Animal print, metallics, long skirts and black: Fashion trends from the David Jones autumn winter fashion parade

AUSSIE designers have anointed animal print, metallics, long skirts, jewel tones and black as 'must-wears' but how do you get 'the look' right?

Orange is the new black: Model Jessica Gomes, showcases a design by Bianca Spender at the David Jones runway show.

THIS week David Jones kicked off their autumn winter collections launch with an enchanted forest runway packed with models and 300 well-heeled guests.

But what's in it for you? What will grace the fashion retail racks and ultimately our backs this year?

Chance are you will have some of the looks and trends already stashed away in your wardrobe so just take note of the below and weave in what you can.

10 HOT TRENDS:

• Tasteful leopard and animal prints

• Longer line jackets and soft cashmere man-size sweaters

• Cropped tops - yes, even for winter - and cropped pants

• Grey but not old-school school grey, more luxe and lush

News_Module: The trends you need to know

• New season accent colours ruby red, purple, cobalt blue and white. And black, of course.

• Skirt lengths below the knee - so no minis required

• Cut-outs and panels in dresses

• Patterns of the floral kind with a fresh edge and digital treatment

• Figure hugging dresses but not ones that squeeze the body, sausage-style

• Leather leggings and biker jacket

THE VERDICT:

Aside from a slight music malfunction at the start of the show, the collections were, overall, fresh, understated and a good cross section which showcased Aussie designers.

Considering designing winter fashion doesn't always come easy to Aussies it was good to see an absence of incredibly heavy, thick coats and sweaters. Instead most opted for lighter weight fabrics and lots of layering.

With retail still doing it tough - particularly pricey brands as cheap options are a mere click away - most designers have a clear knowledge of their serious customer fan base and have designed for them accordingly. That may sound safe, but that's the way of the current fashion world.

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THE NEW MUSES

Frances and Bridget Abbott shone at the DJs show and in a clever case of A-row, fashion show casting, Aussie model twins Zac and Jordan Stenmark were strategically seated (or sandwiched) next to the genetically blessed siblings of the Prime Minister.

The two vivacious Abbott girls always show an interest in fashion and they didn't disappoint at the parade.

Frances Abbott wore a Camilla and Marc jumpsuit and her sister chose an outfit by Gary Bigeni.

News_Module: Style sisters: Bridget and Frances Abbott

The Abbott sisters joined the likes of Sophie Falkiner, Great Gatsby star Elizabeth Debicki, model Rachel Finch, Kerri-Anne Kennerly, Rachel Griffith and Jessica Marais and a pregnant Megan Gale who is due to give birth in May.

News_Module: Fashionable guests - Sally Obermeder and Terry Biviano

Walking the runway was Jessica Gomes, Jason Dundas, Montano Cox and Samantha Harris who emerged from a huge, antique cupboard.

Read more about the David Jones autumn winter parade.

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