This week David Jones launched their Autumn/Winter 2012 collection on the beautifully renovated Seventh Floor of its flagship Sydney store. The retailer swapped the traditional big venue in favour of a big show sending over 50 models in 270 looks down the runway.
On the fashion menu: every possible shade of black – and all its close cousins – navy, grey and chocolate served with a sprinkle of citrus prints and sparkle. Sharp. Sexy. Layered. Tailored.
Citrus sensation ... tangerine island in a sea of black.
It's time to get excited about winter clothes and put these trends on your shopping list.
THE TUXEDO
Josh Goot Photo: Getty
The tuxedo is a modern, wardrobe classic that every woman should own. This season opt for a sleeker silhouette with cigarette (not palazzo) pants, a strongly nipped waist and hip-cut jacket. Miranda Kerr opened the show in a super sleek Josh Goot tux and told me: "A tuxedo says 'I'm here, I'm strong and I mean business".
THE LONG SKIRT
Bianca Spender Photo: Getty
Different to traditional maxi skirts these new floor grazers have less volume without compromising on movement. Opt for a flat front cut and beware of styles that have pleating or puckering at the waist. Treat these skirts the same way you would pants and work them back with a narrow shouldered blazer or roll-neck sweater. My pick: Bianca Spender in perfect citrus green (winter's answer to tangerine).
THE FLORAL PRINT
Camilla & Marc Photo: Getty
Once you move beyond the Grandma's Couch Factor you'll fall in love with the whimsy of winter's over-sized floral prints. From country garden to tropical flowers, floral is everywhere and on everything. Beautiful in a suit by Lisa Ho, flirty in panel dresses from Zimmermann and anything but old-fashioned as Samantha Harris wearing Camilla & Marc, above, showed.
THE FLUID COAT
Ginger & Smart Photo: Getty
After seasons of big shoulders and structure it's time to embrace the waterfall lines of softly tailored coats. Perfect for right now they are the ultimate throw-over-the-top-of-everything buy. This style looks best falling to the knee in soft wool, boucle or silk. Cream, coffee and khaki is this season's black but I fell in love with this gorgeous french blue from Ginger & Smart.
THE INK SPARKLE
Collette Dinnigan Photo: Getty
Sparkle doesn't always mean high-voltage razzle dazzle. This winter the coolest shine comes from black sequins, inky crystal and slate coloured beads. Thurley created a molten ink effect on dresses, skirts, jumpers and a pair of pants that are almost too beautiful to wear. While Collette Dinnigan refined her signature dresses with touches of sharp, jet beading over black lace and nude silk.
Paula Joye is Editor of www.lifestyled.com.au or you follow her on Twitter and Facebook.