Department stores hope spring fashion trends lure shoppers

Struggling clothing retailers are hoping sexy spring and summer styles will get the cash tills ringing after sales slowed during the autumn and winter period. FIND OUT THE NEW TRENDS YOU NEED.

• Adelaide fashion label jumps ship from Myer
• The fashion labels heading to Myer and David Jones

After lacklustre sales through autumn and winter, retailers are hoping sexy spring looks — and animal prints — will lure buyers.

While cooler temperatures are often associated with sluggish spending, retail experts said customers are more willing to splash their cash when the temperature rises.

The Australian Retailers Association President Russell Zimmerman is anticipating trade will pick up once spring hits.

Myer ambassador Elyse Knowles wearing Roebjer. Picture: Supplied

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“Trading was tough over the whole of winter,” Zimmerman said. “But because spring/summer is longer, generally speaking, it’s a little more buoyant and so retailers tend to sell more.”

With just six days until spring officially begins, Myer is ready to unveil the hot new looks. Myer’s category manager for womenswear Clare Hurley said this season is all about busy mixed-match prints, floral pastels, utility and safari dressing and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge’s “London look”.

“The great thing about the trends we are seeing is they are accessible and wearable for all age demographics,” Hurley said.

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Knowles and Rachael Finch wearing some of the designs the department stores hopes to lure back shoppers. Picture: Supplied

And Hurley said it doesn’t matter if it is leopard, tiger, cheetah or zebra print: “The print is not going anywhere. Leopard and ocelot are strong and vibrant prints. Snake is also big and brands are changing it up with splicing the print.”

Myer ambassador Rachael Finch said: “I’m so excited for spring to arrive. It’s the time of year we can finally peel off a layer or two and enjoy the sunshine on our skin. Trends that I’m loving are colour blocking, statement prints, two pieces and statement suit dressing.”

Finch is excited for spring fashion to come back. Picture: Supplied

Myer has recruited as many as 25 new labels. Picture: Supplied

With recent sales figures showing Australia’s department stores are performing worse than other retailers, both Myer and David Jones are under immense pressure to turn things around. David Jones this week unveiled its newly revamped womenswear floor on level three, part of a $200 million refurbishment.

Myer has recruited as many as 25 new labels and is improving its customer service.

“Department stores are really trying to reinvent themselves at the moment,” Zimmerman said.

WOMENSWEAR TRENDS

— The “London look” is the best from the London high street, driven by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who loves Ware-house and Oasis. Customers can buy the look of a royal at affordable prices.

— Scandi Street style: The best from Scandinavia, style, quality and forever pieces

— Utility and Safari Street dressing

— Shapes: The way the fabric falls, the shape the suit is cut and the accents to each piece

— Detail: Trimmings, stitch details, visible pockets, natural fabrics such as linens and cottons

— Animal prints

— Conversational (busy) prints and chain prints

— Bold colour blocking

MENSWEAR TRENDS

— Floral and stripes: Casual shirting, ties and formals, men are having more fun with fashion than ever.

— 1990s Heritage trend

— Bold primary colours

— Large logos

— Block panelling

— Checks in trousers and suiting

— Casual tailoring and occasion wear suited to spring racing