy because the heel isn't high, [it's] more of a kitten or sculpted heel,” says Oakley.

The Boy(y) bag: Although Oakley is name-checking the brand that has been the cult hit of Scandinavian fashion weeks (Helsinki is the new Paris, apparently), it's really a shorthand for a boxy, minimalist bag with a standout feature, in this case a giant buckle. Boyy and “contemporary luxury” brands like it (Mansur Gavriel, Manu Atelier) are challenging establishment brands by offering desirable bags in the sub-$1000 price range. Want to shop local? Heritage brand Oroton has collaborated with minimalist e-tailer The Undone on a capsule range that's super chic.

The black pant: As Oakley admits, this isn't the most exciting item on her list but it's a good time to look at what you own and consider an udpate. David Jones has just picked up Toni Maticevski, who left Myer last Christmas, and Oakley can now openly share that he does the “best black pants in the business”. They won't be cheap but they're “an amazing investment piece for the season you can wear forever”. Oakley's tip: wear now with a suit jacket and in summer with an oversized white shirt.

’80s statement jewellery: David Jones stylist Kimberly Gardner says there is so much to feel guilty about in this world, dressing shouldn't be one of them. Her tip? ’80s statement jewellery, the bigger the better. “Don now in winter with a black skivvy and oversized coloured coat and in summer dress from the neck down. Buy an expensive piece and fill in with finds from your local vintage store.”

Get the look

By Johnny, $300Credit:byjohnny.com.au

Sandro Paris, $490Credit:sandro-paris.com.au

Levi’s, $300Credit:levis.com.au

Oroton x The Undone, $229Credit:theundone.com

Maticevski, $1200Credit:maticevski.com

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